Chapter 4

"Are you sure?" asked David, still standing in the middle of the bar with Julia, who just nodded with a smile,

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"You mean… just to be clear, you want to go to a public place with me?"

"…" she nodded again.

"And what about your reputation?" he had to ask, although hoping for the best, "Aren't you afraid that being seen with me will ruin everything?"

No," she shook her head confidently, "Because I don't care about the elections anymore. If who I am and what I've done until now isn't enough, then… just fuck them." she shrugged her shoulders, "And if all else fails, I will go back to being a lawyer again."

"Which I'm sure you were amazing at…" his eyes filled with admiration.

"It was stressful, but in a different way from constantly being on a fake date with someone just to be appreciated by others… wait, could you get in trouble because of me?"

"I cannot imagine getting in trouble because of anything you do." he said gently,

"Don't bet on it," she smiled, "But you know what I mean, about the date."

"Of course, I do. No consequences could compare to the fact that I get to have a date with you," he replied, his eyes shining.

"I feel the same way," she smiled, "And I don't want to spend another minute with any of these idiots," she gestured towards the table, "I don't want to waste my time on fake dates. I know exactly what I want… a date with you, and no one else."

"…" David just smiled happily, and gently touched her back, "Then what would you say if we disappeared?"

"I'm totally in…" she agreed with a smile.

"Then come on, let's get out of here…" he winked, and with that they quickly left the building and reached her ministerial car outside,

"Good evening, ma'am." nodded Kim, opening the back door for her, when Julia and David glanced at each other, and he gestured that he would take care of it.

"Well, the plans have actually changed a bit…" started David,

"What do you mean by that?" asked Kim, but he just leaned in towards Tom,

"Can I have a word with both of you out here?" and with that he opened the front seat's door for Julia and helped her in.

"… What's going on here, David?" asked Kim, lowering her voice as they were just the three of them.

"The thing is, I need a favor."

"David… you know you can't just take her wherever she wants, that's not how it works."

"I know the rules, but it's a special thing now."

"She's right," added Tom. "It's not safe for just the two of you to go."

"But I'll go above and beyond to protect her."

"As always…"

"You know what I mean. You can ask anything in return."

"Anything?" Tom's eyes lit up,

"Wait," Kim cut him off, "This isn't a date, is it?"

"…" but David just stood there with his boyish smile, leaving them speechless.

"No way, mate!" said Tom with a grin, "Why didn't you start with that? I'll surely covering you, just go."

"Are you serious?" Kim turned to face him, "What does the fact that it's a date change the situation? That doesn't make it safe."

"I know he can look after both of them," nodded Tom with a grin, "Just go!"

"But if something goes wrong, we surely won't get away with this…" Kim protested, while David was already at the driver's side door.

"I'll take full responsibility, I swear!" he added, then quickly got into the car and before she could say anything else, they were gone…

"Are you comfortable enough?" asked David with a smile, glancing at Julia beside him.

"Sure. Sitting here in the front is something I haven't done in years… like being a real adult." she added and they shared a laugh, "… Everything was okay out there?"

"Yeah, of course. They understood that this was a special circumstance to bend the security rules a bit."

"Kim must have been freaked out," remarked Julia,

"Just a bit… but she will be fine."

"I don't want to cause you trouble, or any of you."

"They won't get into trouble, don't worry. That's all on me." he assured her. Then unable to resist teasing her, he added, "… Do you want me to turn back?" she just looked at him, then responded with a confident smile,

"No… not at the cost of our careers!"

"That's the way to talk," he chuckled, taking her hand in his and kissing it lovingly, which made the butterflies in her stomach flutter like crazy, then she just allowed herself to drift a little, while she was perfectly aware of that warm fuzzy feeling inside which often referred to as the pink mist. She simply let that feeling embrace and overwhelm her. She didn't want to think, just enjoy every moment with him, "… You okay?" he asked with a smile, catching her gazing at him with that dreamy smile he loved so much,

"Never felt better," she added sweetly, before inquiring, "But where are we actually going?"

"Well, since last night," he started happily, "I've been thinking a lot on where should I take you on a date."

"Really?"

"Yes, I had a few options in my mind, then in the end I decided it would be the best to take you home."

"Home?…" she asked with a chuckle, thoughts of sweet and naughty things crossing her mind.

"Yes, take you home to Italy."

"…"

"I mean to a lovely Italian restaurant in a hidden part of the city."

"Oh…" she smiled, already loving the idea, "That sounds perfect."

"I hoped you would think so."

"I know I'm biased, but there's nothing quite like traditional Italian cuisine. And now, I can show you the best it has to offer."

"Which I absolutely can't wait for it…" he said, smiling happily. For a few more minutes, they drove through the city, until he stopped the car in an enchanting little street…

"Are we there yet?" she asked, waking up from daydreaming.

"Yes, it's just around the corner, but this was the only available parking spot, so…"

"Of course," she smiled and watched as he quickly got out, went around the car, and opened the door for her, "Thank you," she smiled as he helped her out. Feeling his sturdy hand around hers, immediately made her feel secure, and fortunately he didn't have the slightest intention of letting her go.

"Wait…" he suddenly paused, guiding her to a beautiful flower shop stand.

"What's the matter?"

"That you didn't get any flowers…" he smiled, and her eyes were telling more than a thousand words,

"Do you truly wish to buy flowers for me?" she asked sweetly.

"Of course, I do. What kind of date would it be without flowers?"

"You're right… and these in the front row are simply beautiful," she smiled as they approached the pre-made bouquet section at the front of the store.

"Which one would you like?"

"It's quite difficult to decide…"

"Don't think, just say what you like the most."

"The lavender one," she answered, and they shared a chuckle.

"What else…" he agreed with a smile, then turned to the sales lady, who had just appeared from the back of the shop. "Good evening, we would like to take this one."

"Certainly, sir." she nodded, trying to hide her surprise as she recognized the Home Secretary in her little shop. "Would you like it wrapped in another layer of paper?"

"No, thank you." smiled Julia. "We'll just take it as it is."

"Very well, ma'am." she replied, handing it to Julia before she went to the cash register with David. While he paid for the flowers, Julia admired the beautiful bouquet with little lavenders in it. The whole thing was gorgeous, containing little flowers in perfectly matching colors.

"It's simply beautiful, thank you." she smiled at David as they continued down the street.

"Your smile is the best reward I can imagine," he remarked admiringly, taking her hand once again. As they strolled along, she felt his fingers softly caressing hers, perhaps instinctively, but it felt wonderful, confirming to her that she was exactly where she was meant to be, by his side. She had a deep feeling that this was her 'last dance', the final time she would start a relationship with someone. Despite her past bad experiences making her cautious and skeptical over the years, she was inexplicably certain that David was the last man in her life, the one who would stay forever.

"I can't remember the last time I received flowers, I mean not officially from work of course."

"That's truly a shame… but I must admit, I'm also a bit glad about it."

"Really? Why?"

"Because this smile is exclusively mine." he flirted, and she just chuckled,

"There's truth in that."

"I almost forgot… we can take it into the car, if you want."

"It'll stay with me, of course." she smiled, surprised. "But why did you suggest putting it in the car?"

"Just because a few days ago at the police station, the girls argued about this."

"What happened?"

"Well, one of them had a first date with a guy who brought her a single red rose, and she was totally freaked out that she had to hold it the whole time."

"Gosh," she laughed wholeheartedly, "She must be young, right?"

"Yeah, in her early twenties. How did you know?"

"Unfortunately, this generation doesn't understand the feeling of receiving flowers from someone you... you would love to receive flowers from." they shared a smile as they arrived at the restaurant, a charming, lesser-known spot tucked away in a quiet corner of the city,

"Good evening, table for two?" asked the elderly woman at the entrance,

"Yes, thank you." answered David with a smile.

"What would you say for a secluded table in a romantic spot?"

"That would be perfect," nodded Julia.

"Here you are…" gestured the lady as David helped Julia with her chair to sit down, "I'll be right back with a vase and the drink menu."

"Thank you." they both replied at once,

"So, what do you think of the place?" asked David, picking up the menu.

"It's cozy and enchanting, with a lovely atmosphere."

"I've been here a few times before."

"Really? As I think of it, this neighborhood seems quite familiar…" she glanced out to the street, "Many years ago, I used to visit a little hidden park not far from here, a true gem in the city jungle."

"A little hiding place?"

"Yes, exactly." she nodded with a smile, "When I was overwhelmed with work or simply with my life, I would just sit there for a while, reading or enjoying an ice-cream from the little confectionery on the corner."

"So we were both here regularly, and you know what that means…" he smiled,

"What?"

"That our meeting would definitely have happened sooner or later… because it was meant to be."

"…" they got lost in each other's eyes, when the old lady returned.

"Here's the vase for those beautiful flowers, my dear."

"Thank you so much," she smiled, and David helped her with the bouquet,

"What can I get you to drink?" asked the lady, and they exchanged a glance, realizing they hadn't even started to look at the menu.

"… Could we have a few more minutes?" asked David, and the old lady nodded with a smile before leaving. "So, what would you like to drink?"

"I think a glass of wine would be nice…" answered Julia, sinking into the menu.

"Just choose anything you like," he smiled, "I can't drink alcohol anyway."

"We can catch a cab on our way back, so you don't have to drive."

"It's not just about driving." he explained, "I want to ensure your safety."

"…" she just looked at him with shining eyes for a moment, then couldn't resist to add on a flirting way, "And would a little alcohol prevent you from it?"

"I'd say it would be the last straw as your presence already dulls my senses." he smiled,

"Hm…" she leant closer, a playful glint in her eyes, "Then tell me one thing… how did you fulfill your job up until now?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"…" she just nodded with a smile.

"I can barely remember, because you were always on my mind."

"That's reassuring to know," she chuckled,

"So please don't betray me," he flirted,

"Never… mainly because it was my fault." she added teasingly,

"Seriously, it hasn't been easy, but during work, we're not as close as we are now. I can't openly admire you, only for a few brief seconds, and that helps a lot."

"But now, you freely can…"

"Yes, and that's why I need all my senses and attention to keep you safe."

"I'm not sure how I can assist with that." she flirted,

"I don't need help, because I never want to wake up from this."

"Me neither…" she smiled, "Do you know what? I have an idea…" flipping through the menu, she continued, "When I was little, I spent summers at my grandma's in Italy, and there was a particular fizzy orange drink that I always enjoyed there, ah here it is…" she smiled, "We should have this orange-flavored Sanpellegrino, if that's okay with you."

"Sure," he nodded with a smile and gestured for the waiter, "Could we get two of these?" pointing to the menu,

"Certainly, sir."

"Thank you." he said and they were left alone. "So, how about the food? Do you see something you fancy?"

"Gosh, all I know is that I'm starving…" she smiled.

"That's a good sign."

"Do you think so?"

"Yes, because it means you are relaxed with me."

"I am, indeed…" she smiled, and they lost themselves in each other's eyes for a moment. "So, is there anything you want to try out?"

"I think it would be best if you choose for both of us."

"Are you sure?" she asked with an excited grin,

"Absolutely."

"Okay… let's see what we have here. Oh, I think we should start with a little tomato soup made from mashed tomatoes, heavy cream, and some mozzarella. What do you say to that?"

"Perfect."

"Then we should have some pasta. Are you okay with pasta?"

"Of course. This handmade ravioli with lamb, parsley and parmesan sounds nice."

"That's one of my choices too, and there's also the truffled cacio e pepe, which is actually a pasta with creamy peppery sauce and truffle."

"I would love to try that as well."

"Then what do you say we order both and share them?"

"Perfect." he agreed with a smile, "And for dessert?"

"Hard to choose…" she was sinking into the menu.

"As I see, there are only four desserts available."

"Yes, in restaurants, the fewer items on the menu, the fresher the food."

"I've heard about that before," he nodded with a smile, "Then I think I have a simple solution, let's order all of them and taste as we like."

"We can't eat that much," she chuckled.

"We don't have to, just eat what we like."

"Okay."

"… Are you ready to order?" a waiter asked as he reached their table.

"Yes, we would like two tomato soups and…" she began, ordering everything they had chosen one after the other. When the soup arrived, David was impressed,

"It smells amazing… colorful and spicy."

"Just as it should be. This place is quite an authentic."

"Speaking of which… do you still go to Italy?" he asked, loving to have a chance to learn more about her.

"Actually, yes I do. It's kind of a hideaway for me now. My parents moved to England for a job my dad got, and I was already born here. But I spent all my summers at my grandma's place in Italy, very close to the beach. After she passed away, I inherited her house. When I need some revival, some pure joy in my life, I go there and spend a long weekend or even a whole week at the beach."

"I'm sure it's a lovely place."

"Yes, it is. The kitchen window opens to a view of the sea below, it's simply mesmerizing."

"I can imagine. It sounds like the perfect place for a break from life. So that's your happy place."

"Yes," she smiled with shining eyes. "And what's yours?"

"My happy place?" he asked with a smile,

"The place where you hide for a few days when you need peace, if there is one."

"Yes, I have a kind of a hiding place. In Scotland, near my parents' house in Glasgow, there's a little wooden lodge as a holiday home."

"Sounds lovely."

"Yes, but I would love to see your happy place in Italy."

"As I would love to go to Scotland," she said with a dreamy smile. "You know, I have always been somehow attracted to it."

"Then what would you say about a little holiday at both places?"

"I think that's a deal," she smiled confidently, loving the shining happiness on his face. They loved that they had barely started their relationship, but they were already planning their future together. There were no games, no tactics, there were just the two of them… everything was so simple and pure. As they continued with their dinner, time flew by. They shared their food and their innermost thoughts, as they used to do when they could spend a little private time at her place after work or share a takeaway dinner together. After the first few times, it became a habit for them to spend a little more time together than was appropriate after he escorted her home, "I think next time, I'll cook something nice for you."

"Next time?" he asked with a hopeful smile.

"Yes, on our second date," she nodded, then seeing his cute reaction, she couldn't help but chuckled, "… What is it?"

"I don't know what makes me happier, that you'll cook for me or that we'll have another date."

"Another date? Just that simple?" she couldn't help but tease him, and they shared a chuckle,

"Yes, because if we think about it, technically the next one won't be our second date."

"Really?…" she asked with a surprised smile,

"Yes, we already had a few 'mini dates', so…"

"I think you're right," her face lit up. "We've shared quite a few dinners together… which means we're actually constantly dating."

"Not quite constantly," he flirted.

"So you're saying, not as many times as you would love to?"

"Absolutely not as many times," he smiled. "I love staying at your place after I escorted you home, even if just for a few minutes."

"Me too," she smiled as he touched her hand. "It adds a cosy feeling to the place."

"… Did you enjoy your meal?" asked a waiter, stopping at their table.

"Yes, thank you." nodded Julia with a smile,

"Would you like something more before we close the kitchen?"

"Oh, is that late already?" she asked, noticing that only a few people remained from the other guests, "Then I think we should go soon." she said to David,

"Sure," he smiled and took out his wallet. "I would like to ask for the bill, and could you put another two of these into a takeaway?"

"Yes, of course. Cash or card, sir?"

"Card," he answered happily, which caught Julia's attention.

"Thank you, I'll be right back." he said and gave him the receipt.

"Another two?" she chuckled, "I can't believe you can eat more."

"It's not for me, it's for you." he said with a grin. Noticing her reaction, he added, "It seemed like you really liked it, so you can eat more at home."

"That's very thoughtful, thank you." she smiled sweetly, then couldn't resist remarking, "You seem so happy tonight…"

"Yes, I am."

"And is there a particular reason for that?"

"Yes, there is." he answered lovingly, "Firstly, because I could spend a whole evening with you," he said and she just smiled, her eyes shining, "And secondly, because you let me pay."

"What?…" she asked with a chuckle, when the waiter returned with a food box,

"Thank you for choosing us. Have a nice evening."

"Thank you," they replied, then Julia turned to David,

"Could you help me with the flower?" she asked as they stood up, and he put his phone down on the table,

"Of course… here you are," he handed her the bouquet, when his phone beeped as a new text message arrived, and for the sound, they both instantly looked at the screen… it was a text message from his bank with the payment and his actual balance, which in Julia's world was barely anything. They couldn't turn away from the screen, they were mesmerized, just looking at it until the light on his phone faded away. Julia's expression was unreadable, while David felt an instant panic. He was certain that she had just realized that he was not the type of man she needed by her side, and questioned what she was doing with a loser like him.

"Actually… tomorrow is payday and I have another card, it's just a spare one." he tried, observing her face for any reaction.

"I think we should go now." she answered softly, and they left the restaurant. Stepping onto the street, David was still in panic, afraid that at any moment, she would say this whole thing was a mistake.

"I have another account," he tried again, but she just stopped him.

"No you haven't." she said softly,

"Look, I know you think I'm not the kind of bloke for you, but I'm really not as broke as I seem, I…" but he couldn't finish it because she just stepped closer and cut him off with a kiss. It was long and soft, so full of love… after a moment of surprise, he drew her as close as he could, trapping the bouquet of flowers between them, but neither of them cared.

"… Did you really spend all your money on this date?" she asked with that warmth in her eyes he loved so much.

"…" he just nodded,

"And what about your kids? What if something important expense comes up?"

"They have everything they need. This money is only left for my own expenses, but from now on, I'll do a few extra shifts and I'll take you wherever you want to go, to all those fancy places if you like." he added with his boyish smile.

"And what if I don't want to go to those places…" she smiled, playing with his shirt now. "Do you know what I like the most?"

"…" he just held her hand as he waited for her answer,

"I just love hiding away from the world at home and warming up with some comfort food."

"… And is there space for me too?"

"The only available space is for you…" she answered softly as he stroked her face lovingly.

"That reminds me, I still haven't told you about my happy place…"

"Really?" she chuckled, "I thought it was in Scotland,"

"No, that's my hiding place," he smiled, then lost himself in her eyes, "But my happy place is wherever you are."

"Anywhere?"

"Anywhere," he answered lovingly.

"Then…" she flirted, "What would you say if we found out tonight where 'our happy place' is?"

"I feel like I can barely think…" he smiled, then just kissed her lovingly. This kiss was long and slow, neither of them wanted to lose contact,

"But just if you are free tonight…"

"I really hope I'm not." he replied admiringly, and she added with a cheeky smile,

"Then I think you should take me home now…"

"You don't have to say it twice," he answered as they lost themselves in each other's eyes for a moment, "But can I ask you something first?"

"Sure."

"Why…" he wasn't sure it's a good idea or not, but he had to know. "Why did you let me pay?"

"… How you mean that?"

"Just, you never let them pay."

"Oh, it's simple…" she smiled and shook her head, "Because I don't want anything from them…" and with that she kissed him again, while he just drew her closer and held her tight…

And about her career and the election… their blossoming relationship became viral as many photos had been taken during the night by the guests of the restaurant and even by the owner the flower shop, people simply loved their romance… because what could be more romantic, than the beautiful Home Secretary's romance with her bodyguard?

The End