Before going to Jean G, Shira quickly researched online to see what to know before ordering. From a piece from a food blogger named , she learned that at Jean G, the menu doesn't show prices. This shocked her, as she's used to always checking costs. The blogger advised asking for a "prix fixe" menu, which has a set price for multiple courses. This tip was noted in her head.
Then she thought to herself about what to wear. She didn't have a classy dress fit for a high-end restaurant, so she had to get creative. After some deliberation, she decided on a pair of low-cut, well-fitted jeans that hugged her curves just right. She paired them with a sleek black top that dipped low, showing off her collarbone. On her feet, she slipped on a pair of Gucci sneakers – knockoffs she'd snagged from eBay, but they looked convincing enough.
The final touch was the vintage white and gold enamel Chanel earrings Brian had gifted her. As she fastened them, Shira caught her reflection in the mirror and gasped. The earrings were magic like, elevating her entire look from casual to chic in an instant. She touched them gently, marveling at how something so small could make such a big difference.
When Brian picked her up, his eyes widened appreciatively. "You look amazing," he said, his gaze lingering on the earrings.
At Jean G, they were seated on a patio facing the ocean. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over everything. A gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, ruffling Shira's hair slightly. She breathed in deeply, savoring the moment.
Their waiter, a tall man with a charming French accent, couldn't stop complimenting them. "You two make such a wonderful couple," he said as he poured their wine. "The picture of young love."
Shira blushed, stealing a glance at Brian. He was smiling, looking completely at ease.
The French Chardonnay was chilled to perfection, its crisp taste complementing the sour and savory seafood appetizers. As they ate, they talked about childhood, everything and nothing. Brian laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"So what about you?" Shira asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "What was little Brian like?"
Brian's smile softened. "I was actually a really good boy," he admitted. "Followed all the rules. My parents were pretty strict, you know? Dad was in the military, so discipline was a big thing in our house."
He took a sip of wine before continuing. "I always did my homework on time, never talked back, and was in bed by nine every night. Even helped around the house without being asked. Mom used to joke that I was an alien kid because I was so well-behaved."
Shira leaned in, "That's hard to believe. No rebellious phase at all?"
Brian shook his head, "Nope. I was too busy trying to be the perfect son. I was captain of the debate team, in the spare time, i was just coding by myself."
At the end of the three-hour night, the waiter approached their table with a satisfied smile. "I hope you enjoyed your evening," he said, his French accent lilting. "You've finished the entire bottle of wine. Excellent choice, if I may say so."
He placed the check discreetly in front of Brian. Shira, feeling a mix of warmth from the wine and gratitude for the wonderful evening, leaned forward.
"Brian," she said, her voice soft but determined, "let me split the bill with you. You've already been so generous with the earrings this morning."
Brian's eyes crinkled with amusement. He reached across the table, gently taking Shira's hand in his. "Nonsense," he said, his voice warm and firm. "This evening has been my pleasure. Please, allow me."
Shira opened her mouth to protest, but Brian silenced her with a look that was both kind and unyielding. She felt a flutter in her chest at his generosity.
As Brian dealt with the bill, Shira took in the last moments of their dinner. The candles on their table flickered, casting dancing shadows across the white tablecloth. The sound of waves lapping at the shore mixed with the soft murmur of other diners' conversations.
Once outside, Brian's arm found its way around Shira's waist, pulling her close. The night air was cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of Brian's body next to hers.
"Shall we grab a cab?" Brian asked, his breath tickling her ear.
Shira nodded, leaning into him. "Yes, let's go home."
The ride back to the condo was filled with comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional giggle as they shared private jokes with just a look.
Back at the condo, Shira kicked off her shoes with a sigh of relief. Despite the pleasant buzz from the wine, a nagging thought tugged at the back of her mind.
"Brian," she said, turning to face him, "would you mind if I checked my work emails quickly? I'm expecting some important files."
Brian smiled, "Of course not. Go ahead."
Shira made her way to the computer, and logged into her email. As the email from Zack loaded, she was amazed to see how well the images turned out after processing.
"Wow," she whispered.
Brian appeared behind her, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. "Are these your photos. May I see?"
Shira hesitated for a second, then nodded. As she clicked open the first image, she held her breath, wondering how Brian would react to seeing her in such bold poses.
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