Leave Room for Dessert

"I ordered the Merlot, I hope that is ok?" he said, passing the filled glass across the table towards her. She smiled timidly at him, pushing the glass up against her nose and inhaling. She wasn't a fancy wine person, that was for sure. On occassion she would buy a cheap box from the local store, the kind that burnt the back of your throat as you drank it. This one was rich, and warm. She felt her toes tingle. As she sipped she began to relax.

"I had expected you to order a chianti," she said, a smile danced at the edged of her lips.

"HA!" he exclaimed, falling back into his chair. "Now that would have been a cliché would it not?" he tapped the side of his nose and drank from his own glass. She watched him. His adams apple gliding as the wine slipped down his throat. He was more handsome in the flesh. The newspaper pictures and newsreel clips had not given him justice. He was gorgeous, but then she had always known he would be.

He caught her staring and smiled knowingly. She ducked behind her menu.

"Does anything catch your eye?" he said.

The menu was small, but wide ranging. She had read about this place in the food magazine her mother had subscribed her to last Christmas. She would never have dared to come here by herself, or suggested it to anyone else for that reason. It was far too glitzy for her. That and her desk job salary would not allow for such financial extravagance.

"There are a few things, maybe I will try them all," she joked.

"Be my guest," he replied. "Tonight is my treat. Spoil yourself."

She almost dropped the menu. Was he joking? He didn't seem to be as he called the waiter to the table. The young man knew who he was serving, his side glances and awkward gestures made it obvious.

"What can I get for you?" he stammered.

"I'll have the risotto starter, no main for me. I am leaving room for dessert," he winked across the table at her.

She giggled slightly. "I'll have the steak medium well and the... oysters. And can you also make sure there is a slice of your Heavenly Chocolate Cake, I know you sell out most nights."

The waiter nodded, and took their menus away walking towards the kitchen with frequent backwards glances.

"I have never had oysters," she said. "I always wondered what they would taste like."

"Well now is your chance!" he smiled.

"Thank you," she replied. His eyes held hers for a moment. It was true what everyone had said. They sucked you right in. Deep green like the ocean. Beautifully mysterious. She wanted to dive right into them.

"How is it going then?" he asked. "This last first date," he leant back in his chair again.

She picked up her wine glass and drank the dregs. "Very well. Great location and delicious wine."

"I am glad," he replied picking up the Merlot bottle, he gestured to fill her up.

"Are you not having anymore?"

He shook his head. "No, I have to keep my wits about me, you know...."

She nodded, and took the refilled glass from him. "That is much appreciated."

An awkward silence fell over the table which was only broken with the arrival of the waiter and their food.

"That was quick," she noted.

"Hmmm, I think they would prefer it if we weren't here." He tucked into his risotto.

He was right, as she glanced around many of the tables were staring at them. Their waiter held a conference at the water station. It was clear everyone was gossiping about them. Should she be uneasy?

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

"Not at all. Why would I be?" he replied, scraping up the last of his food before she had even begun hers.

"Well, are you afraid of what will happen after?" She dipped a fry in the sauce and nibbled at it.

"I love what comes after. I have always fancied myself a bit of an actor. The theatrics are wonderful," he dabbed at the side of his mouth with the napkin before flashing another one of his smiles at her.

All doubts melted and she dove into the steak with relish.

"There are a few things we should discuss," he began. She nodded across at him, not missing a mouthful. "Sorry I am not used to having a willing participant," he laughed awkwardly. "This all seems a little distasteful." She waved him off. Crossing her utensils on her now empty steak plate.

"Where would you like the money sent... after?" He continued.

She reached down to her handbag on the floor and pulled out a postit note with a name and address, "My brother," she clarified. "He is at med school and up to his ears in debt. I hope this will help him out."

He pocketed the address as she slurped her first oyster. She spluttered.

"And?"

"Yuck!" she replied with a laugh.

"We better get you that chocolate cake, and fast!" he motioned for the waiter.

"We will take the dessert now," he said, handing him his empty plate.

"Of course, what would you like Sir?"

"Nothing, just the chocolate cake for the lady." He replied, folding his napkin and placing it in front of him.

"But you said you were leaving room for dessert?" the waiter queried, slightly against his better judgement.

"Exactly," he replied with a wink. Once again she giggled, it seemed uncontrollable.

The waiter disappeared.

"I hope I haven't disappointed," he said, reaching across the table for her hand.

"It has been marvelous! A real adventure. Where will you be taking me?" she asked finishing off the wine.

"There is an empty warehouse along the river. It is actually very close to my old haunts! I am allowing myself a little nostalgia!" he squeezed her hand.

"It sounds perfect," she replied.

The cake arrived and she took a bite, a sound of satisfaction involuntarily escaping her lips.

"Good?"

"Would you like a try?" she offered. "I am sure I will taste it later when I get my own dessert."

"Of course," she blushed.

He paid the bill with cash. She watched him count the bills, and calculate a large tip. She couldn't ever recall being on a date where it was paid in cash.

"No one really jumps at the chance to give me a credit card!" he said, pocketing his change, and holding his hand out to her. "Shall we?"

She took it.

"Shall we walk, or would you prefer a cab?" She contemplated for a moment.

"A walk will be nice. The evening is beautiful and I can get some fresh air before..."

He tucked her hand under his arm, pulling her close.

"A walk it is and we will take as long as you like," he said.

The restaurant watched them leave, everyone taking note, a few even photographing them. He didn't mind. He wanted the theatrical post-show which would be made ever more extravagant with witnesses. She held her head up high. Tonight she was every bit as famous as he was, or at least she would be when this final first date ended and the after show began.