Will you grow up? "
By: Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58205.11 1800

Wright, Miranda, and Silvio all entered Miranda's together. They were still dressed in the costumes that they had selected for the Clive Cussler holonovel. They took seats next to a window. "Well, that was a pretty fun evening Dirk," said Miranda with a chuckle.

Wright smiled, "Yes, it was pretty fun wasn't it Congresswoman Smith." A waiter brought their drinks and Wright turned to Silvio. "What about you Al, you did not seem to enjoy it."

Silvio was not paying attention he was staring blankly into his glass turning it around and around in his hands. His mind was clearly not on the conversation.

Wright nudged Silvio, "Hey Silvio, you there?"

Silvio's head popped up. He looked at Wright, "What," he asked.

"Everything ok Silvio? You seem preoccupied tonight."

Miranda giggled.

Wright regarded Miranda with an arched eyebrow and then returned his look to Silvio. "You two know something I don't?"

"I have had someone on my mind lately," Silvio confessed. "Sorry, I just wasn't into it tonight?"

Wright took a drink and grinned at Silvio. "Who is more important than Dirk and Al?"

"It is a woman," said Silvio. "I have never felt like this about anyone before. I have never lost sleep over a woman before." He looked at Miranda who was trying unsuccessfully to hide her amusement with this topic. He gave her his best menacing stare and said, "It's silly. I know."

This was starting to sound a little familiar. Given his earlier conversation with Patia Zoei it did not take much time for Wright to figure out who Patia's mystery man was. "Matters of the heart are not silly. You have never been in love before?"

"There is that word again," said Silvio glancing at Miranda. "How can it be love? I do not even think she shares that feeling. No, I have never been in love before."

"Silvio, you heartbreaker, you are in love," said Miranda.

Silvio ignored her.

Wright could not resist, "If you are having trouble dealing with this Silvio, perhaps you should have a visit with the counselor." Wright managed to keep a straight face.

Silvio momentarily blushed and then added, "Maybe I will."

"Silvio, by your own admission you have spent your short adulthood chasing women without a care in the world. Now you found one that you care about, is that right," asked Miranda

"Yes"

"For a genius you are not very bright. Do you not see what is happening," asked Miranda. Miranda was usually a patient person but she was struggling to keep her cool with the boy wonder. Perhaps it was her own failing relationship with TJ that was clouding her judgment. "You are finally growing up."

Silvio looked at Miranda and said nothing. She was certainly in a blunt mood today he thought. He finished his drink. "Well, I think I will be going. Perhaps I will drop in on the counselor." He stood up.

"Silvio," said Wright. "No matter what, take it one day at a time and try to enjoy it." Wright smiled.

"Yeah, thanks," said Silvio. He turned and headed for the door.

Wright turned and watched him go. The truth was that he was happy for Silvio. Miranda was right he was growing up and in Wright's opinion Silvio needed to grow up. He also thought that the counselor and Silvio would be good for each other. Only time will tell. Wright looked at Miranda. "So, what's eating you?"