I want you

"Hello Miss, you're heading to 505 N. Lakeshore Drive correct?" The Uber driver tapped some buttons on his phone to confirm that he had picked up his fare. "Uh, yes that is correct." Kendra stammered while fidgeting with her cell. Why was she nervous? There was absolutely no reason to be nervous. This was dinner with a friend, who offered to get her out of a funk, nothing more than that.

She was surprised to hear from Mark, and still not really aware how he got her number, but it was good to hear from him. He was moving back to the city and the first person he wanted to see was her. Mark had offered to take her somewhere special and advised her to get gussied up. She laughed, he always made her smile, and was always there for her, even though they dated different people they always remained close friends never crossing any lines.

"Miss we're here. If you enjoyed this ride please go into the app and rate me 5 stars if you could." Kendra handed the driver a cash tip and exited the car. "Oh my goodness." she looked up and the tall building and the sign on the exterior Cité. She couldn't believe where she was. She had always wanted to eat at this restaurant, but her ex would say this was where bougie folks ate. Kendra smoothed out her dress and walked into the building. Tonight, she was going to be bougie.

As she stepped in the elevator and headed to the 70th floor she wondered why this place for a casual dinner? She knew Mark had a girlfriend and wondered if she would be here tonight or if anyone else would. Kendra realized that she hadn't asked any additional questions beyond the date, time, and what she should wear.

The elevator door opened to a beautiful low-lit room filled with cuddly booths and cozy tables all in front of a large window overlooking downtown Chicago, and it was a marvelous view.

Kendra approached the hostess to checked in "Hi, I have a reservation at 8 pm under the name Sabers." The hostess tapped her computer monitor and smiled "Ah yes, you are in private room two. Please follow me." As they made their way to the other end of the restaurant Kendra couldn't help thinking that if this was bougie living she was for it.

The hostess opened the door and there he was. Not quite how she remembered him, but better, more handsome. She smiled nervously and entered as he stood with arms extended for a hug. She couldn't help but notice when he embraced her the strength in his hold and the sweet intoxicating scent of his cologne. He slowly released her and motioned her to sit. Kendra looked around and realized it was just the two of them. Mark started the conversation

"Kendra- wow you look amazing." He smiled taking her in.

"No. Mark. Wow! You sir look...." Stammering again, Kendra reminded herself that this was her friend and he belonged to someone very fucking lucky. "Mark you look amazing too. Different from what I remember, but yeah wow! Will we be joined by anyone else or is it just us?" Kendra reached for the water goblet and took a deep sip.

"Nope, just us for the night. I really wanted to catch up and you know talk." He took a sip of water as the waiter entered the room.

"Good evening folks I am Tomas and I will be your waiter this evening. Shall I start you off with appetizers or perhaps you need more time with the menu?" Mark slid his menu to the side and looked at Kendra. "Do you know what you would like?" Kendra turned the menu looking over every item. "It all looks so good. What are you having?

Mark picked up the menu and handed it to the waiter. "I will have the Lamb, medium rare, potatoes, beans with the peppercorn sauce" Tomas scribbled the order and turned to Kendra whose eyes were bigger than saucers. "Oh, yes that sounds delicious. I will have the same." Again scribbling the order the Tomas turned back to Mark "Ok sir, would you like to take a look at the list of our featured wines?"

Kendra took the list from Tomas and started to name a few. "You know there are so many on this list it's hard to really chose." Mark took the list from Kendra and placed it on the table. "Tomas I'll tell you what, let's play a game. I will describe this lovely woman and you will bring the best wine that complements my description of her. Is that a deal?" Mark held his hand out to shake on the deal with Tomas and to Kendra's surprise, he accepted.

"All right sir. Go ahead, describe away."

Mark stood, away from the table, and crossed over to Kendra, lifting her from her chair. He circled her, ran his hand across her shoulder, down her arm, and held her hand. He then returned to his seat "Alright Tomas, bring me a bottle of wine as red as her lips, fruity and sweet like her perfume. It should be smooth like her skin with a chocolate finish." Mark winked at Kendra as Tomas nodded and left to place the order.

"Wow, that was something. what do you think he will come back with?" Mark took Kendra's hand "I hope he returns with wine as sweet as you." Kendra blushed, was feeling the excitement build inside her, but it was short-lived. What was going on here? She had to find out. "Mark, what's happening here? I'm a little confused by your behavior tonight."

"My behavior?" Mark now confused. " I don't know what you mean?"

"I'm getting a vibe from you, that I probably shouldn't get from you considering you have a girlfriend." Kendra wondered if she should have waited until after the meal to bring that up. No, it's better to get it out now.

The deep chuckle from the side of the table was not what she expected. Denial, explanations, smoke being blown up somewhere, but not laughter.

"What is so funny?" She didn't want to accuse him of anything, because he had always been a good friend, but she just knew he had a girlfriend.

"Kendra, Veronica, and I ended our relationship two years ago. I have been single ever since. To be honest that is what I wanted to talk to you about....Us."

"Us. What about us?" She leaned in closer to hear what Mark had to say as Tomas entered the room with dinner and a bottle of wine.

"Sir, I think I have the best selection for you." Tomas set two glasses on the table and began to pour the wine." This is a 2019 Mojave Rain Merlot. Please let me know if I got it right." Mark and Kendra lifted their glasses, giving it a swirl, and sipped chilled wine.

"Oh, Tomas this is delicious," Kendra said excitedly. As she took another sip Tomas gave a bow and said thank you. "Sir? Did I capture the lovely lady in Merlot form?"

"Tomas you did very well. Please leave the bottle."

"This wine is very good, I guess you know your wines like you know women huh? Kendra swirled her wine and took another sip.

"No, I don' know women like that, but I do know you. I only want to know you." Mark pulled his chair closer to Kendra and refilled her glass.

There was a subtle change in the music. Kendra immediately recognized the song playing. Did he plan this?

"Kendra, I have had feelings for you for some time and I never wanted to cross any lines when we were in college, but I knew that you were special. Whenever something good happened you were the one I wanted to call first. Veronica and I split up it was because she wanted marriage and even though I did love her, I wasn't in love with her, I was in love with you. I wanted this to be our first date."

Kendra sipped the deep red merlot, should she take a chance on this man with his smile, his intoxicating smell, and knee-weakening touch? She raised her glass and he raised his.

"To first dates Mark."

"To first dates Kendra."