Trigger warning: This chapter covers Shane's first date with Steve. I promise it's the only date I'll write about but I thought it important to try and see what Shane saw in him. She always said "he's not a bad guy" (I don't know that I agree with that statement but Shane sticks by it). Please be patient as the chapter after this one will remind us why Steve wasn't right for our Shane. We have to go through the ick to get to the wonderful life she has now with Oliver. Remember…all of our past experiences lead us to who we are today…the same goes for Shane. She had to go through the "Steve phase" to become the Shane we know and love.
Also, Last chapter I brought a character into the story via Becky. John Robbins, Becky's boyfriend, is not my character but that of my dear friend Felicia felicia_writes. She has given me permission to use the character and I hope I do him justice. If you want to read more of John Robbins in action read s/13960242/1/Plans-Perceptions-and-Providence
I'm not sure how much you'll "enjoy" this chapter but I do hope you can appreciate it for what it is and what it has to be.
As always these characters belong to the amazing Martha Williamson.
An exasperated sigh broke the quiet as Shane tried for a third time to get her necklace hooked. Trembling fingers made the routine task impossible. A quick swig from her glass of cab sitting on her makeup table warmed her throat but did little to steady shaky fingers. Shane set the necklace down for the time being and grabbed her hairbrush. Something about the methodic rhythm of brushing and the bristles' massaging effect took the edge off her nerves. Placing the brush back on her vanity she tried again with the gold chain and disc with the purple crystal bead. Steadier fingers were able to accomplish the task on the second try. Soon the chain hung around her neck as it had every day since she was ten years old.
Shane's Saturday had been full of the usual chores. She hoped the routine of cleaning her small townhouse, doing laundry and grocery shopping would serve as good distractions from thoughts of her upcoming evening with Steve. Becky's advice had been spot-on. Was she interested in Steve beyond his blue eyes and smile? It was too soon to know. One thing she knew for certain was her heart beat like a high school drum line every time she thought of the simple touch of his hand on hers.
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Chores mostly complete Shane sat watching mindless reality tv while folding a pile of laundry. The task gave Shane too much time to reflect on the choices she'd made. Her choice not to date came after a disastrous break up in college but that wasn't the only reason she'd made the decision. It was more like the straw that broke the camel's back. Men had been disappointing her since she was 10 years old starting with her dad. She often wondered if he had any idea the effect that leaving a week before Christmas would have on a little girl who then spent the next year running to the window every time she heard a car pull up? And the disappointment didn't end there. Every year, a month before her birthday he would reach out promising to come celebrate with her. But he never did. Shane walked over to the small secretary desk in the corner of her living room and opened the bottom drawer. Digging through old photos and junk mail she pulled out a stack of cards wrapped with a rubber band. Her eyes watered as she thumbed through the cheap dime-store cards that always arrived a week late with a $20 bill and no apology for missing her birthday again. After a few years Shane gave up believing he would come but in the far recesses of her mind there was a ten-year-old little girl still holding onto a sliver of hope. There'd been a few boys in high school and college but never anything lasting. Her last relationship, the one that she thought could be her forever, broke her so deeply when it ended that she'd built a fortress around her damaged heart intent on never letting someone make her feel that way again. So why did she think things would be any different this time?
Shane's watch vibrated simultaneously with the alarm on her cellphone notifying her she had 15 minutes until Steve was to arrive. Shane closed her eyes and savored one more sizeable glug of wine. She followed it with a quick brush of her teeth and gargle of mouthwash. Hand cupped to her mouth she did a quick breath check…good to go. Fruity and floral notes of Blackberry and rose hung in the air as she spritzed herself with her favorite perfume. Straightening her shoulders Shane took a final glance at her reflection in the mirror. Not bad she thought. The sleeveless amethyst wrap dress accentuated her waist, hugged every curve and showed off toned arms. The deep V-neck revealed flawless ivory skin that was the perfect backdrop for her signature necklace. Glossy blonde waves bounced gently down her back. The ruffled hem hit just above her knees exposing shapely calves. Strappy black high-heeled sandals would bring her closer but not completely eye level to Steve. Filling her clutch with keys, a compact, a lipstick and a tin of altoids and she was ready to go.
Another vibration from her watch told her it was 7:00. Watching the door Shane was reminded of the adage 'a watched pot never boils.' In this case a watched door never gets knocked on. 7:00 came and went with no Steve. A nail on a chalk board would have been a more welcome sound than the incessant tick from her hall clock. Each tick made Shane painfully aware of every passing minute with no arrival of her date. Pacing her small living room Shane kept herself busy fluffing couch pillows, folding and refolding the throw on the chair, and watering her plants. She was beginning to think she might be putting on her jammies, pouring another glass of wine and calling it a night when the harsh buzz of the doorbell jarred her from her thoughts. Jumping to her feet, Shane sucked in a frustrated breath and opened the door intent on confronting Steve about his tardiness.
Shane's resolve to confront Steve slipped away as soon as the door opened. Her breath hitched and her mouth opened but no words would come out. There he was leaning against the threshold with his boyish grin and piercing blue eyes. Shane knew she was in danger of forgetting everything Becky told her. In spite of her annoyance that he was late, the only thing she was thinking right now was how incredibly good he looked in his black jacket and charcoal grey slacks. Tieless and top buttons unbuttoned gave Shane a tiny glimpse of what lay underneath the crisp white shirt. She stepped back hand clenching the door knob to keep her steady.
Her cheeks heated in response to Steve's "Wow! You look stunning!" Handing her a bouquet of blue and purple wildflowers he said "I'm sorry I'm late. The florist didn't have the flowers I ordered ready so I had to wait for them to put together a new arrangement. I would have called but I don't have your number."
Shane's irritation dissipated with his sincere apology and explanation. "Thank you. Um, please...come in while I get a vase for these." Excusing herself she ducked into the kitchen to find a vase. Assured she was out of Steve's sight line Shane gripped the edge of her counter steadying herself. Breathe Shane, she told herself. Her fingers trembled as she arranged the flowers in a vase. Breathe Shane. Three steadying breaths and she finished with the flowers setting them on the dining room table.
"Ready to go?" Steve asked.
Reaching for her wrap their fingers collided as Steve reached for it as well. "Here, let me help you." Shane swept aside her hair as he draped the black silk over her shoulders. Shivers went up her spine as his fingers lingered on her neck the combination of his touch and his cologne giving her goose bumps. Willing herself to speak coherently she asked "Where are we going?"
"Ever heard of Fiola?"
"Yes, but I've never been there." Yes she'd heard of Fiola. Clients at the art gallery always raved about it. It had a reputation for excellent food and even better service. Sadly Shane had looked up the website and quickly realized it was out of her price range. The only way she'd be able to eat there was if she wanted to live on ramen and peanut butter for a month. Steve had definitely chosen a restaurant sure to impress her.
Their arrival at Fiola was met by not one but two valets. Rolling down the window Steve greeted the first by name. "Mr. Marek, very nice to see you again. Yes, we'll take very good care of your car." Shane's ears perked up hearing the personalized interaction. How often did Steve frequent Fiola that they knew him by name? Did he bring all his dates here? Her door opened and a valet's hand reached in to help her out of the car. She stepped out and tugged her wrap a little tighter . The evening was still warm but there was a gently cooling breeze that swept up and blew her hair into her face. Before she could fix it Steve reached over and casually tucked the stray lock behind her ear then traced her jaw with his finger. His touch was light and she caught herself leaning into it. Had he noticed her doing that?
Steve took her by the arm and led her to the entrance. The doors opened to strains of "Good evening Mr. Marek. Good to see you again." The restaurant was a beautiful mix of dark wood, stone and grand chandeliers all working together to create an intimate space in spite of the room's size. The host led them to a table at the far corner of the room. Helping Shane with her chair and placing menus on the table he wished them a good evening and left the couple alone.
Fingering the silverware and taking a sip of her water Shane's curiosity couldn't be held at bay any longer. "You seem to be well known here. Do you come to Fiola often?"
Steve sidestepped the question asking Shane what she would like to drink. "A glass of cabernet sounds good." Shane gave a wry smile recognizing what he'd done. He signaled the waiter and ordered wine for her and a scotch neat for himself. The waiter was quick to return with their drinks. Shane gave Steve a moment before asking again. "Do you come here often?"
Finding her eyes over his cocktail glass, Steve took a sip of his scotch without leaving Shane's gaze. He smiled back. "I come here from time to time. Are you enjoying it?"
Shane's throat was warmed as she took a sip of the velvety cabernet. "Yes, very much." She picked up the menu and began to peruse it. "Is there anything you recommend?"
He mentioned clams but that didn't really appeal to her. The waiter returned and they both placed their orders, sea bass for Shane and lamb for Steve.
Reaching across the table Steve took Shane's hand in his. His thumb skimming across her knuckles accelerated her heartbeat and caused her stomach to do flips at the pace of an Olympic gymnast. As pleasurable as she found the sensation of his skin on hers she pulled her hand away. Her hands were kept busy smoothing a non-existent wrinkle in the tablecloth. She knew she was at risk for falling to his charms and there was too much she didn't know about him to let that happen. "How is work?" The question sounded silly given the last few minutes of stares and touches but it felt safe and would satisfy some of her curiosity.
Steve pulled back, smiled and with a look of resignation said "It's fine. Always busy. I never know what's next."
Shane leaned in with a quizzical look "What exactly is it you do for the government?"
Steve matched her body language leaning in his hands clasped together. "I'm an analyst."
Shane fingered the stem of her wine glass. "And how long have you been an…analyst?"
Steve took a drink and winced as the scotch burned his throat. "Since I got out of the army."
Shane perked up satisfied that she was getting more information from him than she'd managed to glean during their coffee time in the morning. "Tell me about the army? How long were you in?"
"Is this a date or an interrogation?" he asked a little saltiness to his tone.
Shane laughed. "Maybe a little of both? Let's just say I am curious by nature and especially when I'm having dinner with someone I've only known for a short time."
"Fair enough" he conceded. "I joined the army out of high school and served for 10 years. Afterward I went to work for the Department of Defense and have been there for four years."
Shane's mind went into calculator mode figuring out how old he was. If he was 18 when he graduated, spent 10 years in the military and now four years with the Department of Defense…that would make him about 32. Almost satisfied with what she'd learned Shane still had one question. "What does an analyst do at the Department of Defense?"
If his eyes weren't smiling Shane might have thought he was irritated with her barrage of questions. "I'm not at liberty to say. It's classified."
Shane mouth opened and closed not sure what to say next. What did that mean? Classified? She was just about to say something in return when he took her hand again. "How about we find something else to talk about?"
Their fingers danced with each other as he refused to let go of her hand. "Why don't you tell me something about you that I don't know?"
Shane dropped her head and laughed as she brought her eyes back to his. "Hmm, I was on the debate team in high school and college."
This time Steve laughed out loud. "I am duly warned. I will be careful what topics I broach with you for fear you may win any subsequent argument."
Stealth waiters discreetly delivered their food not wanting to interrupt the couple. The aroma of food finally broke through their gaze. Conversation lulled while both enjoyed their meals trading bites with each other. Shane was thankful for the reprieve the meal provided as she felt herself getting swept up in the romance of the evening's setting and her dates blue eyes.
Shane excused herself while Steve was taking care of the bill. This was certainly different than when she spent the night crying in the lady's room. She took some deep breaths intent on slowing down the swirl of emotions she was experiencing. She didn't want to get her hopes up that maybe Steve Marek was a man she could get close to. After all, it was just a first date.
Returning to the table Steve was waiting for her, wrap in hand. "It's a beautiful evening, shall we take a walk on the mall?" Shane thought a bit of fresh air would do her some good. She also knew she wasn't ready for the evening to be over.
The sun had set and the sky was such a dark blue it was almost black. The fountains along the national mall and the lights of the monuments set a backdrop for an incredibly romantic walk. Shane hadn't been to the mall at night since the 4th of July when she was nine years old. Back then she'd thought it was magical and tonight it felt magical too. They walked next to each other for a distance. Even though it was July a chilly breeze blew off the Potomac and Shane shivered. Steve took her wrap from her arm and draped it around her shoulders as he had earlier in the evening. She swept her hair aside and waited anticipating his touch along the back of her neck. Her knees buckled as he stroked the side of her exposed neck. He caught her in his arms and they stood together locked in an awkward embrace. "Uhm, it's these shoes…they're not really made for an evening stroll." He nodded and they returned to the restaurant to get his car.
The drive back to Shane's house was filled with comfortable silence. Shane faced the window hiding a smile appropriate for a giddy school girl. Pulling up in front of her house Steve parked and came around to help her out of the car. Starting up the walkway he held onto her hand intertwining his fingers with hers. Shane wasn't sure if her heart was in her stomach or the other way around. The front door loomed and Shane wasn't sure if he was going to kiss her, hug her or just say good night. She fumbled in her purse searching for her keys which always seemed to end up in the bottom of her bag. Once she had the key in hand she turned to unlock the door. Inserting the key into the lock Shane felt the warmth of Steve's hand on her arm. Her cheeks heated as she turned to face him. His finger traced along her jaw to her chin turning it up so she couldn't avoid his blue eyes. Her breaths became shallow.
"Thank you for having dinner with me." He took her hand and pulled it to his lips.
Shane tried to stay clear headed even as every cell in her body felt on fire. "Thank you…for a wonderful evening." Before she could get the words out he brought his lips to hers. Shane melted into his soft, sweet, lingering kiss. Steve broke the kiss and it took Shane a moment to register what just happened. His fingers tucked her hair behind her ear and his thumb brushed her cheek as she closed her eyes savoring his touch. When they opened she saw his smiling eyes focused on hers.
He kissed the back of her hand before asking "I'll see you on Monday for coffee?"
Shane gave him a flirty smile. "Yes, it's your turn to buy" and she walked inside.