So much so that when they went to pay their bill at the front, Nell felt a pang of panic in knowing she was about to part ways with the man. That panic turned into the need to stretch out their time together just a little longer. Which worked hand in hand with what Timmy offered them when their check was paid.

“Would you two like a picture together?” he asked, some nervousness riding along with the question. Before Nell could ask why, the host motioned to a bulletin board along the wall next to them that she hadn’t noticed when she’d first come in. Across the top were pink and red cutout letters that spelled Sweethearts, with several Polaroids of smiling, kissing, and hugging couples pinned to the board beneath. “During the week before and after Valentine’s Day, any couple who shares the Sweethearts Special gets a complimentary picture plus one that goes on the wall. It’s tradition.”

He made no move to pull out a camera and instead looked like a man bracing himself against an oncoming storm.

Nell knew it was because of her earlier outburst and could admit to herself that if she hadn’t enjoyed her time with Quinn, she might have gone in for round two.

Yet she had enjoyed herself, and now she wanted to end her run at the restaurant on a better note than when she’d started it.

“Well, who are we to say no to tradition?” Nell looked up to her makeshift companion and was surprised to see him grinning.

“I won’t be the one to break it,” Quinn agreed.

Timmy looked equally surprised, but he didn’t let that stop him. He grabbed one of the new, smaller Polaroid cameras from behind his podium and motioned to the wall next to the board. A burst of nerves caught Nell off guard. Even more so when those nerves turned into giddiness. Among many things that day, she hadn’t expected that. The matter wasn’t helped when Timmy looked hesitant again once they’d taken their place.

“I need you two to get closer so you’re both in the frame.”

Quinn followed directions with precision. One second there was space between them, the next there was none. His arm went around her shoulders but his face was filled with concern.

“Is this okay?”

Nell couldn’t help but laugh. She nodded.

She might not have known Quinn, but she did like him. However that made sense.

“I think we could get away with a little more,” she said. “Just to show Valentine’s Day that it can’t beat us.”