Dream Chaser by Patrick Councilor
By the time their table was ready, they hadn't had much of their drinks. This was fine with Niles because he wanted to order a nice red wine with their meals. The waitress, KT, lead them back to a table by the open-countered kitchen. On the wall was a ten, maybe twelve, by eight foot mirror. Daphne commented on that as they took their seats. To the other wall was the wine housing in a six glass door refrigerator. The dim amber lighting set quite a wonderful mood.
KT gave them a wine list, but Niles knew what he wanted. He asked Daphne if she didn't mind if he chose the wine. He ordered, "We'll have a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley."
"Very good sir." She took the listing, gave them menus to view and told them that she'd be right back to take their order.
"Napa Valley Dr. Crane? I'm a little surprised that you didn't order French." Daphne batted her eyes at him. "It sounds delicious."
"Although French wine is paramount in its own standing, Napa Valley won an official tasting in Paris at the Paris Wine tasting of 1976."
"Oh, I didn't know that."
"Oh yes, they presented their finest Chardonnays and an assortment of reds. Bordeaux wines from France and Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley…" He stopped short. "I'm sorry Daphne. I didn't intend to bore you with my fascination of wines."
"Don't be silly." She noticed their server approaching them with the wine. "I think it's about to pay off."
The server poured Niles a shallow glass to sample. Niles approved and the wine was served. "Have you made a decision or would you like some more time?"
He read her nametag. "KT, could we give us a few more minutes." He knew what he wanted, but wanted to give Daphne more time.
When the server left, Daphne opened her menu. "Oh my, Niles. Look at these prices."
"Please don't look at the prices. It's not about the cost tonight. Let's just unwind and have a good evening. Try your wine."
She took a drink and held in on her pallet for a few moments. "Wow. This is incredible."
They touched glasses. "Thank you for joining me Daphne."
"My goodness. You keep treating me like this and you may have a hard time getting rid of me."
Niles smiled and hid it behind a long drink of his wine. That comment felt good.
"Is there something you would suggest?" she asked from the other side of her menu.
"I tend to favor the New York Strip."
"Oh, that sounds good."
When the server returned, Daphne ordered her steak and ordered it well done. She also ordered a baked potato.
Niles ordered his New York Stip.
"And how would you like that?"
"Medium, not a true pink, but not a mauve either…" He looked over at Daphne who was grinning at him. Perhaps he was carrying this just a bit too far. "Ah… and I'll have the broiled tomatoes…Oh, and the creamed spinach." He then added salads for the both of them.
"Very well sir. The plates are very hot. They will be coming to your table at about 400 degrees, so please be careful. If you feel that your steak isn't cooked quite well enough, you can cut it up and face it to the plate to cook a little more."
Daphne smiled. "Oh my, that's impressive."
"It sure is," Niles concurred as he handed KT the menus.
Daphne reached out and placed her hands on his. "Doctor Crane, thank you so for inviting me to dinner. This is an incredible night."
"Yes, it is. And you are more than welcome."