[Scene: It’s closing time at the bookstore. The door opens. Sophia walks in with Eli and her older sister, Sonya.]

  [Sonya walks over to Thomas, then pauses when she notices Veronica watching calmly but attentively.]

  Sonya (grinning slightly): I just wanted to thank him for helping my sister... and for hooking these two up.

  They wanted to know if you had anything planned—and if they could come along.

  I can partner up with Jonathan.

  Thomas (friendly but straightforward): Well, we were actually planning to go out with Veronica’s parents tonight. There’s that new ’50s-themed restaurant in town. We thought it’d be fun.

  But I’m sure we could get you guys a table nearby—or maybe even a big booth.

  But—if you do come, there are a few rules.

  [Eli and Sophia immediately roll their eyes.]

  Veronica (smiling but firm): The agreement we have with my parents is pretty simple.

  When we go out, we stay open—meaning we’re visible to others at all times.

  We’re willing to be around others, not off in our own little world.

  And we’re discreet. No dramatic affection. Nothing that draws attention.

  What do you guys think?

  Eli: I mean… I didn’t get the dance rules until after the dance, so…

  Sophia: Why even follow those rules?

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Thomas: First, it’s good for our relationship. Second, as much as I love Veronica, both our parents are way too eager to marry us off.

  Veronica (teasing but not joking): Seriously. At first, it was just my dad. Now I swear I see baby hunger in my mom’s eyes. She’s ready to be a grandma.

  Sonya (laughs): Wow. My parents would be mortified and totally clueless on what to do.

  But yeah… married in high school or follow a few rules? I think I’d pick the rules too.

  [Later: The group arrives at the '50s-themed restaurant. Veronica’s parents, Daniel and May, are already there—along with Eric and Wendy.]

  [The dinner crowd is thinning out. The host helps them arrange a larger table. Thomas and Veronica are seated in the center so they can talk to both sides.]

  Veronica (to her parents, quietly): They know about the rules. Let’s see if they can follow them.

  Wendy: What rules?

  May (smiling): Sholomoh’s guidelines. “Open and discreet.”

  Wendy (nodding): So—be visible, and keep affection low-key.

  Eric (chuckling): That’s one way to keep them out of trouble.

  Daniel: You do know I’m just waiting for any excuse to marry these two.

  Wendy: That’s probably motivation enough.

  [Everyone at the adult side of the table laughs. The teenagers glance at each other in mild panic.]

  [As dessert is served, Thomas and Veronica realize something: the other teens are quietly mimicking them. When Thomas lightly touches Veronica’s hand across the table, their fingers are clearly visible. The others do the same. No sneaking, no hiding.]

  [The manager glances over now and then, clearly watching the group with mild suspicion—but eventually eases up.]

  [At the end of the night, as checks come out, Thomas surprises everyone by covering the entire bill. It’s only desserts and drinks—well within his tutoring money.]

  [As they prepare to leave, the manager walks up to Daniel.]

  Manager: I’ve got to say—I’m impressed. How’d you get them to act like actual young adults?

  Daniel (with a straight face): Would you believe... a promise of marriage to two of them if the others didn’t behave?

  Manager (blinking): No, you didn’t.

  May (laughing): No. Not really. But those two? (gestures to Thomas and Veronica) He’s only half joking.

  The others just followed their lead.

  [Everyone laughs again as they exit into the evening, the teens trying not to look too relieved.]