Reminisce

It's a busy night at the bistro, the maitre'D asks about table 7, turning to the waitress he says "he is usually on time, every month for the last 20 years, never this late, I hope he's OK?', the waitress responds, "don't worry he will be here, I have his wine ready, his table for 2, how long has it been...", The maitre D interrupts, there he is!

Good evening sir, your table is ready, I will escort your guest when she arrives. He nonchalantly nods his head and proceeds to take his seat. The waitress arrives, the "usual sir?", he nods and proceeds to pour the wine.

Taking a sip, he glances at the door and goes back to his wine. Slowly he drinks his merlot and his mind begins to wander.

Remember the first time we met my love? I was sitting here at this table waiting for my date, I waited and waited but no one came, I was stood up. As luck would have it your date stood you up too. I took a few swigs, maybe they were gulps, nah they were definitely gulps, I had enough liquid courage to invite you to sit with me. I got up and went to your table almost turned around, I was so nervous, scared, you must have noticed my awkwardness, but your smile, that smile of your was comforting you said hello, and that was it...

You were so beautiful, that red dress, your hair, that smile, I was in love, I was so nervous I just kept drinking that fine merlot. in fact when I think of you, I am sipping on our wine. I asked you your name, you said Stella with such grace, We laughed, and smiled, and had such a wonderful time, I never wanted it to end, haha you even finished my wine, we shared a cab ride. I knew right there and then I wanted to spend my life with you. I wanted to make you my Queen.

Waitress stops by, asks how is the dinner going? Fine thanks, we would like another bottle of Merlot, and some appetizers, what shall we have my love? The usual? The waitress replies, Yes the usual thank you....

Giggling to himself, he spoke, Ill be honest with you my love, after our first date, I could not get you out my mind, I could not wait for the week to end so I could see you again. On our second date you did not disappoint, you walked into the restaurant like a Greek goddess, Aphrodite herself, radiant, my heart jumped, I needed to sip, this time some more of my liquid courage, as a matter of fact, is this not the same dress you are wearing from our second date? I knew the second you walked in, stunning. More wine my dear? let me pour some for me...

As he looks around, my love will excuse me for a moment? I shall return quickly, I cannot bear to be away from your presence, I will be quick. I promise.

Excusing himself he leaves, wait staff go by the table, and about to clear it, the Maitre D jumps in, leave it alone, he is a good customer and a friend...

Returning with flowers, he sets them on the table and says My love Happy Anniversary! You thought I had forgotten? I will never forget that day you said yes to being my wife. Do you remember that time we travelled in Europe? When I proposed to you on top of the Eiffel tower? We had some great times, you made every moment special. I can never forget the waiter who told us they ran out of Merlot on our Engagement day and you (laughing) made him go and find us some Merlot. I have never seen someone run so fast and return not with 1 bottle but a case of merlot. I'll be honest my love, I tried other wines, but only Merlot works, when I am in your presence.

As the night goes on, table 7 is on fire, laughing , joking, rowdy, but all the people could see because of the corner is a gentleman clearly enjoying himself, many wonder who the lady could be thats making him laugh so loud. He says to her since the day we met you have been my dream date, I cant imagine doing this without you. Maybe its the merlot talking but I still love you like it was the first time....Im gonna yell it out loud! Dino stands and shouts in a slightly intoxicated pose, how much he loves Stella, the restaurant seems to ignore him.

The Maitre D stop by the table and tells Dino, we are about to close, I will call you a cab, how was your evening?

Dino taking a sip of his merlot looking at his Stella, smiles and says how much of a great evening they had, and that Stella always liked you, you always had a kind soul Simon. Stella was and always will be a classy lady, you were fortunate to have found true love my friend Simon said, take your time, I'll let you know when your ride arrives.

Dino smiles and goes back to his wine..you hear that my love classy lady you were, everyone loved you, especially I. Simon one more glass of merlot before my ride please, Simon gets a bottle and leaves it, gift for you and Stella, she is a special lady and you are not too shabby sir, they chuckle and Simon leaves.

Even now your beauty gets us comped, I love you so much!

Simon comes back, the cab is here the ride it's on us, the dinner too, Dino looking at Stella whilst sipping his wine, you still got it babe! I must go now, the chariot awaits, I will see you soon again my love, finishing the merlot, Dino leans over to kiss Stella, he is suddenly helped by Simon to the door, he turns around and sees his Stella, says to her how much he loves her and as he is being walked out, his Stella fades to black. A tear falls, but as he is being put in the cab, his friend Simon gives him the bottle...

After all these years I figured it was the Merlot that helped you see your love, take it home, finish it with her, God bless and I will see you next week.

Dino shakes his hand and thanks him for being understanding and a good friend. Back at the restaurant, the staff asked what happened, why does he always come in at 8:41 pm and needs table 7 and that Merlot?

Simon says to them, he lost his love 5 years ago and he comes in every week, orders the same from menu, and only drinks merlot, he was married and in love for 25 years, and it seems that this place, that wine, that table helps him cope, he may even be intoxicated enough to believe she's still with him, we will honor him and his wishes, it was true love, I can attest, now lets clean up, and don't forget to order more Merlot.

Though it's just a memory Some memories last forever

(Lakeside Park-Rush)