A/N: Since this is a work of fiction, I decided against using any restaurants listed on the internet as in the Manchester NY area because I felt I would need permission to reference them and their menu, so any similarities to restaurants that exist or have existed and people who may have worked or been a customer at them is completely coincidental.
"And then what happened?"
"We played chess some more."
Ororo chuckled. "I never thought a board game could sound romantic."
"You and T'Challa never play games?"
"Not the way you think."
"Oh right." Jean smirked. "I forget you don't play regular games."
Kendra laughed. "You sheilas are a bad influence."
"As if you would have it any other way."
"True. Anyone seen Wyn?"
"She came downstairs earlier and said Hank had invited her to go with him to the Capitol and they were leaving as soon as breakfast was over."
"I'm glad they're spending more time together. I'll call her later after my date."
"Any idea where the Professor is taking you?"
"He said we were going to Paulo's, a fine Italian restaurant."
"Ooooh, fancy. Good thing you're planning on wearing that lovely lehenga choli."
She nodded. "Speaking of which, I should go get ready."
"Need to borrow anything?"
"Thanks for the offer, I think I've got everything I need. I'll talk to you later." She waved to her friends and went off to her room. She showered and shaved her legs, then spritzed herself with a plumeria scented perfume. She tied her lehenga around her hips and slid her choli onto her upper body before zipping it up. She looked at herself in the mirror and gave a twirl. The off-white flare net resham with it's zari sequins and embroidery on her lehenga and it's matching dupatta contrasted the dark blue choli that was made from raw silk beautifully. She tied the sheer dupatta across her torso and styled her blue hair away from her face. She slipped on tan sandals as a knock sounded through her room. "Coming!"
Charles was waiting on the other side when she opened the door, wearing a blue suit. He had a device clipped to his belt that helped him stand and walk for extended periods of time. "You look amazing."
She felt her cheeks color a bit and smiled. "So do you."
"Shall we?" He offered her his arm.
"Absolutely." She took it with a smile. "How are we getting into town?"
"I thought we could take the Cadillac." He held out the keys to her. "Would you like to drive?"
"Sure." She took the keys and kissed him in front of the car before they climbed in and she followed his directions to the restaurant. She let him help her climb out and walked inside with him.
They were led to a private table by a waiter and he handed them some menus. "Can I get you two anything to drink?"
"Just some coffee will be fine, thank you." Kendra replied when Charles gestured for her to go first.
"Make that a pot for both of us, Ernesto."
The waiter nodded. "And do you wish to have an appetizer this evening?"
"What would you recommend?"
"Our garlic bread or antipasto salad."
"We'll have both."
"A wise choice. I'll be back with your drinks."
Kendra smiled. "Everything looks good."
"Their swordfish with puttanesca sauce is my favorite."
"Swordfish, huh? I could go for seafood. They also have lobster ravioli in tomato cream sauce."
"I haven't tried that. We can order both and share them if you want."
"Sounds perfect."
He smiled as Ernesto returned with their pot of coffee and two mugs. "Thank you, Ernesto."
"My pleasure. Are you ready to order?"
"Yes. We'll have the swordfish and lobster ravioli."
Ernesto nodded as he wrote down their orders. "Excellent. Your appetizers will be out in a few minutes." He walked briskly away to the kitchen.
"This is quite the charming place."
"Yes it is. I was hoping you would like it."
"I really do. Feels like a little piece of Italy in here."
"Indeed. Their food is more authentic than any other place I have tried over the years."
"It's nice to find good food. There's a lot of nice restaurants back in Australia that the tourists don't know about."
"I would love to have you give me a tour."
"I'm going back there for winter break, you're welcome to come with me."
"Sounds like the perfect vacation." Charles kissed her as Ernesto brought their appetizers.
"Your main courses are being prepared now."
"Thank you, Ernesto."
The waiter nodded and went to see to other customers.
"Wow, this garlic bread has garlic pieces in it." Kendra chewed slowly in enjoyment. "Tastes really good. I wonder if anyone else cooks it this way."
"Not in this area. This antipasto salad is tasty with it's green olive marinated bocconni." Charles held out some on his fork. "Try it."
She took a bite. "I have never had better."
Together they finished the appetizers and Ernesto brought them their dinner.
"Can I interest you in dessert after this?"
"What do you have?"
"Various flavors of gelato, white peach tart, torrone semifreddo, creamy rose panna cotta, zabaglione with strawberries, and of course our famous tiramisu."
"Your thoughts, Kendra?"
"The white peach tart sounds delicious."
"Agreed. Two slices of your tart please."
"Absolutely." Ernesto went off to the kitchen again.
"They really leave you wanting for nothing here."
"Indeed." Charles cut a piece of his swordfish and offered her a piece.
She took it and fed him some of her ravioli in return.
Ernesto brought them their dessert once they finished their main course and left the bill with them as well.
Charles put cash on the table once they'd eaten the tarts and stood up. "Shall we depart?" He extended his hand to her.
"Yes, let's." She smiled and took his hand.
