Here is the rest of the date. This whole date was very fun to write, as I simply described my dream date with Erik!
As they were leaving the opera house, Christine noticed a crowd of women in the entrance, of which she recognised Alexia Walton. She whispered something to one of her companions, and they turned to look at her, giggling. Christine turned her head away from them, and hugged her arm closer to Erik's. That woman made her feel very nervous, and she wasn't quite sure why. All she knew was that she wanted nothing to do with her.
Erik opened the door to the car, which Henry had just parked up in front of them. Christine wondered how he had known they were only just coming out, seeing as the performance had ended rather late. Erik must have let him know, but he hadn't made any phone calls. It was all very magical, and Christine felt very special getting into the classy car with the handsome man on her arm.
"So, where are we going to eat?"
Erik chuckled, his laugh sounding almost musical. "Again, that is a surprise. I think you will like it though."
The smooth car journey only lasted a couple of minutes, before they arrived at their destination. Christine was surprised when the car turned off and drove down a tiny alley, with high stone walls on either side. They had to drive slowly, as the car was almost as wide as the street.
"Erik, where are we going?" There couldn't be any restaurants down here, surely. It was far too out of the way.
"We are going to a tiny French restaurant called the Tranche de Ciel.* Hardly anyone knows about, and it's very exclusive. I think you'll like it very much."
"I love French food. It sounds lovely."
The car stopped outside the entrance to what looked like a small courtyard, although it was hard to tell due to the bushes which grew all the way along the high stone wall. Erik and Christine managed to get out of the car, with a small amount of difficulty, due to the narrowness of the street, and Henry drove off down the street towards the other end. Erik pressed a button next to the door, and a few minutes later, the door was opened by a small woman, with short, black hair. Her face broke into a huge friendly grin when she saw them, and ushered them inside.
"Erik! How are you my dear? And this must be Christine." She shook Christine's hand warmly. "Come here dear, let me look at you." She pulled Christine into the light, and began talking before Erik could introduce her. "I am Maria. I doubt Erik told you about me did he? Ah yes, you are very beautiful." She turned to Erik. "Erik, you never told me how beautiful your girlfriend was!" She chastised.
Erik was sure he must have turned bright red. Trust Maria go say something like that. Perhaps introducing Christine to Maria on their first date was a bad idea he thought to himself. He glanced over at Christine to see how she had reacted to the "girlfriend" comment, but she evidently hadn't noticed, as she was still smiling along with Maria.
"Thank you, Maria. It's a pleasure to meet you." Christine giggled. She couldn't help but like this woman already. Had Erik told her she was his girlfriend? Somehow she doubted it, but perhaps Maria hoped to speed things along with them, in calling her that. She wondered how Erik knew her. He had never mentioned anyone called Maria to her before.
Maria led them both through the gate "Oh my, it's beautiful!" Christine exclaimed as she gazed around her. They had entered what did indeed turn out to be a court yard. The entire place was filled with flowers, plants, and tall, flickering candles, stuck into the ground around the path which led the way to another door, which Christine guessed must lead to the restaurant. There was a small sign above what must have been the main door, which read tranche de ciel in blue writing.
"Erik hasn't told me much about you my dear, which is typical of him." She turned her attention towards Erik, and gave him a good natured glare. "I am so happy to meet you." Maria said as she opened the door, and they walked inside. She then turned to Erik, and whispered something to him in French. "Vous devriez l'épouser. Rapidement.*"
"Maria! Be quiet!" Erik hissed, clearly annoyed at what she had said. Christine wished she had listened more during her French lessons, as she had not understood a word. Maria merely ignored Erik's protests, and simply grinned at them both, before ushering the further into the restaurant.
The tranche de ciel was like a tiny patch of paradise in the hustle and bustle of inner city London. There were only a few tables, and each one was beautifully laid, and strategically placed, giving the occupants privacy, even though the room was very small. Only two of the five tables were filled, and both sets of couples did not seem to notice their arrival. The place was made for romance, and Christine couldn't help but feel giddy just looking around her. Dim lighting, created by the red shaded lamps, and tall candles enhanced the atmosphere of sophistication, and yet the low beamed ceiling gave it a homely appeal. How could she have never known about this place? It was spectacular in its simplicity.
Maria knew as soon as she saw the mysterious Christine whom Erik had only mentioned briefly on the phone that she and Erik belonged together. She had been wary when Erik mentioned that he was bringing a woman to her restaurant, and had been fully prepared to hate her. After what Erik had been through with that dreadful girl when he was younger, and what she knew of many of the women who targeted him due to his wealth, he did not deserve to be hurt again. Upon meeting Christine, however, she knew that she was not like those others, but truly liked Erik, or if she wasn't mistaken, falling in love with him. It was all in her eyes when she looked at him, and it made her smile to see it. Erik was like the son she had never had, and she wanted to see him happy more than anything.
"This is simply lovely!" Christine exclaimed, as she gazed around her. "I can't believe I have never have never heard of this place before."
"Thank you. I don't advertise so it's just through word of mouth that people know about it." Maria smiled at her, warmly. "Come this way my dears."
Much to Christine's surprise, Marie took them through the restaurant, and out through a back door, which lead up a winding spiral staircase.
"Oh, Erik, this is so exciting. Where are we going now?"
"I have reserved a private table to give us more privacy." Erik had thought she would prefer that. Even though the place was very small, and there were only a few others eating there too, she would still most likely be uncomfortable being seen with someone like him. He was used to the stares, but she was not. Also, the roof terrace was spectacular, and he knew she would love it.
Marie led them up the steps, and through yet another door, out onto what must be the roof. Christine had thought the tranche de ciel could not get any more beautiful, but she was proved very wrong. The roof boasted a similar theme to the front court yard, with flowers and plants all around. It was wonderfully warm too, and there was no wind. She realised this was due to the strategically placed walls, which blocked any such gushes. There were three walls, which meant they were given a beautiful view of London. The lights from the cars and buildings glittered below and the large worm of black which was the Thames wound its way through the city. London was no magical land, and yet from up here, it looked as if it could be.
There was only one table situated in the centre of the small roof terrace. It was beautifully set, which a single red rose in a vase, and a bottle of chilled water already on the table, and there was soft violin music coming from all around. Christine was enchanted. Never had any man put so much effort into a first date, as if he truly wanted to see her again, and would go to any lengths to do so.
Erik pulled Christine's chair for her, before taking his own seat opposite her. It was those little things he did which made her love him so much. Wait, did she just say love? She couldn't be going down that road quite yet. She had only known the man a few days. Maria poured them some water, and left them to peruse the menu.
"What did Maria just say?" Christine asked Erik.
"Say when?" Erik mocked confusion.
"Just then, downstairs. She said something in French, and you told her to be quiet."
"Oh." Erik paused. "It was nothing. She was merely chastising me for not visiting her recently."
"I see." She lied. He was clearly making that up. If that was the case then why was she speaking French? She didn't want to argue with him already though. It wasn't quite the time to show her true colours. "So you know her well then? She seemed very nice."
"I've known Maria for years."
There was a brief pause in the conversation in which they looked at the menus, and Christine continued to gaze around her.
"This place is simply amazing. How did you ever find it?" Christine asked Erik, as she gazed around her.
"I didn't. I designed it." Erik said, offhandedly, as he glanced down at the menu.
Christine choked on her water, and gaped at him. "You designed it? You have superb taste, Erik. I've never been anywhere like this before. Well, I suppose downstairs reminded me a bit of the piano room. You didn't design that as well did you?" she laughed, jokingly.
"As a matter of fact I did. It's a bit of a hobby of mine, I guess." Erik smiled at her, nervously.
"Have you designed anything else?" Christine asked, fascinated. Just when she thought Erik could not be any more talented, and interesting, she found out about his "hobby" which in itself must have made him very rich.
"I have done a spot of architecture. Nothing grand, but a few personal homes, and places like this. It keeps me from getting bored." He shrugged, and Christine giggled.
"You are so modest Erik. You are very talented, I hope you know that."
"So people keep telling me. Do you know what you would like to order, or would you like me to choose for you."
"Oh, I've always wanted a man to do that on a date. Yes please."
"Alright then." Erik glanced down his menu. He didn't want to be like one of those idiots who had let such an amazing woman slip through their fingers. "I would recommend fried Brie to start, and the soul fillet roulade as a main. As far wine is concerned, the Chablis goes very well. That's what I always get."
Christine was once again struck with the thought that he must have taken many women out to this restaurant before. It was not the kind of place one came to with a friend or relative. It had romance and seduction written all over it. She decided not to mention this, considering the response she had received last time. The last thing she wanted was to make him angry again. The evening was quickly turning into one of the best she had ever had, and she didn't want to ruin it.
"That sound's lovely. You don't fancy any snails as an hor d'oeuvre?" She giggled, as she glanced down the menu. They are actually rather tasty."
Erik grimaced. "I can't stand them. Horrid things."
Christine mock gasped, and held her hand to her breast. "A Frenchman who doesn't like snails! Surely that is against the law. Next thing, you'll be telling me you don't like frog's legs either."
"No. Frog's legs are delicious."
"Now, that's where we are different. I hate them, but I guess it is because I used to have a pet frog when I was a kid." She smiled brightly, her beautiful eyes glittering.
"A pet frog?" Erik chuckled. "That's unusual."
"Well he wasn't so much of a pet. He lived in our pond. He was pretty much wild." Christine closed the menu, and placed it on the table in front of her. "I am so glad I have you with me to tell me what everything is. My friend once tried chicken's crests in a French restaurant. She didn't know what she was ordering, and she was pretty shocked when it came out. I think there were brains too!" By this time Christine was laughing so hard, she thought her ribs were going to crack. Just thinking about Carlotta and the chicken's crests made her fall about. There was of course the added factor of the alcohol she had already consumed that night, which seemed to be catching up with her. Luckily, Erik didn't seem to think she was too weird, and was laughing along with her. "I've never told anyone this," Christine lowered her voice, which was actually pointless seeing a there was no one around, and even if there was they would hardly care. "I knew what she was ordering, but I didn't say anything. She deserved it though" She pulled a sheepish face.
Just then, Maria arrived back to take their order. (They decided against the snails in the end). Erik ordered for them, and handed Maria their menus, and she disappeared off down the spiral staircase, humming merrily.
"How long ago did you design this place?" Christine asked, before pouring herself, and Erik a glass of water, which Maria had brought out.
"It must have been six years ago now. I have known Maria for since I was eleven. She practically raised me, and she always used to say her dream was to own a French restaurant, in London, so I built it for her." Erik knew there was little he could do to truly thank Maria for all she had done for him, but the restaurant had been a start.
"Maria raised you? But what about your parents?" Christine gazed at him across the table, concern etched on her adorable features. Very few people knew about his past, and those that did either felt he deserved it or merely pitied him. Something about Christine gave him the feeling that he could tell her anything, and she wouldn't judge him.
"My father died before I was born, and my mother gave me away to a foster home when I was five. I hated it there." Erik closed his eyes, trying not to remember all the abuse he had received at the hands of those so called foster parents. "That was why I ran away to England at such a young age. I guess I had had enough by then. I met Maria when I arrived in London."
"Oh Erik, that is terrible." Christine gasped. She noticed his eyes were closed, and she reached forward and grasped his hand in hers, which was resting on the table. His eyes snapped open, and he almost made to jerk his hand away, but decided against it. She didn't want him to move away, so she clasped a little harder, and rubbed her thumb gently along his hand. She had not been mistaken when she had noticed the pain in his eyes. He had obviously suffered a great deal in his life. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up." It was amazing how the conversation had turned from laughing hysterically to such a depressing topic in a short space of time.
"No, its fine Christine. I never talk about it, but with you I feel that I can."
"You can talk to me about anything, Erik. I can't believe she gave you away! What a ..... What a cow!" Christine wanted to say a far better word to describe the woman who she already hated with a vengeance.
Erik laughed harshly. "One could hardly blame her. She couldn't have been pleased as having been given a son like me." He spoke the words scathingly.
"Are you crazy! You can't blame yourself. She gave you away at five years old!" Just the thought of a five year old Erik left alone in the care of strangers made her want to cry. The fact that he seemed to blame himself for this made it even worse. Erik would have been any woman's dream child. He was sweet, kind, and talented at so many different things. Not to mention that he must have made the most adorable child imaginable. His mother must have found herself terrible at parenting, and felt the best thing she could do was to give him away. Evidently it had been the wrong decision, due to everything he must have endured. Erik didn't respond, so she carried on talking. "Did you ever see her again?"
Erik scoffed. "Not for years. I think she hoped to never see me again, but she contacted me a few years ago, after my company became a success."
"She did what!? You didn't speak to her did you?"
Erik did not know how to answer that. Christine had not reacted to his story a he would have guessed. Instead of showing pity, she seemed to become angry. He had asked himself many times why he had allowed his mother back into his life, and he couldn't honestly say why he had. Just like every other woman she had only showed interest in him when he had made money. In many ways he was still that tiny child, alone, afraid, and after so many years, still yearning for a mother's love. He knew he was a fool for doing so, but he thought that in letting her back into his life, he could prove to her that he had made something of his life, and perhaps earn the love he had so desperately craved as a child.
"I don't see her often. Only when she wants something." Erik muttered.
Christine did not want to push the subject further. She could not imagine how he could speak to such a vile woman again after what she had done, but she came to the conclusion that she knew very little about the situation. She was his mother after all, and he must have loved her in spite of what she had done. After all she still loved Gloria, even though there was no way she was going to win a Mother of the Year award at any point in the near future.
Thankfully, Maria arrived with their starters at that point, and brought her sunny atmosphere with her, breaking up their conversation.
"How are you, my dears? You're not too cold up here are you?" She gushed, as she gave them their food.
"Not at all, it's lovely." Christine smiled as she placed her starter in front of her. "This whole place is amazing."
"Well thank you very much my dear. If there is anything else you need just shout." She disappeared off towards the exit, humming to herself.
Christine speared a slice of the honey coated brie with her folk, and took a mouthful. It was delicious, and melted beautifully in her mouth. She closed her eyes to savour the food, and moaned. The place certainly lived up to its name.
"This is gorgeous. Have you tried it?" She asked Erik, who hadn't eaten anything yet, and was simply staring at her.
Erik had to mentally shake himself when he dimly registered that she was talking. This woman had to make eating an erotic act, with her sighs of pleasure. Surely the food wasn't that good?
"I have, yes. I am glad you are enjoying it." He finally took a bite. As usual, Maria's honey coated brie was divine, but did Christine have to moan like that? Soon, he would find sitting like this a great deal more uncomfortable if she carried on. He moved slightly in his chair, trying to ignore her obvious enjoyment of the food.
Deciding that Erik was obviously still uneasy about their previous conversation, Christine decided to change the subject to something she knew they both shared a passion for. Music.
"So, other than opera, what kind of music do you like best?"
"I love many types. Jazz, classical, and I even enjoy a lot of rock music."
"You say that like it's a bad thing. Some of my favourite songs are rock ballads. Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones kept me going as a teenager." Christine declared.
Erik laughed. "I prefer The Beatles myself."
"Oh, I love the Beatles too. Who doesn't." She grinned, as she popped another piece of brie into her mouth. "Who's this playing at the moment?" Christine gestured around her, where the classical violin music was still playing.
"It's Bach's double violin concerto in D minor. It is one of my favourites"
"Oh mine too! Well now it is anyway." She blushed. Erik had never seen a woman blush as much as Christine. He thought it was adorable, and he couldn't help thinking about how far that blush went. That's not the way to relieve your ache, Erik!
Christine could feel her cheeks turning red. She blushed at everything when she was nervous, and she had never been this nervous before. Come to think of it, it wasn't nerves she was feeling, at least not as she had been feeling before her first performance at the piano room. This was more due to the unexplainable feeling she was experiencing with this man. She didn't know what it was, but she wanted this night to go well more than she had ever wanted anything.
They managed to slip into an easy conversation about music, and Christine was surprised to learn that they both enjoyed music for the same reason. It was their form of escape from the world, into another far more magical one. She wondered what Erik needed to escape from. The world had obviously not been kind to him, what with being abandoned at such a young age. Then again, what was she trying to escape from? The truth was, she didn't even know that herself.
The rest of the meal went by like a dream. She felt she could talk to Erik about anything, and there was never a lull in the conversation. They talked about everything and nothing, from musical tastes to travelling. She discovered that Erik had done a great deal of travelling, and had even spent a year in Iran, where he had met Kamir.
The soul roulade was equally delicious, and the chocolate torte she had for pudding was the most wonderful thing Christine had ever eaten.
She was making those noises again. Those agonising moans, which made Erik almost jealous of that chocolate pudding she was eating. It was defiantly taking up way too much of her attention at the moment. What could possibly be so special about chocolate? When she had finished, he was able to relax, and to breathe once more.
The stepped out onto the main street outside the tiny alley which held the tranche de ciel. Henry was waiting in the car, and Erik opened the door for her again. Christine was very sad that the date was over. This had been without a doubt the most wonderful evening of her life. It didn't take long for them to arrive back at Christine's apartment building, due to the lack of traffic this late at night.
Erik walked Christine up the steps, and there was that awkward moment, when she had finally managed to open the door, and they were simply stood on the door step. Was he going to kiss her? It was only their second date, and the first real one. That didn't seem to matter however. She wanted to ask him inside, but that was definitely something she didn't do on first dates. That had mainly to do with the fact that she had never really wanted to do that on a first date before. If truth be told she had never enjoyed sex that much. Men had a tendency to be incredibly selfish lovers in her experience, not that she had that much of it. Something told her it would be very different with Erik though. There mere idea of making love with him made her feel weak at the knees.
"I had a wonderful time tonight, Erik." Christine smiled nervously up at him.
"So did I." Erik paused as if not sure whether to say the next thing. "A very good time in fact. I don't remember when I last enjoyed myself this much."
"I feel the same." Christine beamed. "I would love to see you again?" She framed it as a question, hoping he would take the hint.
His face broke into one of his rare but beautiful smiles. "So would I. I will call you tomorrow."
This was it. It would be the perfect time for him to kiss her. She even moved ever so much closer to make it easier for him to do so.
"Goodnight Christine." He took her hand in his, and gently kissed the back of her knuckles, causing her to almost shiver in want. She loved it that Erik was such a gentleman, but she wished he would forget about it right then, and just kiss her properly. It was clear that he had no such plans however.
"Goodnight, Erik." Feeling suddenly very brave, Christine leaned forward, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, before stepping into the building. Much as she wanted to kiss him properly, it was enough for now.
Erik stood on the steps outside Christine's building, mouth agape in shock. She had kissed him! Had that really just happened? Had Christine truly just kissed him? She had touched her perfect lips to his hideous face, and she didn't seem to care. No one had ever kissed him. Not even his own mother could bring herself to do so. It was then that he started to wonder is Christine really was an angel. Either that or she was some figment of his deluded imagination. She wasn't though. She was very real, and she had kissed him!
He was smiling broadly, as he stepped into the car. He was sure Henry must be terribly confused at his boss's sudden, unexpected happiness, but he didn't care. For the first time in his life he actually felt as if he stood a chance at happiness. It was then that he began to devise his plan. He would make Christine fall in love with him, for he knew beyond any doubt that he was in love with her.
French translations-
*Tranche de Ciel- slice of heaven
*Vous devriez l'épouser. Rapidement.- You should marry her. Quickly.
Hope you enjoyed, and remember to review!