Chapter 3
Friday night came and Calleigh couldn't wait to put her plan into action. She had called in a favor with a friend of hers who worked at the Edgemont, and had been able to get a table near where Natalia and Eric were sitting; close enough that she could hear what was being said at their table, but far enough away that they wouldn't notice her.
The date started off smoothly enough, drinks and appetizers were served and the conversation was light and easy. Just as the main course was being served, however, Calleigh found the perfect opening for her little addition to his date.
"Mmmm," Natalia was saying, "this is amazing! It taste just like my mom's! What do you think of it Eric?"
Before Eric could answer, he found himself gagging violently. Natalia gave him a strange look. "You don't have to be that rude about it," she said, frowning slightly "Just sent it back and get something else."
"No, No," Eric said quickly, "It is really good, I...ah...just had something in my throat."
"Oh," Natalia said, accepting his excuse. The two continued to eat and enjoy each other's company.
Several times through out the meal at opportune moments, Calleigh would repeat the gagging stunt and then sit back and listen to the aftermath, struggling to contain her laughter as Eric tried to explain himself out of every situation.
After dinner, she followed them to Natalia's house where they said goodnight. Eric and Natalia stood on the porch talking softly and Calleigh crouched in the bushes nearby so she could catch every word.
"I had a nice time tonight," Natalia said, smiling at Eric, "Thanks for taking me."
"You are very welcome," he said grinning back. They stood there looking at each other for several minutes.
"So do I get a goodnight kiss?" Natalia said hopefully.
Eric knew exactly what was coming, but he couldn't do anything about it. He gagged so violently that for a moment he wondered if he was going to loose his entire dinner all over Natalia's front porch.
He looked up at Natalia after it had passed and he saw the tears in her eyes. "Well if that's how you really feel about me," she said, tears cascading down her cheeks.
"Natalia, I.." Eric started.
"I don't want to hear it," she said, her voice as cold as ice, "Goodbye Eric" she said slamming the door in his face.
"Natalia," he said pounding softly on the door, "it isn't like that! Let me explain!" When nothing but silence answered him he turned from the door and walked angrily to the car, muttering under his breath, "Calleigh Duquesne, this is war."