They left the studio and went to Mario’s Bistro a couple of blocks away from the studio.  As they were waiting, Lauren noticed Joann whispering something to Brad and Rich.  Devin was looking at the menu posted on the wall, and Lauren was staring at the place in general.  Lauren walked over to them and cleared her throat.  “And just what are you people planning?” Joann raised her right hand.  “Nothing I swear.  Come on, our table is ready.” The waiter escorted them to a booth in the corner.  Joann spoke up.  “Go ahead Lauren.” Lauren slid into the middle of the booth.  Joann took the end.  Meanwhile, The guys told Devin, “Go ahead man, we like the end.”  A smirk crossed their faces.  Next thing she knew, Lauren had Devin sitting right next to her.  Lauren leaned over to Joann.  “What exactly is going on?” “Nothing is going on.  Geez can’t you trust your friend?” “Not when I see that look on your face.” “Oh, get off your detective rap and look at the menu.”  They all looked at their menus and ordered. “So, guys, where are you all from?”  Lauren asked. “Well, Devin and I are from Boston and Brad is from New York but raised in New Jersey.” “Ah-ha, I knew I detected the accent,” Lauren exclaimed.  “So how did you guys get together?” “Rich and I met in Orlando and we decided to form a group.  We had a third member, but he quit, so, we had a friend who knew Devin and he introduced us,” said Brad. “Oh I see, so what was the name of that song that you’re working on?” “The song is called ‘I Don’t Wanna Kiss You Goodnight.’  You like it?” asked Rich. “I love it so far.”  She turned to Devin.  “You have an incredible voice.” “Thanks,” said Devin.  It was the first time she heard his voice—soft-spoken with that New England drawl.  She seemed to like his voice, singing or not. “I got goosebumps hearing you sing.” “That’s why we picked him,” Brad joked. “No, that’s why I picked you,” Devin retorted.  They all laughed.  “Hark, the man speaks,” Rich said.  “Damn, why are you so quiet today?  You only get like that when…”  “Oh look, the food’s here,” Devin interrupted.  They all ate their meals, talking the whole way through.  Lauren told them about school, her major, what life was like in the Big Apple, clubs, and such.  Lauren liked these guys instantly, not because of them being a singing group, but because they reminded her of her friends here in New York.  But what was getting to her more was Devin.  He didn’t say much, but he seemed genuine, true.  She would love to ask him out, but she was too shy for that.  The meal ended and they all got up and left the restaurant.  Joann then said,  “I’ll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom.” Brad and Rich looked at each other.  “Yeah, uh, we have to go too,” said Rich.  They all went in rather quickly, leaving Devin and Lauren to themselves.  They looked at each other and began to laugh. “I think we’ve been had,” Lauren said. “Yeah, I think so.  Those guys went to the bathroom before they left,” said Devin.  “Listen, I’m sorry I was kind of quiet when I first met you.” “It’s OK, I get that way when I meet new people.” “It doesn’t happen when I meet just anybody,” said Devin, his eyes not leaving Lauren for a second. “Oh,” Lauren said her voice almost down to a whisper. “Um, do you want to maybe, uh, go out for dinner tonight?” “I would love to,” said Lauren, her excitement completely contained. “Why don’t you meet me at my hotel, say about 7:00?” “OK, what’s the name?” “Hold on,” Devin said.  He went into the restaurant and came back out in a few seconds.  “Here you go,” he said.  He handed Lauren a napkin with his hotel, room number and phone number. Just as she put the napkin in her bag, Joann, Brad and Rich came out of the restaurant.  “Sorry we took so long,” Joann said. “Yeah, we hope you weren’t bored,” said Brad. “Not at all,” said Devin. “Well, listen y’all, we better get going,” Rich said.  “Thanks for hanging with us.” “Hey thanks for paying,” Joann said. They all exchanged good-byes.  Devin then said, “I’ll see you tonight.” “7:00 sharp,” Lauren responded. The guys headed back to the studio, where their car was waiting for them.  Joann turned to Lauren. “What?” Lauren asked. “‘I’ll see you tonight?’  ‘7:00 sharp?’  What happened while I was away?” “Oh come on, you guys didn’t have to go to the bathroom, and you didn’t have to let me slide in next to Devin in the booth.  Girl, you don’t get anything past me.” “Alright, alright, I tried.  But it did work didn’t it?” “Yes it did.”  Lauren and Joann looked at each other and paused.  They both then let out shrieks of joy. “Oh my god, what am I going to wear?” “Thank goodness I work next to a clothing store.  Come on, there’s not much time!”  Joann grabbed Lauren by the hand and ran across the street. Contents Part IV Part II