9 Chapter 9

Alex

Once I arrive at the parking lot, I texted her that I will be at the restaurant in a minute.

I walked straight to the restaurant, it has a low-key ambiance, perfect for a good chat with friends or family, it also feel rustic with the brick oven at the back and the brick wall in the front. Once I open the door my eyes roam around and were able to recognize the person I was looking for, she wears a dress in a shade of yellow, her hair was black and straight, she has a small face, her eyes are in the deep brown shade, a pointed nose, and small soft lips, she's pretty I can say.

She was not looking at me but instead of looking outside. Didn't she notice I entered the restaurant already? Wait! if what I am thinking is correct, she didn't check me online. Wtf! I was a bit annoyed when I walk in her direction, once I was close enough, she looked at my direction, and I think she was in daze. I smirk and in my mind, I was thinking she was checking on me from head to toe. My annoyance was changed to satisfaction. I don't know how long she was staring at me.

I cleared my throat to snap her from her daydream. "Hanna?" I asked with a small smile on my face. She then stands up and said a quick "Yes". She waved at me and smiled awkwardly. I smiled back and sat on the opposite side, she sat again and stared at me as if studying my face. To avoid this awkward moment I decided to start a conversation.

"It seems you didn't know how I look like," I said with a curious face. She then tucks a strand of hair in her ear and slower her head. "I thought about that, but decided not to check you online," She said looking at me again. "That's fine, but I actually checked your Instagram account, so I was able to recognize you right away, you're pretty" I was looking at her intently while saying it.

She was about to say something when the waiter arrived and asked if we are ready to order. She gave us the menu and we chose pasta, pizza, and some red wine. After the waiter took our order she left us.

"How are you by the way?" I asked her.

"I'm fine, to tell you honestly, I was nervous, it's been a while since I went out with a guy, even like friendly dinner." She said while fidgeting her fingers.

"Oh, I see, just tell me if you feel uncomfortable," I said with the reassuring face.

"No, not at all, you really nice, friendly and you look young?" her eyes are looking at me with curiosity.

"Thanks for the compliment," I said with a grin.

A few minutes later the waiter came with our order. "Let's dig in!" I said while my fork and knife in both of my hands are raised like a child. She smiled and followed me taking a slice.

Both of us are eating with gusto when she asks me a question. "How old are you by the way?"

I looked at her and said it quickly, "I'm 26"

She almost chokes herself with the pizza and quickly pounded her chest with her palm. "Are you okay?" I asked her right away with concern in my face and handed a bottle of water for her to drink. She drank the water and looked at me shocked by what I said. I was confused, so I asked her "Why? You seem shocked?" She then clears her throat and asked me another question. "Did Claire tell you anything about me?" She said while pointing a finger to herself.

"No, actually she didn't know I am with you right now, it was Matthew her boss who gave your number to me," I said while rubbing the back of my neck. I added a question since it's killing me right now. "How old are you?"

Err… I'm older" sigh "I'm turning 32," She said while looking at the pizza in front of us with an awkward smile again. I almost spill the wine I'm drinking in my pasta with the word she said. "Are you joking right now?" I asked with a questioning look. "No, I'm not," she said while drinking again some water and her face shows she is telling the truth. I adjusted my seat and said "I'm sorry with my action; I didn't mean to, both of us were shocked with this revelation" She chuckles and I followed. "I think we will have a great night," I said while raising my glass of wine. “Yeah, I guess?" She grinned at me and raised her glass of wine as well.

Alex for god sake she is 6 years older than you! My mind said.

We've been chatting about each other and I've learned she became friends with Claire because of her sister. Claire was her sister's best friend. When we are finished with our food we decided to leave and went to a bar near the restaurant to continue talking.

While walking side by side I can see she was now more relaxed talking with me. "Hey, Hanna I have a question," I said while looking at her on my right side. "What is it?" She said while looking forward and smiling.

"Are you married?"

"No, I'm not"

"Do you have someone?"

"No, I don't have"

"Why?"

"I chose to, and you?

"Honestly, I don't do relationships"

"Why?"

"Commitment is hard to maintain"

"Yeah I understand your reason"

"Really? I thought you're the romantic type of girl, who believes in true love and a happy ending"

"Not really, I write those stories, but I don't see myself in that situation"

"Hmm… Interesting, were you hurt before?"

"I did, but it's always part of every relationship right?"

"Yeah, when was the last time you had a relationship?"

"6 years ago, we decided to separate because we can't commit"

"Oh, I see"

"Hey, we are here," She said while pointing at the bar. The name is 67 Orange Street.

We entered the bar and it was a nice place to unwind, the place is small, but not crowded, there's a lot of wood furniture and fixtures, dim lights that make it a quick escape from your responsibilities.