Mae ate more of the desert as she listened to the story. Thankfully, she didn't choke on any ice cream, but she did giggle, covering her mouth again. Oh, so he really was a bit of a handful when he was younger. "That's...that's bad, and funny at the same time. I can't say I've ever had that level of courage. Then again, I've never found myself stark naked leaving a burning building."

She took a drink of a refilled water and considered the question. Best way someone picked her up? "Best way? Heck, it's always easier to remember the bad ones."

After a moment she decided on one, "Okay, it was cheesy, but sort of cute at the same time. I was into this book series, and started reading book one. Once I finished it, I went into the library and picked up the second, and there was this sort of shy librarian that happened to work there. They made small talk, I left, end of story, right? When I went to get book four I found a random note tucked in it, just the word "will". Fast forward through me checking out the rest of the series, I find these notes tucked into each one as I pick it up.

"Guy planted these notes to say "will you go on an adventure with me?" throughout this whole dang series, and left his phone number in the last one. Takes solid effort to do that." She did give the guy a date, but he was apparently more comfortable passing notes through books than actual human conversation. In the end, he did enjoy hanging out to read with her from time to time at the library. Actually, a lot of people there liked her powers, and the dead zone was a nice treat.

Smirking he nodded his head as he grabbed a scoop of the brownie this time, which was super rich. ”Most of it is false courage.” Sam said lying a bit, sure most of the things he said made it seem like he didn’t care about a lot of things but that was more to protect him from getting hurt or hurting anyone else.

When she finished recounting the story he didn’t bother asking what happened after. If it worked out she wouldn’t have been here on a date with him. So he was glad the guy didn’t pull it off. ”Lot of commitment there. That’s hoping you enjoyed the book enough to read all” Sam shook his head, ”I don’t have enough patience for that.” Sam said simply enough, ”Cute maybe but too many unknowns. Must have been a good book series?” he finally asked.

”Like, how are you going to risk everything like that over a period of time? You could have had a boyfriend and all that effort.” Sam said shaking his head. ”Like if I wanted to ask you out on a second date, which I’m doing right now. Like maybe a meet up in the park or something I’d have to ask right away because if I’m still a solid eight.” he winked, ”I’d have to ask you out now, like I don’t know if I can compete with any tens.” he smirked knowing that was true. He was Sam ****ing Johnson.

Brushing past he asked her out on a second date he took another bite of the brownie then sipped his water.

Mae considered the question with a mouth full of brownie. It was insanely rich but delicious. Solid points for desert choice. ”Honestly, this has gone really well, but I also don’t want to waste your time. You’re the one who said you wouldn’t have the patience for some of the things that honestly, I think are cute as heck. Is it possible to have a good date and still turn the guy down for a second?” she was actually blushing now. She felt awkward by this part of the conversation.

”You seem like someone more in his element with a bit more excitement and a little less wandering the park in silence. I don’t think you really want to hang out around someone involving so much commitment. I can be fun to be around but not necessarily a romantic interest.” she wagged a spoon at the desert.

”And hey, you managed to stay a solid 8? That should count for something right?”

Was he… just turned down for a second date? Sam? His ego wasn’t sure how to respond. His lips twitched until he started to smirk, ”Yeah… guess that’s true.” he wasn’t sure what to say at first because this was unfamiliar territory for him. Normally he was the one not returning a phone call. Not saying that was what he was going to do to Mae but there was a strong chance he would not have contacted her for a few weeks. That was just who he was.

”I try to enjoy the down time in between the excitement.” Sam agreed with her, it probably wasn’t a good match. She like reading, he liked getting shot at and running into burning buildings. It seemed there was a reason why he never did blind dates not only was he out of his element but he didn’t know exactly how to handle rejection. Instead of being mopey he laughed and raised his water glass.

”Guess I can use some more friends.” he wasn’t lying he did think he needed more friends who didn’t know his older self. Less a chance of being compared.

Drinking from his glass he set it back down and started to dig back into the dessert. ”I’ll take a solid eight.” he said almost suggesting spreading that information around to her friends but decided it would not be tactful. When one door closes several more open right?

”At least gonna let me pay for dinner right?” Sam asked fully intending on spending all of Old Sam’s money.

Despite the disappointment, he seemed to handle it well. Heck, she was pretty sure it was less disappointment, more a kick to the ego. Not every guy could handle getting turned down, especially one who seemed to be a bundle of charisma.

Mae smirked and raised her own glass, "Hey, don't underestimate the value of a good friend. I work at a spa. I've met my share of rich desperate women who would just love someone to dote on for a night." She threw him the bone. Heck, he managed to keep it together for the full date, she could send him a phone number from time to time. It wouldn't hurt her any.

Mae considered the offer, and nodded in the end. "Fine, you can pay. Just don't go telling people I snubbed you and made you pay though!" she scooped more brownie and ate it, then wagged a spoon at him in a vague threat.

Ego still bruised he nodded his head, ”I do enjoy being doted on. Might take you up on that.” Sam said his personality showing more than it was earlier on in the date. Maybe it wasn’t the outcome he wanted but it wasn’t like older Sam ever had rich desperate women doting on him right? Right?

The bill came and went with his card, when she said it was all right to pay. ”Madam you wound me. I’m never one to spread rumors like that.” he smirked. ”I’m just telling everyone you were intimidated by a solid eight point five.” Oh yes, he added a mark up to his number. Even if it wasn’t true he figured he’d a little laugh out of it.

When the bill came back and the dessert done with he offered to grab her a cab. ”If you weren’t afraid of heights I’d offer to give you a ride home but I can settle flagging a cab down for you if you want.”

Mae laughed. Now that the awkward part of the date was over, she actually found it easier to get along with Sam. She liked the genuine side of people, even if they came with a ton of horrible dad jokes. "You just want me to say 8.5 because you hope I'll just round up to 9 for the ease of it. Don't be making up scores on your own!"

She made sure she had all her belongings before standing, "Plus, I have high standards. If I go bragging about an 8.5 someone will know I'm lying. An 8 will get interest without my credibility being damaged." She had a way of looking insanely serious about this, while still having a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.

They walked toward the door, and Mae shook her head, grinning again. "I'm a New Yorker, born and raised. I am close enough to walk, and no one wants to pay a cab fare when they don't have to. Thank you for the offer though, and really, thanks for the nice date. I'm sorry I had to bruise your ego." She pretending to create an imaginary band-aid in the air for his bruised ego, then winked. "Here's to finding you a better follow up date though. I'll see you around, Sam."

With that, she took off toward home, feeling at least glad she hadn't needed the distraction to escape. She had enjoyed herself, and the desert had really been great.