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Nathan nodded, still looking a bit puzzled. "Well, I'm really happy for you guys. I hope everything works out the way you want it to."
Aiden chimed in. "Yeah, man, it's great news. You and Alex make a really cute couple."
With that I, stood up. "You guys have fun gossiping. I’m off to meet my lady. It was good to catch up.”
“Don’t feel too good. She might break your heart yet,” Nathan said smiling widely.
“Come on Aiden, tell him she’s too good for that,” I said to Aiden, looking at him.
“Don’t get me into it,” Aiden said, suddenly busy with his phone.
I made my way down the hallway and out of the building, and a sense of relief washed over me as I thought about Alex. We had been down a long road, from our rocky beginning to our sort of stable state now, but it was worth it.
I walking out of the airconditioned building into the familiar humid heat of my city. It was balmy and breezy, bougainvillea and hibiscus in full bloom, manicured palm trees lining the sidewalks, which were crowded with people hurrying to their next destination. Blaring car horns and siren sounds filled the air.
As I drove off, I continued thinking about Alex and how far we had come. We'd fought and argued and made up, how many times now? And she’d forgiven me more than once. Still, I always seemed to be wronging her, even when I didn’t want to be. And truthfully, I seemed to be losing her more and more as the days passed. The bet was now a distant memory. I was grateful for it bringing us together and forcing us to stay together, I thought wryly.
***
The restaurant was warm and inviting. Soft lighting illuminated the space, casting a gentle glow over the tables and guests. The chatter of people enjoying their meals filled the air, along with the soft clinking of silverware on plates.
I spotted Alex sitting at a cozy booth in the corner. My heart fluttered as I approached her, taking in the sight of her in a little black dress that hugged her body just right. I felt hot just thinking of her in that little piece of nothing.
"Hey," I said, sliding into the seat across from her.
"Hi," she replied, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. She looked beautiful tonight, and somehow genuinely happy to see me.
We spent a few moments catching up and looking through the menu.
"Have you decided what you want to eat?” I asked her. She shook her head and bit her lips. I felt a bolt straight to my groin. Her lips were soft and pouty in the low light of the restaurant.
“Not yet. Everything looks so good."
"I was thinking we could split a few small plates. What do you think?" I ask her, leaning over to point out a few items I’d like us to try.. She nodded and closed her menu.
“That's a great idea. I'd love to try a little bit of everything."
I beckoned a passing waiter. He walked briskly over to take our order.
“Good evening, what can I get for you?" he asked, a wide smile on his lean face. He didn't look a day over eighteen.
“We'd like to order a few small plates to start, please." I told him.
“Of course. Which ones would you like?" he asked.
“We'll have the garlic shrimp, the bruschetta, the bacon-wrapped dates, the fig tarts and the goat cheese," I told him, looking over at Alex to get her nod of approval. She was looking at something on her phone and smiling. She looked up when I called her name, shaking her head no when I ask if she’d like to change anything.
“Excellent choices. I'll put that in for you right away," the waiter said.
The scent of garlic and herbs wafted from the kitchen as we waited for our food to arrive.
We continued talking about our day, work, and making small talk. It was easy and comfortable, much more so than usual. Perhaps we'd never felt this comfortable in each other's company before. The easy conversation and comfortable silences made it feel like we hadn’t been mortal enemies just a few weeks earlier.
Our food arrived, and I was pleased with the presentation. The small plates were arranged beautifully on a large wooden platter, each one a work of art. We took turns sampling each dish, commenting on the flavors and textures. It was clear that the chef knew what he was doing.
As we sat across from each other, I couldn't help but take in her beauty. Her hair fell around her face in soft waves, and her eyes sparkled in the low light of the restaurant. I was suddenly grateful again for that bet.
The goat cheese and fig tart was my favorite, and I watched Alex takes a small bite of it, savoring the flavors.
