Maria thinks she's in love - with Mr. Riley, the substitute English teacher! Not only does she feel encouraged by his positive attention, she's convinced that they have tons in common. Sharon's efforts to steer Maria towards a more practical boyfriend - such as Brock - are met with disdain. When Mr. Riley asks Maria out for lunch on the weekend, even Sharon has to admit that something authentic could be going on. But is that appropriate? Adam convinces her that it's not - and Sharon goes to elaborate lengths to spy on Maria and Mr. Riley's 'date' to ensure that Maria is safe. What she discovers is that it's more than safe - it's a meeting of prized pupils gathering for a volunteer literacy program Mr. Riley has designed. While Sharon's braces contribute to almost burning down the restaurant, a devastated Maria has to come to terms with her embarrassing misunderstanding of Mr. Riley's attention. Meanwhile, Brock tries his best to impress Maria, but nothing works due to Maria liking the teacher. He tries everything like writing her a song about her which ends up terrible and he tries to act like a teacher. but nothing works due to Maria not impressed. Alden tells Brock that Sharon told him that Mr Riley is taking Maria out to an expensive restaurant. Brock has a fantasy about him riding a unicycle and gives Maria some flowers. Maria tells Riley to back off and she and brock drive off together in the sunset. Brock decides to head down to the restaurant and Alden tells him he will try something else. At the end of the episode, Brock, Maria, Alden and Sharon all go skating, claiming it was his idea.
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