Lily took one more look at the gorgeous virtual landscape before she pressed on her right temple and logged out. Immediately her vision adjusted to the bright lighting inside the Chicago Arena with is teeming hills of green foam. It was like a massive movie set designed for greenscreen effects, except that there weren't any cameramen or boom mics present. In the distance she could see many players who had paid for the premium membership services climbing the hills inside their own virtual adventures in Augmented Reality.

Lily headed towards the far end towards a small door with the words "Employees Only" emblazoned in red lettering, and scanned her palm for access. A green light blinked on the palm scanner, and the door swung open.

"Hey Henry." She waved at the janitor.

He waved back as she headed towards the small women's locker room that was reserved only for employees.

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After quickly changing out of her employee-issued blue jumpsuit, Lily raced home to get ready for her date with Allan. Somehow he had gotten a reservation at Monteverde, one of the most upscale Italian restaurants in Chicago.

She rolled and attached the final hot curler in her ginger hair before beginning her makeup. Usually she just threw on some mascara and a little blush and called it a day, but tonight was special. The type of people who frequent this restaurant were either well-to-do, politicians, or celebrities. This was a special place and she wanted to look the part, so this makeup job had to be perfect and stay perfect.

And it's for the perfect guy after all, right?

"Stop that nonsense." she scolded herself as she finished applying the foundation and opened her eyeshadow compact, "You're on assignment."

But as she applied the eyeshadow, she thought of his eyes...deep, piercing, and blue as the ocean. It was as if he could see right through her every thought, wish, and desire. If only he could discern her darkest secrets too...

It would make my life so much easier.

She applied a little rosy in her cheeks with the blush.

His cheeks were strong and defined.

Stop it!" she scolded herself, "You have a job to do!"

Next came the finishing touches. She glanced at the time in her augmented vision and determined that there was about 45 minutes before she had to meet Allan at the restaurant. That should be just enough time to finish her makeup and do something with the mess of curlers in her hair.

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Lily entered the beautiful restaurant with a skeptical look on her face.

How can Allan afford to take me here?

The hostess at the front desk greeted her, “Party?”

“I’m with Allan Young.”

She checked her roster and then nodded, “Right this way.”

As she followed the hostess to their assigned table, she took note of the swanky chandeliers and high class feel of the restaurant.

This dinner will be very expensive.

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She was acutely aware of Allan’s financial problems, however she wasn’t about to confront him about it. That would go against protocol and could blow her cover. Allan glanced up from his virtual keyboard and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw that Lily was almost to the table. He swiped his hand to the right to remove an invisible keyboard, and stood in awe.

“You look gorgeous!”

“Thanks sweetie.” She blushed. “This place is beautiful!”

“I know.” He placed a careful kiss so as not to smudge her lipstick or rouge. “It was nearly impossible to get a reservation.”

“I love it.” She sat as he held her chair out. “How long ago did you book it?”

“A few weeks.”

“Wow. What’s the special occasion?”

“Well, I…” he stammered, “I just… I thought you deserved a nice dinner.”

Her eyes narrowed, but then she got distracted.

“Tulips!” she crooned. “My favorite!”

Allan smiled. “I know.”

A frantic waiter arrived with a bottle of Zinfandel and bowed. “Our finest wine by Ménage à Trois, on the house. Complements of the host.”

Allan nodded. “Thank you.”

Lily flashed a confused look at Allan as he accepted the expensive bottle of wine.

Compliments of the host? That wine wasn’t cheap. How bizarre.

“Are you ready to order, sir?”

“Yes.” He feigned a shrug at Lily. “I’ll have the Trofie al Pesto.”

“And for you, miss?”

“I’ll have the uhh…” she scanned the menu, “I’ll go with the Tagliatelle al Ragù. And go light on the bolognese sauce.”

The waiter nodded, and then winked at Allan before he turned to leave.

“What was that all about?” Lily queried, pointing at the bottle.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Allan swatted at the air as if there were a bee, but she knew better. He was obviously clearing away several message bubbles that had populated in successive order.

“So sorry.” He closed his eyes and pressed on the side of his right temple. “I should mute my communications channel.”

“Who’s that?”

“Oh, it’s just Jen.” He waved it off.

“It’s good to see you two on good terms again.” Lily smiled. “I swear. Lately you talk with her more than you do with me!”

He smirked. “Jealous, much?”

“Maybe a little.”

She was teasing of course. When Lily first entered Allan’s life, albeit via assignment, his relationship with his younger sister had been strained. They had entirely lost touch with each other, but after pulling some strings with the Agency she was able to locate Jen and convince her to meet up. Lily considered it a personal accomplishment that she had helped Allan make amends.

Lily caught the gawking look in his eye and she blushed again. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re starstruck.”

He looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She studied him for a long minute until the waiter returned with their entrees. His demeanor seemed a bit off, and she couldn’t put her finger on it.

What is he up to?

“Excellent timing,” Allan said in the awkward silence. “I’m starving.”

They ate in silence for a few minutes. Lily tried to pretend that she was focused on her food, but she knew better. Allan opened his mouth as if he was about to speak, but then closed it again multiple times. He hadn’t even touched his food.

He clearly has something heavy on his mind.

“Lily…” he finally croaked as he wiped his forehead. “You mean the world to me. You know that?”

“Yes, of course sweetie.” She looked up.

Here it comes. Just play dumb.

Allan paused to take a long drink of water.

“Is everything okay?” her eyes locked with his. “I thought you said you were starving, but you’ve barely touched your food.”

Allan abruptly stood.

“Lily, sweetie.” He reached into his jacket pocket and knelt down on one knee. “You are my whole world. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Oh crap! I wasn’t prepared for this!

“Please…” Lily whispered as several other diners stopped to gaze at them. “Don’t do this here.”

But Allan gritted his teeth and pushed onward.

“Lily Thatcher, will you marry me?”