Chapter 22
Nicholas
Emily comes down to meet me
“You look stunning,” I say, admiring her green maxi dress. I’m not quite sure how to describe her outfit or what colour shade of green it really is. I mean, it has a cut-out at the bust, but today I’m more focused on her gorgeous smile.
“Thank you,” she replies, blushing. “You look really nice boo.”
“Ready to go?”
“I sure am, love.”
Hand in hand, with her leaning into me every so often, we stroll to the newly opened Italian restaurant every millennial on social media has been raving about. One major newspaper reported patrons were willing to wait up to five hours to be seated. They must be out of their goddamn minds.
True to the hype, we turn on to the street where the restaurant is located to find a queue as long as the line to get into a sold-out Taylor Swift concert.
No way am I going to wait in that line unless I’m trying to fuck for the first time.
The things we do for sex. Anyway, thankfully Lisa calls in a favour and so we skip the line.
Seated at a table set with elaborate dinnerware, the fanciest I have ever seen, we order from a tech device that looks like it belongs in the year 2050.
“So, now that I know you’d like to visit Kenya to tour the Safari and see the lions of course, and travel to Japan to visit the Himeji Castle and eat all the sushi your heart desires, tell me…
what inspires you to serve food at a homeless shelter on Christmas day?
” I ask, reaching across the table to hold her hand.
“Wow, um. From I was little, my mom instilled in me the importance of helping those in need. She’d always take me with her to volunteer at almost anything you can think of.
When she died in the summer of 2010, I missed her the most on Christmas day, despite being surrounded by loving, caring and fun people.
So, the following Christmas, I signed up to volunteer at a shelter where she used to help.
It’s become somewhat of a tradition for me.
And with the help of Lisa and others, I’ve been able to get corporate sponsorships. ”
“Oh, that’s amazing, Emily,” I respond, feeling a stronger connection.
“What about you? What inspires you to finance and serve at a shelter?” she asks, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hands.
“My mother was from the inner-city. She was fortunate to receive a scholarship, get an education and eventually she moved out of the area. But she always made it her duty to give back to her community, until her passing. So, it’s my small way of honouring her,” I share, leaning forward.
“For you madam.” The waiter places a plate in front of her, pausing our conversation on philanthropy. Despite the milelong line outside, the main course is served in less than thirty minutes, as promised on their social media campaigns or the meal is free. Impressive.
“Thank you,” Emily tells him, smiling widely.
“And for you Sir.” He places a plate in front of me.
“Thanks.”
Oh, I skipped the appetizer part. Didn’t I? I don’t remember what we had, but whatever it was, it was delicious. While we enjoy the main course, I sit there, captivated by the beautiful woman across from me as we engage in a fun, meaningful conversation.
“Can I try that?” she points at my fettuccine Alfredo, doing what girls tend to do when in the puppy love stage — ask for a bite of whatever is on their man’s plate. It hit me that she had made the same request for my appetizer.
“Of course, babe,” I say, twirling the pasta with my fork and watching as she opens her mouth in anticipation. “This is amaaaaazing,” she declares. Again, the response of every girl whenever a man feeds them in the puppy love stage.
“Do you want to try this?” she asks. It was really a statement for all intents and purposes.
“Sure, I’d love to try your shrimp scampi,” I tell her, when my phone pings.
Hey Nick, based on our conversation today, are you able to meet with the CFO and I tomorrow, for lunch, to discuss an opportunity in line with your objectives.
“Sorry, babe. Give me second, Lisa is messaging me about a lunch meeting with the CFO tomorrow,” I say apologetically, showing her the message on the phone.
“That’s amazing, you should definitely meet up with them.” She is enthusiastic, almost sounding proud of me.
Yes, I’m available to meet. Please send me the restaurant location. Thank you.
“Where were we? Oh yea, let me try that.” I give her the pleasure of feeding me. Gleefully, she selects the largest shrimp… looking more excited than a kid in a candy store.
“Do you like it?” She asks before I can even finish chewing.
“Yes, this is the best food I’ve ever had,” I exaggerate a bit. Because what else am I supposed to say.
After we got through the main course, the waitress brings our dessert. Wow. I definitely want to try what she is having. Feed me.
“Can I get a bite of that?” I ask, pointing at the tiramisu-looking pastry like a baby demanding a fruity flavoured Gerber meal.
“Of, course love,” and she cuts off a bite-sized piece.
“Penny for your thoughts,” she asks after feeding me the pastry.
“Two things really. I’m wondering how I got so lucky to meet someone so beautiful. You’re so pretty,” I say, looking deeply into her eyes.
“Aww babe, you’re going to make me cry,” she responds. Her voice all trembly as if she is on the verge of tears. “And the second thing?” A tear escapes and runs down her cheek, which makes me dewy-eyed.
“I’d like you to officially be my girlfriend.” I put the fork down and hold her hand. “I’ll be going back to Jamaica soon and —”
“Yes, I’d love to be your girlfriend!” She cuts my explanation short, which I don’t mind if I’m being honest as I’m not good at these types of things.
I’ve only ever been in one serious relationship before.
My girlfriend of four years died in the most horrific way two days before her 27th birthday, seconds before I was going to propose to her.
That’s all I’m willing to mention at this point, as it’s too painful to revisit.
I haven’t been the same since — in my opinion and according to the medical experts.
After a glass of wine, the mood changing now that we’re an official couple, we walk back to the penthouse. On the ride up in the elevator, Emily reaches for my hand and when the doors open, we walk into the hallway hand-in-hand.
It was a beautiful night. Imagine that in any way you’d like. Chances are you’re spot on.