Oops, It's Now a Date
Fiona was waiting. It could be said that she didn't often wait very long. Sabina had seemed awfully excited about this dinner.
Fiona guessed it may have been the restaurant. What lawyer wouldn't have heard of The Excelsior? Her father had probably recommended it for a reason. He was all about dazzling people with money.
"Fiona! I can't believe you got us reservations this quickly!"
Fiona motioned for Sabina to sit down. It was nice to have a wealthy influential father sometimes. Then again, that also came with downsides. Namely the family drama. "It helps when your dad is nobility."
Sabina sat down. Fiona was glad that she was so thrilled about the restaurant. Sabina looked great. And this time Fiona hadn't just crawled out of bed. She felt much better now that she was dressed in formal wear and not yelling at her mother and ex-boyfriend while hungover.
"Thank you for taking care of that. Callista's car is in the shop right now."
Fiona smiled at her. Her father had always said that she had a dazzling smile. Sabina looked mildly stunned. It was great to be able to have that effect on people. "You're very welcome, Sabina."
Fiona leaned back as the waiter arrived. The menu was set by the chef each night, as were the wine pairings. Fiona found that it helped people focus on the conversation at hand.
"So, why did you ask me out on a date?"
Fiona credited her father's insistence on training for politics for the fact that she didn't even twitch at the question. Date?! This was an apology dinner. Then again, Sabina was rather lovely when she wasn't menacing you at seven in the morning.
Fiona was…okay with this being a date. It couldn't hurt, right? They were both single. "You seemed interesting. And you weren't intimidated by my family name or money."
Sabina blinked. She seemed a bit surprised. Fiona wasn't sure if she should be offended or not. Fiona gave her a slight grin. "Besides, anyone willing to track me down and bang on my door for their niece is worth knowing."
Sabina flashed her teeth. Fiona was enjoying the assertiveness. "I would say I was sorry for the seven-a.m. wakeup call, but I would be lying."
Fiona rolled her eyes. It was actually kind of funny. Besides, it had given her an excuse to throw her mother and Rufus out of her house. She was just about done with her entire family. It was nice to see that at least someone cared about theirs. "No. I wouldn't expect you to be."
Their first course arrived. It was a small plate, as expected. Sabina looked at her. "So, what do you do all day?"
Fiona was never sure how honest to be. People tended to be envious of her lifestyle while they downplayed her family problems. "I attend law school and study. I also enjoy horseback riding."
Sabina gave her an amused look. Fiona flushed slightly. It was a bit awkward that Sabina had witnessed a family argument. "All while ditching your parents who just happen to be dating your exes?"
Fiona stuck out her tongue. It was true. Rude, but true. "Has anyone ever called you indelicate?"
Sabina grinned at her. Fiona got the impression that Sabina enjoyed being indelicate. "Just a few people."
Fiona took a sip of the white. It was slightly too dry for her taste. And she wasn't sure that she was a fan of the new sulfurous flavor fad. That was the problem with fashionable restaurants. Maybe an older one would have a better selection? "Only a few?"
Fiona was kicked underneath the table. She took another sip of wine and kicked right back. Sabina gave her the evil eye. "That's the story and I'm sticking with it."
Fiona laughed. Sabina rolled her eyes. This was probably the most fun that Fiona had in a good few years. "Sure, Sabina. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Fiona felt another kick under the table. She shot Sabina a thoroughly amused look. Sabina didn't even bat an eyelid. Fiona wondered if she could play poker. "You're bad."
Fiona snorted as their dishes were taken. She was pretty sure that neither of them was fully focused on the food. "Aren't you a bit old for footsie, Sabina?"
Sabina gave her an innocent look. Fiona wasn't fooled for a second. Her shins were going to have the evidence either way. "Never."
Fiona watched as she ate her fish. She was honestly surprised that Sabina was liking the accidentally-turned-into-a-date dinner as much as she was. Fiona gently cut into her fish. "Mhm. Is that why you hang out with your niece? Same mental age?"
Sabina glared over her wine glasses. Fiona was pleased with herself. Besides, it was fun to poke people like that. "No. It's called mentorship. Callista doesn't pick out garbage partners."
Fiona let out a huff. Well, it wasn't like her mom had picked well with either her father or Rufus. They were both philandering rich assholes. "Hmm. You might have a point."
Sabina waggled her eyebrows. Her eyes sparkled. "I always have a point. Sometimes it's even a good one."
Fiona giggled slightly. This was nice. Sabina was nice. Dinner was nice. It wasn't painful or awful or awkward. Maybe she would even get a second date. "I like you."
Sabina gave her a soft smile. Fiona felt her heart skip a beat. Sabina was looking hopefully at her. "And I like you."
There was a natural pause in their conversation as yet another course was taken up. Fiona was glad that there was only one more course. She was starting to get full. And she didn't want to mess this up.
"So, would you maybe want a second date?"
Fiona smiled at Sabina. She could kiss the other woman right now. This saved her the trouble of asking. "I was about to ask you the same question."
Sabina smiled at her. Fiona made a note to try to meet her family soon. Maybe, just maybe, this could work out.
Fin
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