Chapter 6

"Tom, you promised I wouldn't be underdressed. Everyone looks so nice. I feel awful," Krystal
whispered hanging her head. "Could we get boxes to go, or something? You don't want to be seen with me looking like this."

"Krystal, you're the most beautiful woman in the room, and you are dressed perfectly! Anyway, I want to show you off on my arm, gives an old man like me a boost to be seen with an amazing looking woman like yourself!" hoping that calling himself old again would get her mind off her dress and on to giving him hell again.

"Tom, if you call yourself an old man one more time, I'm going home if I have to walk! Have I made myself clear?" she snapped. "You're not old, you're mature, and handsome, and extremely sexy!"

"What?" he exclaimed, totally startled by her outburst.

"I'm sorry, Sir! That was totally out of line! It just slipped out. I'll try to be more careful next time," she whispered mortified with embarrassment. "If you want to take me home I'll understand, or I can get a taxi."

"Krystal..." he gulped before going on, "I have never been happier to hear anything before in my life. Is that really how you think of me?" maybe there was hope for him with her after all!

"Tom, you must have been told hundreds of times what a handsome man you are, can't you see it for yourself?" asked Krystal, just as the waiter came to the table. "I really think you should take me home. I don't feel right, being here dressed as I am."

"Please stay, Krystal, you're beautiful! I promise you that!"

Looking up at him, and seeing that he did indeed think she was beautiful, dressed in her plain green sundress, she decided to stay. "Alright, we'll eat and then leave."

"Sounds like a plan, what do you like best?" he smiled at her

Glancing up at him, she didn't dare tell him that he was the best looking thing she had seen so far. Quickly looking back at the menu she asked, "What would you recommend?"

"Well, so far there's nothing here that I have tried, that hasn't been wonderful. I personally like the catatonia and the shrimp Alfredo."

"Then that's what I'll have. It sounds delicious. Are you going to have it to, Tom?" she asked. "Or are you trying something new tonight. Then we could share."

"Okay, you pick one and I'll order the other. I'd be glad to share with you."

"I don't know everything looks so delicious. How about the shrimp parmigiana, how does that sound?" she smiled up at him. "If you don't think you'd like it I can change it to something else."

"That sounds fine, I haven't tried it, so that can be our experiment, and what about the catatonia for our other choice?"

"Tom Boone, are you trying to fatten me up for the kill?" she asked grinning. "You know we have to maintain our weight and if I eat like this very often, I'll be booted right out of the Navy."

"You look like you could use a few pounds young lady! You're skin and bones!" he chuckled, "and I only meant for you to eat half of each order...did I forget to mention that their antipasto salads are to die for, and that they bring a never ending supply of fresh garlic bread sticks?"

"Oh, your making my mouth water just thinking about them. I am getting so sick of chicken and turkey TV dinners that even the meatloaf is starting to look good," she laughed. "I'm a miserable cook, thanks to the Navy, and as for laundry, well they always did it for you aboard ship."

"Well, this place is wonderful and there are a few others in town too that I would be glad to show you, if you aren't ashamed to be seen with an ol...seasoned war horse like me!" he stopped himself from saying old since she didn't seem to like it. The waiter brought a basket of bread just then and fresh Parmesan and Romano cheese to dip them in as well as marinara sauce.

"Tom, this is wonderful. It tastes delicious, it actually melts in your mouth, mmmm I think I have died and gone to heaven," she smiled and closed her eyes enjoying the bread and cheese to the fullest. "I can't wait until the main course gets here."

He groaned, and wondered if that was the same look she had on her face when a man was pleasing her, and then wondered if he would ever be lucky enough to find out!

To be continued…