Alyssa
“So where are these so-called reservations that you’ve made?” I’m surprisingly curious to know where he’s taking me. Will it be a really public date or will it be more of an intimate date?
“It’s a surprise. However cliché that sounds, I want to surprise you.” He opens the door of his car and waits for me to slide in.
Heading into the unknown is terrifying. Okay so I’m being more than a little dramatic, but I’m pretty sure I don’t even know one person that ‘likes’ surprises. Personally, they make me anxious, but with Asher it can’t be that bad, right? Already we’re in a comfortable silence with the quiet radio playing and the soft rumble of the engine in the background.
Slowly we pull into a parking space; I look up to see a diner. I also notice that the sun isn’t in sight anymore, we must have travelled a fair bit, especially because I don’t recognize this place. It looks homely but packed with couples and families.
“It’s not what you're thinking,” Asher says softly. The only thing I’m thinking about is that it looks quite busy. I turn to look at him but am surprised with the sight of an empty seat.
Getting out of the car, he opens the diner door for me and then follows me inside. Asher places his hand on the small of my back and, aside from distracting me, guides me through the ‘staff only’ door.
“Just trust me!” He said with a smile on his face, well okay then. Through the kitchen, no one gave us a second thought until we stopped at the back door. All the kitchen staff and some servers started whispering but I paid them no mind.
“Okay, close your eyes and don’t try peeking,” His hands softly came down to cover my eyes. There was a squeaking sound; I’m guessing that came from the door.
“Now walk forward,” Asher’s voice came very close from behind, his breath on the back of my neck. I slowly stepped forward trusting Asher to guide me. A few seconds pass before his hands leave my eyes. I want to look but don’t just yet.
“Can I…” clearing my throat so that it didn’t sound so husky, “Can I open my eyes?”
“Yeah.” He said.
I opened my eyes cautiously, only to see a garden; with a small round table in the middle, two chairs, a checkered tablecloth, and a glowing candle in the middle. It was like a scene from the movies. The effort of planning all this, just for me, genuinely warms my heart. I never would have thought that anyone would have bothered. I’m just me. I guess, deep down, I didn’t think I’d ever be worthy of this. I don’t realize I have a tear running down my cheek until Asher wipes it away. I look up at this gorgeous man’s face and see a soft smile.
“Thank you.” I whispered, looking all around. There were roses and sunflowers and daisies and lilies — so many of them that there’s more than I can take in. I walk forward, admiring all the beauty, as Asher pulls out a chair for me.
As we talk and eat, the waiters are silently attending us. Refilling our drinks, removing empty plates, providing a perfect service. When the candle is blown out by the breeze, it’s only seconds before a waiter comes to relight it. But as perfect as this is, curiosity finally gets the better of me and I have to ask.
“So, I’m guessing not everyone has this type of special treatment. Why are we so lucky?”
“My uncle owns the place. I wanted to take you somewhere special, somewhere we can call our place.” He suddenly chuckles, self-consciously.
“Sorry, that was a bit cheesy.” He says with a beautifully boyish grin. The cheesiness, how he didn’t stop to think, makes it feel more real.
“That’s okay. Are you close with your uncle?”
I wait and watch as he nods. “Yeah. My mom is in the army and we moved around alot as kids, but Uncle Luke’s was a constant in our lives. A home away from home.” Asher says in a soft voice that touches my heart unexpectedly. I never thought I needed anyone but myself. Family only let you down and friends only wanted something from you, but the way he talks about his uncle makes me think.
What if things had been different? Would I still be such a pessimist?
“Ahh, okay. That’s really nice that you had that.” I smile and reach across the table to take his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Okay, come on. It’s time for part two.” He says, getting out of his seat and making his way over to me. I stand from my chair and clasp his outstretched hand. His hand in mine, we walk out of the restaurant and to his car. With the sun setting, we drive.
About ten minutes pass before we pull into a parking lot in front of a small building. It doesn’t look too busy from the outside but I can’t determine what it is. As we get out of the car and walk closer I notice that it’s an ice cream parlour
I realize, looking up at Asher, that we are a rather quiet couple; but that is all right because it feels comfortable, natural.
“Welcome to part two.” Asher says as we sit down at a booth.
I chuckle as I look around the room; families, children, women in pink and yellow, men in blue and green. My eyes make their way back to Asher looking him up and down then looking down at myself. We weren’t exactly fitting in here but the smile on my face isn’t going anywhere.
“So, have you beenherebefore?” I ask Asher.
“Yeah, we came here as kids.”
“So, you’ll know what’s good then?” Pulling out a menu and scanning over all the flavours and toppings, the banana caramel sundae catches my attention immediately. I look up when someone clears their throat; I immediately looked at Asher, only to see him looking at me. Again the sound came but not from us — there was a waitress standing above us, looking more than a little frustrated.
