Couple: Paton and Julia
Julia listened to the soft pitter-patter of the rain pounding on the roof outside. It was dark outside, only faded orbs of light were seen from the raindrop stained windows. She fiddled her fingers on a single red rose nervously. Warm and comforting smells had reached its way to the actual bookstore from the kitchen. It helped lower her heart rate, along with the rain.
Minutes ago, she had checked in on Emma, and was glad to find her sound asleep, safe for the first time in a while. Yes, another good thing to steady her heart.
She glanced around. The lights were off-everyone knows that he didn't like light bulbs- and the scented candles cast dancing shadows along the wall while providing a satisfying aroma. She walked towards the mirror hanging on the wall behind the counter and double checked that she looked suitable for the dinner to come. Red dress...check. Hair curled...check. Did she look good enough? What about her breath? Was it minty enough? Did she have the right poise? What if she messed up?
All of the negative thinking made her feel even more self conscious. She sighed and fiddled with her rose again. "How can a rose maintain its beauty?" she pondered. Silence... "You make it look so easy..." she murmured to the rose.
She started when she heard a little tinkle of the bell. She spun around and a friendly face smiled at her. "Good evening Julia." Paton said.
Julia blushed and was grateful that the candles didn't show her pink face.
"Good evening Paton." she replied casually.
She watched as he hung up his coat on the coat-rack. "That smells wonderful." he said, directing his attention to the door that led to the kitchen. "What did you make?"
"Roasted duck with a raspberry glaze..." she said. She searched his face for any sign of reluctance. To her, it didn't sound very appetizing but in truth it was very delectable. "And for dessert I made crème brulee."
"Sounds fancy." he said as they entered the kitchen.
"It's amazing." Julia said, sounding relieved. "Trust me, you'll love it."
Paton rushed to pull a chair out for her and motioned for her to sit. She smiled and sat down. When he sat down, he noticed the rose that she held.
"That's a beautiful rose you have there." he said earnestly.
"Thank you. I picked it from my flower box. They're such stunning flowers." she said, twirling the flower for a special effect.
"Not as stunning as you, my dear."
She looked up at him and felt her cheeks redden. "Oh I can't possibly compete with a rose."
"Julia, you don't need to compete. With a single glance everyone can say that you would win."
Julia beamed. "Thank you Paton."
Paton nodded. "You're welcome. Now, how about that duck?"