Chapter 9 A Night to Remember
Notes: The lack of feedback on the last two chapters makes me wonder- Are ya'll enjoying this story? Don't be afraid to either review or PM me your critique-it helps inspire me to continue writing. Many thanks to Alex455, SpaceCadet47 and Monkwriter... I loved writing this chapter & hope you enjoy reading it!
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Adrian knew he was obsessing over this small problem in an attempt to calm his nerves. However there really wasn't any reason to worry; it was just a dinner date with Natalie. But he couldn't get it straight, no matter how he tied the knot. His agitation rising, he continued to tie and retie his neckwear. Telling himself to relax, Adrian finally pulled the tie from around his neck. Did he really have to wear one? He decided to roll it up and put it in his jacket pocket, just in case the restaurant had a dress code. Adrian unbuttoned his top button, straightened his collar and took a deep breath. 'It's just a restaurant, not a firing squad!' he chided himself. He then went and scanned out the window for his taxi, ready for this night to begin.
Natalie happily turned and posed in front of the full length mirror, ignoring the discarded pile of dresses lying behind her on the bed. The perfect dress had been hidden in the back of the closet, shimmering like a secret, waiting to be discovered. She had bought it months ago on a wild impulse, never expecting to wear it to please Adrian. Natalie spun and admired how the sapphire blue dress swirled above her knees. She also noticed how the simple neckline highlighted her slender shoulders. Wanting to complete the look, she crossed the bedroom to the bureau. With an unexpected nervousness, her hands quivered as she searched her jewelry box for the perfect necklace and the perfect earrings. As she made her selections, Natalie heard Adrian call out a greeting as he closed the front door. In a flutter of excitement Natalie finished donning her accessories and checked her reflection. She then ran down the stairs, ready for anything.
"What made you choose this place?" Natalie asked as they entered the restaurant. From the tone of Natalie's voice, Adrian knew she was not prepared for this place and was shocked he had chosen this establishment.
"Randy, actually. Several weeks ago, he went on and on about this place and said he was planning on coming here with Sharona next week when she's in town." Adrian sheepishly admitted, now concerned it was a bad choice. He stopped and looked at Natalie in dismay. "Why, is there something wrong with this place? Did they fail a health inspection?"
"No, this place is definitely a four-star establishment." She smiled and took his arm as they continued their approach of the empty hostess station "So Randy didn't specifically tell you to bring me to this place?"
"No he didn't, why?"
"Just let me know if you want to leave, okay?" Natalie raised an eyebrow.
A puzzled look remained on his face as he released Natalie's arm and turned to face her. He was about to ask for an explanation, but then heard footsteps approach the hostess station. He turned to give his name, only to be shocked into silence. Adrian once again looked to Natalie; with her hands covering her mouth, she had doubled over laughing.
"Come on, hon, what's the name?" At six and a half feet tall, the hostess towered over Adrian and Natalie. Adjusting the strap of her white gown, she warmly smiled when she noticed Adrian's blank expression. "I'm sorry, you must be first-timers. Let me introduce myself. Miss Marilyn Monroe, but you can just call me Marilyn. Welcome to 'Illusions'. I hope you're ready for a night you'll always remember."
Adrian remained speechless and glanced past Natalie into the dining area; he was now distracted by everyone and everything in the restaurant. Stifling her giggles, Natalie squeezed Adrian's bicep and gave their name to the bemused hostess. When 'Marilyn' started to show them to their table, Natalie had to forcibly guide Adrian by the arm as they were led past a bar and through the large dining room. Natalie recognized the faraway look on his face and knew his distraction was caused by a sensory overload. To get him out of this distracted state, Natalie decided to focus his attention onto specifics. So as they threaded their way between tables, she pointed out some of the 'celebrities' in attendance. Michele Pfeiffer was lounging across a baby-grand piano, crooning 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You'. May West was bartending tonight, giving a shot of attitude with every drink. And Barbra Streisand mingling with some patrons across the room.
After they were seated, Natalie gave their drink orders to, of all people, Celine Dion. Adrian was still silent and looked at Natalie in distress. Uncomfortable in normal social situations, the unexpected appearance of these 'celebrities' completely disoriented him. Not recognizing the 'celebrities' was only part of the problem; there was something else gnawing at him. A bewildering feeling he couldn't put into words.
"Natalie. I don't understand this place. There's something wrong with these people."
"Well, the name of the place is 'Illusions', right? So these actors dress up and impersonate famous celebrities. That's what this place is about. It's fun!" Natalie rubbed his arm and offered an encouraging smile.
"But, they're giants!" Adrian hissed.
"No, they are not giants, they're men." Natalie laughed as Adrian's mouth fell open. His brow furrowed and he turned his head to scrutinize one of the entertainers. Natalie softly captured his face and brought him close, gazing into his eyes. "Ssh. Relax. Try and enjoy their performances. Just think how much work it takes those guys to replicate all the mannerisms and to get into those gowns and do the makeup!" Natalie watched as Adrian's expression changed from total shock to shock mingled with puzzlement.
"Natalie! Why would you want me to think about them, um, getting into their gowns?" Adrian looked around and fidgeted in his seat.
"I don't! I just want you to appreciate all the effort that goes into creating the effect. Heck, I never put so much effort into getting ready for work!"Completely tickled with the thought of wearing a gown, stiletto heels and stage makeup to a crime scene, she sat back and snickered. Natalie then leaned forward and touched Adrian's cheek. "Seriously though, how are you feeling? Do you want to leave?"
Remembering her delighted laugh when they met 'Marilyn' and her non-stop smile since being seated, he fought the discomfort that filled his chest. He glanced down at the table, straightened the silverware, and then returned his gaze to Natalie. "Let's stay. Just don't leave me alone, okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll protect you!" She winked, pulled a wipe from her purse and cleaned off a menu before handing it to Adrian.
Over salad and dinner, Adrian's anxiety gradually diminished to a mere shadow of apprehension. Natalie's joyous laughter was infectious and by the end of their meal, he had almost forgotten how he vowed to never again listen to any of Randy's ideas. Adrian even understood some of the jokes told by the 'celebrities'. This place really wasn't so bad after all. Well, not until dessert.
Right after their tiramisu was served, Adrian felt a pair of hands on his shoulders. Resisting the urge to turn or jump, he froze and watched Natalie's eyes. He watched as she looked behind him. Her gaze continued up and up, her head tilted almost to the ceiling. Her face immediately showed a sign of recognition while the laughter of the other diners suddenly echoed in his mind. Then he heard a voice that sent chills down his spine.
"Hey there handsome, care to join me in a song?"
Natalie immediately placed one hand on top the entertainer's and smiled "He's not much for singing, Cher. But I'm sure you don't need anyone to steal the spotlight away from you!"
'Cher' let out a demure giggle as she tossed her hair off her shoulders "Honey, I love to share the spotlight. And if your man won't join me, I guess I'll just have to take you instead!" And with that, Natalie felt a surprisingly strong hand grasp hers and pull her from her chair. Still holding Natalie's hand, Cher guided her through the tables and up to the baby-grand piano. Cher then picked up a microphone and gently admonished Natalie, "Now don't be shy, little sister. The audience wants to hear you!"
Recognizing the first few bars of 'I Got You, Babe', Natalie cackled and hid her face in her hands. Cher pulled Natalie's hands away and whispered in her ear "Come on sweetie, don't be shy. Imagine you're alone, singing to your man."
Natalie took hold of Cher's hand and nodded that she was ready to sing. After singing the first verse directly to Cher, Natalie summoned her courage and looked out to the audience and continued to sing. She spotted Adrian at their table, seemingly in a trance. On a silly impulse, she blew him a kiss and was relieved to see a shy grin light up his features. As Natalie finished singing the last line of the song, Cher started to clap and the rest of the diners joined in with the applause. Natalie took a bow and then turned to Cher "Thank you for sharing your spotlight."
Cher graciously bowed and then surprised Natalie by sweeping her up into 'her' arms. "Here, this place is just too crowded. And I'm afraid all your fans might maul you. Let me carry you back to your seat!"
Adrian shot from his seat upon seeing this, only to feel another hand grip his shoulder. He glanced to his left and flinched when he found himself face-to-face with Judy Garland. Not the sweet pig-tailed, blue-dress-wearing Judy Garland but the glitzy, tough-talking Broadway Judy Garland. Adrian narrowed his eyes, trying to assess the situation.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to tell you not to worry about Cher, she doesn't mean any harm." Ms. Garland turned her face and watched as Natalie and Cher approached, a melancholy smile crossing her face. "You've got a wonderful woman there, I hope you appreciate her."
Adrian watched as Cher carried Natalie towards him and gently lowered Natalie to her feet. She was beautiful. Without turning his attention from Natalie, Monk wistfully said "I do."
Natalie embraced Cher and turned to face Adrian. With a cheerful giggle she took one of his hands and gushed "Well, I'll always remember this night!" She then noticed his somber expression and shot a quick look over towards Judy Garland "Are you alright? What happened?"
"Everything's perfect." A hint of a smile tugged at his lips as he continued to study her face. He stood transfixed and didn't notice when Cher patted him on the back. Nor did he hear when all the diners began to tap their wine glasses, calling for them to kiss. Adrian only noticed Natalie stepping nearer, her hand now resting on his chest. The blue of her eyes washed over him, inviting his advancement and her lips parted, luring him even closer. The yearning for her touch blotted out the world around them. He closed his eyes and found her lips, tender and soft.
After breathlessly ending their kiss, Natalie tugged on his jacket lapel and suggested "Maybe we should get the check and get out of here?"
A round of applause had filtered through the restaurant, only to be drowned out by several cat-calls and knowing "woo-hoo's". Adrian shifted his shoulders and blinked rapidly, suddenly aware of the surroundings. He was now also conscious of how, while one of his hands held Natalie's hand, his other hand had somehow found her waist and was caressing her hip. He pulled his hand away and once again shifted a shoulder, uncomfortable with all the eyes focused on them. "We can leave now?"
"Yes, let's get our check and we can go home." Natalie, still holding on to Monk's hand, motioned to their waitress for the bill.
Before she even approached the couple, Monk had placed Natalie's hand into the crook of his elbow and had retrieved his wallet. Anxious to leave, he removed a large stack of 20's from his wallet and handed it to the waitress as soon as she arrived. Telling her to keep the change, tonight this waitress happily received more than the standard tip.
As they left the restaurant, Adrian firmly took Natalie's hand, guiding her towards the car. By the way he gazed at her, she knew this night was just beginning.
