CHAPTER 23

Poppy's Bistro was a cozy little eatery hidden away in a quiet corner of Boyle heights. A small hand made sign with the eatery's name hung above the door. Inside, exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and soft lighting created a warm ambiance, with small and intimate tables topped with a simple vase of fresh flowers. 

Melanie walked in more than thirty minutes past the agreed time. She thought it wise not to arrive on time and risk looking desperate. She stood at the door as darted her eyes looking for the stranger whom she spotted at the corner booth and walked to him. 

She sat, and he spoke first, starting with the normal pleasantries. "Hello Melanie Vaugh," he greeted with that deep voice Melanie was getting used to. "For a moment there I thought you stood me up."

She laughed as she sat on the other side of the table. "Sorry I'm late, traffic was a bitch." 

He laughed, "Yeah, right. Traffic." He mocked, making no effort to hide the sarcasm in his voice, "I'm glad you made it." 

She felt very self conscious around him, very aware of his gaze even as she pulled back the chair and sat. She straightened herself on her seat and looked up to meet his eyes. She was right, he was staring at her. She felt intimidated by his stare, but concealed it perfectly. 

"Nice place," she remarked, breaking the nervous silence that had taken over. 

"You haven't been here before?" He inquired, looking at her from the corner of his eyes. 

"You sound surprised." She pointed out with a laugh. He didn't respond, just sat looking at her, waiting for her reply. "I have, not as many times as I'd like though."

A waitress walked to their table, two menus in hand. Melanie noted that she had a smile that was rather too wide, especially when looking at her companion, whose name she still didn't know. She decided she didn't like this waitress, an unexpected pang of jealousy washing over her. 

"Thank you," Farian said to the waitress as he took the two menus from her. He added a smile which infuriated Melanie, but again, she hid it well. 

The waitress walked away, giving the two time to decide on what they wanted to have. "You don't like her very much." He remarked as he handed her the menu. 

She almost gasped, how the hell did he know that? She was absolutely sure she hadn't shown any resentment or disdain on her face. It shocked her that he knew, almost creeped her out.

"What are you talking about?" She mumbled and buried her face on the menu. 

He didn't reply, just stared at her for a moment then shifted his eyes from her to the menu. Soon after, she stole a glance, looking at him from the top of her menu. He was focused on his own menu, his brows relaxed as he carefully read through. There was something captivating about the way he seemed so absorbed in selecting what he wanted to order. A smile played at her lips as she observed him, she tried to suppress that amusement, fearing it would show on her face. She resorted to looking back at the menu, at least that way, the large booklet could cover her flushed face. 

"So, what's good here?" She asked softly. 

"The tiramisu trifle is quite exquisite," he responded without looking up from the menu. 

Melanie nodded slightly, mumbling an affirmative, "Mmh, hmm," and continued to study the menu. 

The waitress came back, a small notebook and pen in hand, ready to take their orders. 

"You first," Farian said to Melanie with a gentle nod. 

"Do you have the Moscato d'Asti ?" She asked looking at the waitress. 

"I'm sorry we don't." The lady replied plainly. 

"What about the Vin Santo?" Melanie went on.

"Yes we do." The waitress confirmed.

"I'll have that with the tiramisu trifle."

The waitress noted the order down and turned to Farian, a smile forming at her lips. Once again, a wave of jealousy washed over Melanie and she hated it. Why was she feeling that way? It was just a mere smile, no harm no foul there. Farian was undoubtedly god looking, stunning really, and Melanie knew that that was the exact reason why this waitress had such a wide grin when talking to him. 

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't hear what he'd ordered. It's only when he spoke that she snapped back. "Huh?" She looked up, a pinch of embarrassment on her face. 

He smiled, amused by the look on her face. "You know your wine well." He commented. 

"My father is to be credited for that, he knows his wines pretty well. Taught me everything I know." She responded, glad they had eased back into the conversation. 

"And what do you know exactly?" He wondered with a smile.

He leaned back on his seat, crossed his arms and watched her as she explained all she knew about wines. He was genuinely impressed and made it known to her.

"I should come for wine lessons sometimes." He teased and they laughed lightly. 

"So, did you recently move to Boyle heights?" She asked and there was a hint of alarm in Farian's face which she missed, being fully absorbed in his eyes.

"Do I come off as a newcomer to this town?" He wanted to know.

"Not at all," she chuckled nervously. "It's just a thought."

"There's some truth in that. I lived here a long time ago but moved away, I recently moved back." He explained. 

"What about your family?" She went on.

That caught him by surprise, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say. 

"It's just that you said, 'I moved away', I was just wondering if you moved with your family." She explained nervously.

"No," he told her. "I...I don't have a family." He added.

"Oh!" She exclaimed in shock, and looked at him with a quizzical look, expecting him to explain what he meant by that statement. 

Their orders came before he could speak, it is then that she noticed he had ordered a Crème Brûlée and a cup of Caffè mocha.

"Story for another day." He finally responded.

She gave a nod, understanding him completely, fully aware that family was often a sore subject. So it made perfect sense that he would prefer to talk about his at a later date. 

They ate, with their conversation flowing more smoothly. Melanie realized she was genuinely enjoying herself in his company. He was charming, witty, and easy to talk to with an amazing sense of humor. With every passing second, she felt calmer and more at ease around him. 

Outside, the sun disappeared in the horizon and darkness crept in. The bistro grew busier, many walking in, others walking out, the place became a wee bit noisier and they decided to call it a day. Farian subtly asked for the bill, but not as subtly as he thought because Melanie had caught him from the corner of her eye. 

They walked out of the establishment and she led the way to her car. And tried to drag the walk as much as she could, making it take longer than it would have. They reached her car and she turned to face him.

"Thank you for a lovely evening Melanie Vaugh," he said softly.

"Thank you, stranger," she teased playfully. "I had a great time." She admitted with a smile. 

He replied with a slight nod of acknowledgement. 

She was silent, seeming deep in thought, as if contemplating whether to say whatever was on her mind or not. She decided to try her luck, "We should do this again," she suggested and looked at him nervously.

He didn't respond, just maintained a plain face and looked into he eyes, she grew more nervous and spoke again. "If that's okay with you obviously." She quickly added.

He smiled, amused by how miserable she was, he then took a step closer to her, standing so close that she could feel his warm breathing on her face. She raised her eyes and looked into his, her body immobilized by the tension she felt. He moved closer and she almost couldn't breath, she didn't pull away, just stared into his eyes, his perfect eyes. 

Suddenly, she felt his warm hand touch her's, what he did next surprised her more than him kissing would have. He took her phone and quickly took a step back then started typing in something. She looked at him foolishly, how diabolical of him to tease her like that. She knew he was aware of what he was doing, and she hated it- and she absolutely loved it. 

He handed her the phone and she looked at it to find his phone number with the contact name blank.

"Farian," he said and she looked up.

"Huh?"

"That's my name. I promised to tell you, remember? This is me honoring that promise." He explained and watched as she typed it in.

"Why did you give me your number?" She realized what a stupid question that was as soon as the words left her mouth.

He smiled and said, "You said we should do this again, gimme a call whenever you want to do this again."

She smiled with a nod, "I will."

"Have yourself a wonderful nigh Melanie Vaugh." He finished plainly.

"Goodnight Farian." 

She got into her car and set herself on the seat, she looked out the window to wave him goodbye but he was already gone. She looked around but he wasn't there, she leaned back on the seat and a pleasant smile formed at her lips as the events of that evening played on her mind. She started the engine and drove home, where she went straight to her room. She spent the better part of an hour contemplating whether to call or text Farian, to let him know she got home safely. She decided on a simple text message.

She later slid into bed, the same pleasant smile still on her lips. What an evening that had been! The mere thought of getting to experience it in future was just exhilarating.