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Chapter 3: A Dinner for Two

For the thousandth time, I look at myself in the mirror, satisfied, but still nervous, I pick up my keys and make my way out of my apartment. We had agreed to meet at the restaurant at eight, I glance at my watch and see that I'm late, in fact, if I don't hurry, I might not make it in time.  I swear loudly and walk quickly to my car. 

As I drive, obstructions and other problems in the road delay me even more so that, when I arrive, I am already fifteen minutes late.  Visibly sweating, I step into the restaurant, worried that she might be angry or have already left.  I scan the waiting area, and see her standing, with her hand resting on the pane of a window that she is looking through.  She must not notice me, because she remains watching. 

I walk up to her, and not wanting to surprise her, I say quietly, "Doctor Degree?"

Still somewhat startled, she removes her hand from the window and turns towards me.

"Inspector Lebowski."

"I, I'm very sorry, I'm late Doctor, believe me when I say I didn't want to be."

She smiles and answers, "It's fine, Inspector."

I look at her more carefully, tonight she is wearing a black cocktail dress and a pearl necklace, she looks more beautiful than even that evening.

"I let them know that I was here and that you were coming, I think that our table should be ready."

Startled, I say, "Oh, that sounds good, thank you."

She laughs quietly, which confuses me. 

Before I can say anything, she says, "Shall we go?"

I shake my head yes and follow her as she walks behind the hostess.  When we arrive at the table, I move quickly so that I can pull out a chair for her.

She at first looks surprised but then smiles as she says, "Thank you, Inspector."

I then pull out my own chair and sit down.  She looks at me, and I can't help but blush.

"How, how was your week, Doctor?" I ask, trying to break the ice.

"I had a good week with my research, thank you, and yourself?"

"It was fine, thank you."

Silence looms once more, worrying me, but she seems rather calm. Indeed, she sips from her water glass and opens a menu.  I decide to follow her lead and scan the menu.  I wasn't sure what she likes, so I had chosen a restaurant that I thought had a broad range of dishes. I pick out what I am going to eat quickly, and watch as she leisurely reads and makes her choice.

After she places her menu back on the table, I say, "Did you see something you liked, Doctor?"

She smiles and nods her head yes.

I grin and respond, "That's good."

When the waiter arrives, I order wine. The server returns soon afterwards and, after I test it, pours the wine for us.  Not sure whether to toast or not, I decide not to lift my glass.  I watch as she sips the wine and then places it back on the table.

"Is it to your liking, Doctor?"

"Of course, it's excellent," she answers.

She displays a slightly mischievous smile, which surprises me.

"How long have you had the pleasure of knowing Marion, Inspector?"

I chuckle and respond, "I first remember her coming to our home when I was a child, she and my mother have known each other, I think for most of their lives.  She wasn't too bad at first, rather quiet, if you can imagine that.  She was a young widow, her husband died of an illness.  Things changed though when she got re-married, she and my mother started to grow apart, but, they still try to maintain their friendship, even today."

She nods her head thoughtfully and responds, "I've only known her for a few years. My aunt is relatively well off, and enjoys so-called 'high society,' at least, what exists of it today.  She first met Marion at a charity function, and they've been friends and bridge partners ever since."

I grin and say, "You know, I told my mother just last week, 'I refuse to go to anymore of those silly parties.'  She was furious.  It was strange, usually in that type of situation, well, I wouldn't have said that in the first place, but, if I had, after listening to her, I would have apologized profusely. But, this time, it was different, it was so simple to brush aside her criticism."
She laughs quietly and I blush, realizing I really shouldn't have said that.  I am rescued by the salad arriving, which we eat in silence. 

Not long after the salad plates are cleared, our entrees arrive.

Without thinking, I loudly blurt out, "Looks delicious!"

Realizing my blunder, I glance at her and see her smiling. 

"It certainly looks much better than anything I've ever prepared.  I'm afraid my cooking skills are lacking," she says.

I smile and answer, "My cooking skills are composed of dialing and ordering."

She laughs again, slightly louder this time. 

She decides not to order dessert, so, after I pay the bill, we go to the exit and walk outside. 

I am about to say something when she says, "I had a lovely time tonight, Inspector, thank you."

"No, no, the pleasure was all mine, Doctor, thank you so much for joining me."

She smiles slightly and surprises me by taking hold of my hands and saying, "I hope that we'll be able to see each other again soon."

She then leans more towards me and says, "Please, call me Cher," before kissing me.

When she draws back, I am still in shock, did that really happen? 

Noticing my surprise, she smiles again and says, "Good night, Hubb."

I remain frozen as I watch her walk towards her car.  Before she gets in, she turns around to wave, and somehow, I am able to wave back.