Almost immediately after we ordered, the small talk turned into work talk. The three of them squawked on and on about murder this and murder that; I don't really care for that stuff. I'm an artist, not some police specialist. I felt out of the loop but looked out the window to the falling snow. It was light, fluffy flakes, practically dancing from the heavens. As much as I adore summer, it's moments like these I can't get enough of. My mind drifts to thoughts of home, sitting by the fireplace with a good book and even better coffee.
A gentle tickle upon my hand makes me jump back into my seat; my gasp just loud enough to be embarrassing. I looked up to the space across from me and I'm greeted with a grinning Doctor.
"Hmm?" I lean forward, knowing I had missed something important. I saw his lips quiver, just for a moment. Ah, right, I made a noise instead of saying pardon me my lord.
"I said, we didn't mean to go into work talk. I don't want you to feel left out." It seemed genuine enough to me. I went to say something to Will, but the two love birds were gone. I looked up to the dancefloor and saw them swaying together; Alana laughing in the way those young twenty-something women whose pictures came with the frame do. In that moment, I realized that this was all worth it. I could get wined and dined by a weird looking guy if it meant my two friends would be happy. Before I get sucked back into my brain, I turn back to the Good Doctor.
"Oh, it's okay! I figured, with everyone working together, the conversation was bound to stray that way." I took a quick sip of water just to occupy the space.
"Except you. While our friends are dancing, let's get to know each other. What do you do for a living?" I couldn't deny that he was quite suave in his words; each sentence carefully constructed word by word.
"I teach dance, for the most part. Outside of all of that, I do art; painting, writing, charcoal sketches. I do what I love, mostly doing off-hand work outside of concerts and whatnot." I smile a customary smile.
"Of all the things about this place, I enjoy the atmosphere most. Formal, yet intimate. I suggested it; Will wanted me to cook dinner. Many say my food can be compared to works of art." I blink at Doctor Lecter. Boasting doesn't look good on you, Doc.
"I've heard a few things, in passing." No, I hadn't. But it made him happy that I said so.
"You wore quite the dress for the season."
"Yeah, it's the only thing nice I had that was clean," No point in lying. He chuckled, giving a nod ", but that isn't something you have an issue with."
"What makes you say that?" A challenge to analyse him. Alright, you're on.
"I've never been a fan of paisley, but I noticed as soon as I walked in that everything is ironed to a tee. Your socks match your shirt which, let's be real here, is super weird. That knot is tight, and not the cool tight, but the 'I couldn't cut through it with a knife' tight. And the most… odd thing about all of this is that, no matter how you move, your sleeves stay in the exact same position."
"Your attentive nature is desirable, Celeste." He smirks, head tilted. This guy has quite the tick. Maybe I should start a tally of all the head tilts.
"It's something Will taught me."
That amused him.
"Very attentive, Celeste. I'll admit, I've also been paying close attention to you and you have goose bumps. That dress is too cold for comfort." Without another word, he stands, pealing the jacket off his arms and placing it over my shoulders. It's weird as fuck; one minute he's challenging me as a dominant and now be performs an act of submission by giving me something of his; another thing Will taught me.
"Oh, thanks." I stumble, as sincere as I can manage. My mind is churning with all the information I've gathered through this night, trying to get a solid read on this guy. I'm in over my head…
"You're quite welcome." He likes to get the last word; not surprising.
We fall into a happy silence, sipping our waters and doing anything but looking at each other. At least, I'm actively avoiding him.
"So, has Will told you the plan for tonight?" He asked.
"No." I said.
"Will is driving Alana home and I'll be driving you home. I was under the impression he told you."
"He's probably just too excited to remember that stuff right now." She smiled, watching the newfound couple come back over to the table.
The rest of the night goes pleasant. No more talk of murderers or alone time with Doctor Weirdo. The Doctor comments on his misery over not being able to drink the wine here, because it's some of the best he's tried outside of his own personal reserve, due to being a DD; I guess that reminds Will to tell me of the plan. I laughed and gave him a thumbs-up. As I go to grab my bill, a large hand reaches over and snatches it.
"Give me the pleasure of paying for you?" The Doctor posed his statement as a question; already slipping the bill in with his own.
"Oh, if you insist." I wave my hand about, giving him a nod of thanks which he seems to recognize. We all walk out and say our goodbyes, walking to the cars in the moonlit winter night. I slide my arms in Doctor Lecter's jacket, pulling it tighter around me, feeling as if the residue of his body heat was still keeping me warm. He opened the door for me, and honestly, I'm impressed. He's weird and gives off some funky as fuck vibes, but he's nice.
"And where am I taking you tonight?"
"Thirteen Sixth Street, off Devoff Avenue."
"Your perfume smells divine. It's an odd juvenile brand, but it suits you. Not because you are odd or juvenile, but the scent of sweet flowers and sugar. It's an interesting choice." Doctor Lecter yaps away and I just smile and nod. I go to say thank you, but stop mid motion. A thick chill falls down the interior of my bones.
I think back to when I was getting ready and I'm certain that I didn't spray perfume. I know what brand he's talking about; it was nothing more than a drugstore perfume but I loved it as soon as I smelt it. I lower my head casually, smelling the tops of my breasts where I often dab a light bit of perfume, but I smell nothing. The gears in my head are cranking away, trying to recall the last time I wore that stupid perfume. Not yesterday; I didn't leave the house. The day before I taught dance and I never wear perfume to the studio. But it hits me; three days ago, instead of a shower a spritzed perfume on. Three days ago.
"You know, I'm not sure what you smell, but it isn't my perfume. I haven't worn any for three days." I laugh nonchalant, an feeling on unease settling deep in my stomach.
"I never said you put your perfume on today."
I forced some sort of intangible noise out of my mouth and just kept staring out the window. I wondered if I would die if I dove out of the car. He just went from being mildly weird to full blown freak.
"I hope I wasn't too bad of a date tonight." Doctor Lecter breaks the silence, looking between me and the road, my house just a block away.
"Nope, it was fine!" I chuckle, the comment about my perfume still fresh in my mind.
"I'm glad you think so. I heard Will and Alana whisper they want to do this again tomorrow. I can convince him to do it in a more casual setting. I could tell you were quite uncomfortable, I saw you straining to read the French upon the menu." I rolled my eyes; being talked down to was not high on my 'love it' list.
"Define casual setting?" My hand is placed firmly on the door handle, ready to roll into my death.
"Why don't you define casual for me?"
"A bar?"
"I'll convince them to hold our plans at a bar tomorrow." He seemed quite pleased with himself.
"Yeah, sounds good." I force out. Thank fuck I'm home. I couldn't spend another minute in this vehicle with this weird motherfucker. I unclasp my seatbelt and go to open the door, but I watch the tall Doctor open it for me. For such a tall man, he moves silently.
"Thank you again for dinner, Doctor." I sputter, not want to be rude. I heard him chuckle or something while getting back into his car, but I didn't look back. I slammed my door behind me and triple checked that shit was locked. I went into the garage, my pumps long discarded down the hallway, and lit up a smoke.
I had to do it again tomorrow. Will owed me big time.