The Life I Want To Live With You

The Wine, The Stars And You Chapter 2

They walked into the restaurant, Michael having picked Lisa up from her apartment. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black suit pants. "We have a table on the rooftop," he told her with a little spark in his eye.

"This place has a second floor?" Lisa asked, genuinely surprised because the place looked pretty small to have it.

Michael grinned and offered her his hand, which she accepted slowly. "No, it doesn't. I arranged for a table there. The weather's beautiful tonight, clear skies and stars are visible well, so I thought it'd be a great idea."

They made their way behind the kitchen area to a staircase leading to the roof. A waiter was waiting for them by a table adorned with candles and wine glasses. Strings of lights hung above, casting a warm glow, while stars sparkled in the dark sky, making it appear brighter.

Lisa looked around, amazed and shocked that someone had gone to such lengths to create a special setting for them. As someone who had lost her father at a young age and moved to a different state at the age of 19 to pursue her independence, this experience was entirely new for her. She understood that moments like these were fleeting, and she was determined to savor every bit of it.

"What do you think?" Michael asked, his eyes fixed on Lisa's amazed expression. When she looked at him and smiled with genuine happiness, a joy she hadn't felt in a long time, his heart swelled.

"It's absolutely beautiful, Michael," she said, her smile radiating.

They took their seats at the table, and the waiter welcomed them, ready to take their order. Lisa scanned the menu but felt Michael's gaze on her. When she looked at him, he gestured to the menu. "I'd like the stewed turkey in buckwheat sauce," he said, closing the menu and handing it to the waiter after noting his order.

Lisa glanced at Michael, then at the menu. She closed it and said with a small smile, "I'll have the same," and handed the menu to the waiter.

The waiter turned his attention to Michael. "And for drinks, sir?"

"Red wine, please. Your best, well-aged, if you have it," Michael replied. The waiter nodded and made his way downstairs.

Michael looked at Lisa, placing his hand on the table. "So, I hope you won't regret spending time with me, and that I didn't disrupt your plans for this evening," he said, unbuttoning his shirt slightly as he spoke, a sign of his nerves.

Lisa didn't break eye contact with him. "Well, you did," she said with a serious tone.

Michael felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. "Oh, really? I thought if you agreed to meet me, it meant you didn't have any plans."

Lisa started to smile and tried not to burst into laughter. "If spending time in front of the television, lying on the couch, and indulging in junk food qualifies as having plans, then yes, you've certainly ruined them."

Michael laughed in relief, the tension dissipating. Lisa's smile widened as she saw him become more at ease.

Their waiter returned with a bottle of wine, opening it expertly at their table and pouring it into their glasses. As he placed the bottle on the table and left, Michael raised his glass. "Well, here's to a delightful evening," he toasted.

Lisa clinked her glass with his, her eyes were sparkling. "To a memorable evening," she replied.

As they savored their meal, the conversation flowed easily, and laughter filled the air. The sounds of a street musician playing the guitar wafted up to the rooftop, adding to the enchantment of the evening.

Michael couldn't help but be drawn to Lisa's warmth and sense of humor. "Lisa?" he whispered, leaning closer to her as they enjoyed the night.

She turned to him, her eyes locking onto his. "Can you look up?" he asked, and she did, her gaze rising to the night sky.

Lisa's face lit up in amazement. "Wow," she said in awe, taking in the expanse of stars above.

"I'm happy you like it," Michael said as he watched her with a smile.

"It's not just that," Lisa replied, her eyes still fixed on the sky. "It's because of you that I've started to see this city as something more precious and beautiful than just a place where I work."

Michael smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "I'd be even happier if I could spend more time with you," he admitted.

Lisa grinned, leaning her cheek against his chest and closing her eyes, feeling safe under the scent of his cologne. "I'll think about that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Michael placed his hand on her waist, gently squeezing her hand. "Then I'll try to be patient."

She gave him a playful hug. "That's good."

Michael chuckled, moving her unruly hair away from her face. He gently tucked it behind her ear and looked into her eyes. They gazed at each other for a moment before Lisa shivered slightly from the dropping temperature.

"I should take you home. It's getting cold," Michael said, his tone laced with regret.

They left the restaurant hand in hand, hailed a taxi, and arrived at her building. Michael stepped out first and opened the door for Lisa. They walked to the building's entrance, where Lisa took out her keys to unlock the door. As she fumbled with the keys, Michael couldn't help but gaze at her until she finally opened the door and looked at him, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Goodnight, Lisa," Michael said, smiling warmly at her.

Lisa returned the smile and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Goodnight, Michael," she said before walking into the building. Michael watched as she closed the door behind her before he returned home, his thoughts consumed by the evening. He felt a fluttering in his entire body like never before.