Chapter 20 - Dinner Plans for Two

Gail

The opening scenes were that of an old family house in the suburbs. And on the porch was a lady, maybe my age or probably a little younger, reading a letter as the voice-over of a man was heard saying the letter as she went through it.

"...Adeline... my love..." the voice started as the lady read on.

"...I hope this letter finds you well... I apologize for leaving suddenly... that I didn't even say goodbye..."

I watched closely and stopped eating my popcorn as the lady in the movie, Adeline, started crying.

"... I was drafted into the army... I know you would stop me... somehow... but I couldn't say no... even if this would mean leaving you..."

A war? For a movie starter? How cliche...

"I promise that when this is over... I will return..."

The lady, crying and apparently heartbroken, started running to the nearby woods as the rain started to fall. Wow. All out movie cliche after cliche.

"... I will win you back... and fulfill my promise..."

Adeline, who I believe is her name, was getting soaked in the rain, stopped beside one of the bigger trees in the woods overlooking the creek that trickled with the rainfall.

"... I love you..."

She raised her harm and touched the tree and ran her fingers on the " A + L" etching on the bark, revealing a diamond ring on her ring finger.

"... And eternally I will..."

Then the camera pans to her brown eyes filled with tears.

"... Lorenzo."

The voice-over stops as Adeline slowly falls to her knees, her white dress skirt being stained by the muddy grass on the ground, sobbed terribly as she called out the letter sender's name.

"Lorenzo!"

Within the middle of the movie, I was already sitting straight onmy seat. Eyes glued to the screen. Events have been more than cliches in this movie. And the twists have captured my attention and emotions.

"Babe, are you ok?" Brent whispered.

"Shhh... things are bound to get better babe" I replied holding his hand on the arm rest.

Then a sudden gunshto in the silence shocked me, as well as most of the ladies in the theater, as I continued watching. And when a character fell to the ground and zoomed to that person's eyes, I was so shocked my grip on Brent's hands tightened. He sympathetically placed his other hand on mine, like he's saying...

"... it's going to be fine..."

Looking to him, I was able to stare into his eyes through the darkness. Those eyes that showed so much love, I smiled at him before both of us looked back to the screen. We watched until the movie was finished, even until past the end credits.

"So how's the movie, babe?" Brent asked as he held my hand as we walked out the theater when it ended. Actually, I did enjoy the movie but can't seem to put it into words.

"It was... gret!" I said with a smile trying to keep the composure from falling and the tears from forming in my eyes.

"It was wonderful" I added as I held my shawl closer and looked into his eyes as he smiled warmly.

Brent led me to one of the restaurants in the area, to Cru Steakhouse. As we walked to the reception, we were welcomed by the hostess. I had walked past this restaurant before. Looks ok, but bit pricey for my taste.

"Good evening, any reservations?" the hostess smiled as we were in front of her.

"Yes we have... under a 'Mr. Loyola, Brent' ... for two" Brent replied as I looked at him.

He did plan for this one. Chance would have it I overheard Brent and the hostess chat a bit as she led us to our table. It happened that the restaurant is only accepting those with reservations tonight because of the big crowd caused by the movie premiere.

"And this would be your table, ma'am, sir" the hostess said pointing to one of the mroe secluded tables near the back, away from the usually busy tables.

"Thank you very much, miss" Brent said as he himself helped me to my seat though a server was ready to assist me.

As the couteous server greeted us and handed us the opened menu, Amir, our server, said he will return after a few minutes for our orders. When he left, I had a chance to talk to Brent about dinner. But before I was able to say something he took my hand in his.

"Babe, I know what you're going to say... don't think too much of... of anything... just relax... and enjoy night" he said holding both my hands.

With that, all questions about how he got this reservation, how much its going to cost, or whatever, has all faded into the creme colored walls. He was right. I was thinking too much of this dinner as well as the details that I am forgetting to enjoy the evening.

"Y-You're right... thank you for the wonerful evening so far, babe" I said as I stared into his loving face.

When Amir returned, I let Brent order for both of us. He ordered for a salad for me and a soup for himiself for appetizers. He then ordered for steak for himself and some tuna for me, as well some side dishes. After repeating our orders, Amir left to bring our drinks for us. Upon serving our water and wines, he left us to place the orders to the kitchen.

"You have been everything to me, Gail... thank you..." Brent said raising his glass of Merlot.

I smiled raising my wine to him, as well. Taking a sip and slowly placing it down. Brent moved his hand across the table to hold my hand and I felt his warmth on my fingers.

"How's your week so far? I know you had a busy week as usual" Brent asked concern in his eyes.

"... Work? Work is ok... Busy as usual... We have a new account" I started as I told him the story of my whole week.

And all this time, Brent stared at my eyes and listened to all I told him. My stories. My stress. And he didn't lose his attention on what I was saying. Each word being taken in and absorbed like a recording in his mind.

"Excuse me, ma'am, sir here is your Organic Tomato Salad and Wild Mushroom Soup. Please enjoy" Amir said as whe served our starters.

We ate our appetizers and we enjoyed each second of it. My salad was well prepared, fresh and having that certain sweetness to each bite. By the time we finished, our ever-trusted Amir cleaned our bowl and plate in preparation for our main course which was served in a few minutes.

"Please enjoy" Amir said as he left us after serving our Angus Beef Prime Rib Steak for Brenat and Norwegian Salmon Fillet for me.

As he left, I stared at Brent for a few seconds before looking down my plate at the delicious looking food. The fish fillet looked very fresh and well prepared. Neither undercooked nor dry. We also had some Baked 4 Cheese Potato and Grilled Asparagus for sides. I slowly lifted my knife and fork to the food when Brent spoke.

"You do look lovely tonight Gail..." he said without lifting his eyes from his food.

"... lovely as you always have been..." he added as he slowly lifted his stare to my waiting eyes.

Brent always had his way with words. Simple yet you know it came from within. No hidden meanings. No... secrets.

"Th-Thank you... Brent" I said feeing the warmth on my cheek.

Main course was done in silence, aside from some small talk. But no real conversation happened. The sound of the soft scratches of cutleries to the china. Many things ran in my mind as I watched our server take away the used items, leaving the glasses on the table.

"I do hope main course was great, ma'am, sir... May I offer you some dessert?" Amir said holding out the open menu towards Brent.

"It was awesome. Thank you, Amir..." Maybe something sweet would be nice. Wouldn't it, babe?" Brent answered him before turning to me who stared blankly at him.

Amir excused himself as Brent read through the menu. Looking to me then back to the menu items. My mind was racing... to Brent... to my dark secrets... to Nicolo. I was starting to get stressed out.

"Excuse me, while I go to the washroom, babe... you order for us both..." I said as I reached for my handbag and went to the restroom, a bit hurried.

Brent just nodded quietly as I know he watched me until I was out of sight. A cold feeling until I was in the restroom.

"Get a hold on yourself, Gail... Relax lang, teh..." I told myself after checking if the cubicles were all clear.

My hands were on the sink counter holding my weight as I stared at myself on the mirror. What stared back was myself though I can see the guilt in my eyes. Guilt about not being loyal to Brent... all connected to Nicolo... the guy that Brent can never be... a bad boy. The one that doesn't shower me with gifts. The one that keeps me wanting more. Then my phone beeped a message.

<message received>

:)

Sender: Nicolo

"Shucks!" I said as I felt my knees went weak.

He wasn't even here yet... yet he was making my body tingle like he was touching me. I closed my eyes feeling the sensation on my very skin. Then I heard the knob on the door turn. I finished reapplying my lipstick and left.

Returning to the table, I saw Brent staring intently at the candlelight on the table. I approached the table and took my seat.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I said as I sat with a smile looking at him.

"Yes it is... but staring too long can hurt oneself..." he said laughing as he pinched the area between his eyes.

I stared at him for a few seconds, feeling that he knew something. Then I relaxed after a few seconds.

Brent

"By the way..." I started as I took something from my jacket pocket and placed it gently on the table with my right hand.

I slowly slid the small box to Gail just across me. Then I let go of the box as she stared at it intently.

"Go ahead... open it..." I said with a proud smile.

Gail slowly took the box and carefully held it with both hands. Before opening it, she looked at me again wih a puzzled look on her face. I just nodded. She opened the box then she looked at what was inside, placed the box down slowly then gripped my right hand tightly with both her hands.

"This is... beautiful..." she said as tears started to well on her eyes.

"Let me help you..." I said before standing up and walking behind Gail.

Gail

Brent was walking towards the back of my chair as I slowly wiped the tears from my eyes. I looked down at the box he gave me and saw the Swarovski heart pendant etched with the words "forever in my heart" on the back. The pendant hung on a necklace of white gold.

"You will..." Brent started as he bent to get the necklace from the box.

"... always be..." he said as he slowly draped it around my neck.

"... forever... in my heart..." he finished as he clasped the lock on my nape.

"I love you... Gail... never change, Ok?" he said as he moved to my left and kissed me on the check.

I was speechless. Brent was the romantic one. And he always gets my heart. I love him. I do love him. So much. But how can I stop what this addiction is doing to me. This drug that is Nicolo.

"I hope you like..." he said smiling gently as he sat back down.

I was still wiping my tears when Amir came back. He had with him the dessert that he ordered for us.

"Excuse, ma'am here is your Almond Lychee Panna Cotta with Cake and Chocolate Ice Cream. Sir, your Molten Chocolate Ckae with Vanilla Mascarpone Ice Cream. Please enjoy" he said with a smile before leaving us to our dessert.

"This... This night has been... wonderful, babe..." I said after finding my voice.

"Anything for the happiness of the one who makes me happy" he answered as he nodded to me and pointed to the dessert.

We ate in silence with me still choked up about Brent's sweetness and him glancing to me once in a while.

"Babe, by the way... you remember Jelyn, my cousin? She called a few days ago and reminded me of her wedding next month. We will be going, ok?" he said as he ate his chocolate dessert.

I nodded in reply as I stared blankly at him.

"... Thank you, babe..." I said with my arm in his as we walked out of the restaurant. That is after Amir happily and enthusiastically bade us farewell and Brent gave him a generous tip.

I walked with my head leaning on his shoulder when Brent took off his coat and placed it on my shoulder. As we were walking to the parking lot, he helped me all the way to the car.

"Thank you" he said before turning the car engine on and bringing me home.

I smiled as I held his hand while he drove. Falling asleep on the ride home. He woke me up when we were already in the parking lot of the condo.