"Yeah, distance makes it hard. Which is why I don't think I could ever move away permanently," I agreed. 
                          
"It's really cool that you're so close to your family. You're really lucky," he smiled. 
                          
"Thanks, I definitely am lucky. And very grateful."
                          
I guess he isn't very close with his family. 
                          
"So," he said grabbing a napkin from the pile on the table, "What are three things on your bucket list?"
                          
"Hmm...number one is to travel as much as possible."
                          
"Come on, that's too vague. Top three places you want to see..."
                          
"Okay, um, Japan, Australia," I said trying to gauge his reaction, "and Iceland."
                          
"Hm. Australia. I could make that happen," he smirked, "is that because of me?"
                          
I rolled my eyes and huffed. 
                          
"No, actually, I've always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand." 
                          
"Mhm. Sure. Okay, next on your bucket list."
                          
"Um, okay, don't laugh, but kids."
                          
"Kids? I've never really thought about that as bucket list material, but okay. I'm not laughing," he said biting his lip. 
                          
"And last thing is to learn a mixed martial art."
                          
"Really? You wanna beat someone up?" He joked. 
                          
"No, but I want to be able to if I needed to."
                          
"Smart. Okay. I guess I better watch out," he joked.
                          
"Your turn."
                          
"Okay, my top three are owning my own home, skydiving, and visiting Europe."
                          
"Skydiving? That's dangerous! What if your parachute doesn't open?" 
                          
He laughed and threw his napkin down on his empty plate. 
                          
"Hey, I could just as easily get crushed by a semi-truck on the freeway."
                          
"Yeah, but you're willingly jumping out of a plane. You could completely control that risk by simply not doing it."
                          
"The way I see it, life is short. I don't want to live with any regrets," he said.
                          
I nodded. He had me there. I of all people should know that. 
                          
"You finished?" He asked standing up. 
                          
"Yeah, thanks," I said scooting my chair back to carry my plate. 
                          
"I got it," he said stacking it on top of his own, "I'll meet you on the sofa."
                          
"Okay, thanks."
                          
I walked over to the sofa and grabbed my phone out of my purse. I made sure my location was shared with Ale, Siena, Lucia, and my mom before I locked it and took a seat on the sofa. It was soft and comfortable, despite looking stiff and new.
                          
Michael grabbed the remote from the coffee table and turned the tv on. 
                          
"So, since you're in comfortable clothes, do you mind if I change?"
                          
"Oh, uh, no not at all."
                          
"Sweet, I'll be right back. Here," he said handing me the remote, "the movie is on Amazon."
                          
"Okay," I said retrieving the remote. I selected the Amazon Prime app on the screen and waited for it to load. I searched for the movie and booted it up while I waited for Michael. 
                          
He returned moments later in a pair of gray joggers, that hugged his toned legs. 
                          
"Would you mind if I just used the bathroom before we started the movie," I asked as he walked towards the couch. 
                          
"Of course. I'll show you where it is."
                          
I stood and followed him towards the hallway. He flipped the hall light switch on and illuminated the corridor. A rug extended the length of the hallway and there were four doors, two on either side. 
                          
"Since we're here I'll give you a mini-tour. So this is the hall closet," he said opening the door on the right, "and this is the guest bedroom," he pointed as he walked to the next door on the left.
                          
I peered inside to find not a bed but a desk and some weights. 
                          
"Sorry. It's a little messy in there," he said closing the door. 
                          
He moved to the next door and opened it. 
                          
"And this is the guest bathroom and to the right is my bedroom," he said motioning with his head. 
                          
"I'll uh, leave you to it," he said awkwardly as he turned back down the hall. 
                          
I turned on the light and locked the door behind me. 
                          
I quickly checked to make sure that I didn't have anything in my teeth before using the toilet. 
                          
I rejoined Michael in the living room and realized I needed to decide where to sit. He was sat in the chaise and I didn't know if I should sit right next to him or in the middle of the sofa. Sitting on the opposite end felt weird. 
                          
I decided on the middle which was close to him but not too close. He smiled and asked if I was ready. 
                          
"Yep." 
                          
He pressed play and I tried to relax as the opening credits began.