`Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing. Rated M for later chapters.
Chapter 7
I woke up th next morning with a heavy heart. This past week had been torture during the day. I had two exams this coming week. Dickie was being, well, a dick. It seemed as if he wasn't even making an effort. At least my Mystery Man was making an effort. He was treating me and Mare to dinner tonight. I know he won't be there, but if this is real, and I'm not losing my frickin' mind, it will give me hope. Seeing, as he will no longer grace my dreams, at least for a while, I have the promise that he'll return. Maybe, even enough hope that I'll get to physically see him again.
It was ten a.m. I sat at my desk, drinking my second cup of coffee, trying to plan my day. Even though Dream Stephanie was ready to believe the truth about dinner, Real Stephanie was slightly skeptical. I figured I could call and check on the reservations before I called Mare. I turned on my laptop. I quickly found the phone number and exact directions to Bella's.
I felt really stupid making this call, but I had to be sure. I almost fell out of my chair when the man at Bella's confirmed my reservation. I thanked him and hung up the phone. Next, I called my mother to let her know that I couldn't make it to dinner tonight. I told her that Mare and I had more exams to study for and that I'd make up for it with dinner on Friday and next Sunday. There, that should hold her off, at least for a little while. I dialed Mare next. It rang for what seemed like forever. I was ready for her voice mail to kick in when Lenny answered.
"Lo'."
"Lenny? Is Mare there?" I said pleading.
He mumbled agreement, and then I heard his voice in the background. "Lou. Lou wake up, Steph's on the phone."
A moment later she answered. "You or someone else better be dead," she grumbled. Damn I woke them up.
"Sorry for waking you guys. I wasn't thinking, I forgot about your date last night." I said offering my apology. I really did forget.
Mare seemed to have woken up some more. "Steph, honey, is everything alright?"
"Yea, no, oh hell I don't know Mare. No, I guess. I really need to talk to you, but in person. Do you think we can meet for lunch?
"Hang on." I barely heard the inaudible conversation with Lenny. Man, I really felt bad now. "No problem Steph, I wanted to see you today anyways. Pino's? Say noon?" she replied.
"Great! Thanks Mare. I know I owe you one I'll see you there." I said letting out the breath, I was holding.
I looked at the time on my phone, shit! It was ten thirty. I needed to get ready.
I was kind of worried about lunch, that Mare would think I belonged in a mental ward. Boy was I wrong! She was excited. Maybe more than I was. Don't get me wrong. I was looking forward to going. This had him written all over it. Sadly, he wouldn't be there joining us.
She was "too happy" overall. It didn't take me long to figure out why either. She was jumping in her seat as she held out her left hand. I had been stressing out about dinner so much, that I hadn't noticed the rock on her hand.
She continued to bounce in her seat, while recounting her date with Lenny. He had really put some thought into it. Dinner and dancing at Rossini's, then a night at a Bed and Breakfast in Point Pleasant.
I sighed and wiped the steam from the bathroom mirror. I stared back at myself trying to figure out what to do with my hair. I had already picked out my dress for the night, a sheer light blue dress with an empire waist that stopped mid high, classy yet sexy. I had picked out a pair of matching blue sandals with a 3" heel to go with it.
"Hmmm." I thought to myself. I glanced at the clock. Four thirty, shit. Only thirty minutes until we need to leave. I decided on leaving my curls long and loose. Yep, that'll do it.
Before long I was fully dressed and out the door. I ushered Mare from her room and by 4:59pm, we were on the road towards Point Pleasant. The drive was filled with an excited energy. We sang along with the radio full blast. Mare did a really good job keeping my spirits up. She was excited enough for the both of us and kept me smiling the whole time. After effects of getting engaged I guess.
We finally pulled into Bella's. It was beach side, sitting right up against the ocean. It looked like something out of a romance movie. Oceanside, it had a balcony extending over the water. Street side, it looked like a side walk café. Inside was equally impressive. There was the host podium just inside the doorway. Along the walls were large booths. Throughout the center of the room, were tables seated that seated two to four people. At each seat, was an elegant place setting. In the center of the tables were a single candle and slim vase with fresh flowers.
We walked up to the podium and gave the man my "name".
"Ah, Senorita, you have finally arrived." he said with a slight Spanish accent. "Right this way, por favor." He led us to table near the center of the room. It was set for two and I was doing my best fish impression when I saw the card, a single long stem red rose and a small jewelers box.
"That must be your seat." Mare said with a giggle, as our host pulled out our seats for us. I was still doing my fish impression when I took my seat and stared back at my gifts. I wasn't sure what to expect tonight, but gifts never had crossed my mind.
"Your gentleman has ordered for you. Your dinner will be out shortly, and I shall return with your drinks" the host said as he bowed to us and walked away.
"Come on girl, what are you waiting for? Open them!" Mare said impatiently.
I continued to stare at my gifts for another moment before I reached out for the card. On the front of the envelope was one word in a beautiful hand written script, "Babe". I tore open the envelope and removed the card. On the cover was a picture of single rose on a black background. The inside was originally blank, but now was covered in the same script.
~~Mi Cariña,
I hope you are enjoying the arrangements I've made for you and your friend. I just wish that I could have taken you there myself. I equally hope that you enjoy your gift. Treasure it, always.
I wish things had turned out different, and I could've spent more time with you. If I wasn't obligated, I wouldn't go. I would spend every minute, of every day, showing you how much of a reality you are to me. Beautiful, sexy, special and loved. You've become the sunshine in my dark life.
I hope, that you would send me a note in return, so that I may have something to take with me. Just leave it with the host that seated you. Enjoy your evening quierda.
Stay safe, mi amor, el que guarda mi corazón. (My love, the keeper of my heart.)
Cada día te quiero más que ayer y menos que mañana.
(I love you more than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow.) ~~
I melted on the spot. I couldn't understand the Spanish, but I would find out. I smiled happily and I handed Mare the card as I reached for the wrapped box. I quickly tore away the paper and opened the box. There, in the center, sat the most beautiful pendant I'd ever seen. It was a gold heart, outlined with small blue saphires. In the center was an engraving. I pulled it closer so I could see it in the dim lighting.
"My heart, is yours."
I was speechless. I just sat there staring at it. I was brought back to life by Mare's squealing. I hadn't noticed her standing next to me. She immediately grabbed the box out of my hand to inspect it herself.
"Omigod! Steph this is gorgeous! It must've cost a fortune! Oh wow!" She kept going on. "Here girl, let me help you with this." She carefully removed it from it's box and placed it around my neck. Mare grabbed a small mirror from her purse and handed it to me.
It hung perfectly around my neck, the heart itself resting just above my breasts. It sparkled in the low candle light. My heart is yours. That's what his letter meant when he said "Treasure it, always." Forever. I thought asI sighed happily and I continued to stare at it's reflection.
The rest of dinner went well. We had a sampler dish for an appetizer, and for dinner, my Mystery man had ordered Mare the Bistec de Pollo al Ajillo, and the Bistec Milanesa for me. It was delectable and the wine was paired with the food perfectly. It was hands down the best meal I've ever had. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the waiter delivered dessert! It was a large plate of assorted desserts. There were three different types of flan, a yuca cake and some bread pudding. We dug right in, trying each dessert. (Garlic Chicken Steak / Fried, breaded steak topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted mozzarella cheese. Courtesy of Sporq Menu, Alhambra, CA)
When we were done devouring the desserts, I signaled for the host, asking him for paper and a pen. I sat there for a moment before writing my thoughts.
~~Mystery Man
Thank you for the wonderful dinner. It was Amazing. My friend and I enjoyed the experience immensely. I will cherish my gift. Your heart is safe, and will always be. I now have zero doubts that our dreams are a reality. I know you said you wouldn't be around, but just know, that I will always be waiting for you there.
In DreamsAlways,
Stephanie~~
I had debated about how to sign my letter. It was definately intriguing not knowing the other's name. I figured with all he went through for tonight, I could at least give him my name. When I was finished, I folded the letter and gave it to the host. We left shortly after that and headed home.
I was on cloud nine the whole way home. I kept playing with my pedant. I couldn't wipe the silly smile off my face if I had wanted to. What a pair we made, Mare and I. She being just newly engaged to the love of her life, Me, well, I don't know what to say about me and the Man of Mystery, but I felt just as happy as she was.
When we got back to the dorm, I went through my nightly routine and colapsed on the bed. I had been so full of energy all day that I figured I wouldn't be able to fall alseep. I hadn't noticed until now, just how exhausted I was. So when my head hit the pillow, I was out.
Chapter 7 Word Count: 1932
