Love That Lived In The Next Life

3

The song of a violin hung in the air as the pair walked up toward a small Italian restaurant. The two women giggled softly as they pointed out different objects and murals. Daniella's arms curled firmly around Cameron's waist. Cameron's hand lightly clutched onto Daniella's shoulder. Daniella leaned forward and grabbed the door. Cameron's cheeks tinted a light rose as she stepped through the door. The scents of fresh bread and garlic peppered the air. The two sighed as they walked into the inviting yellow glow of the restaurant. Couples sat all around the restaurant and low chatter hummed underneath the music that played from a live violinist further in.

"Table for two?" The two girls stared over at the hostess that stood by her post.

"Yes, please," Daniella spoke for the two of them. The woman smiled and grabbed their menus. They trailed to a small table in the back of the restaurant. A wine menu stood in the center of a small wooden table as menus were placed and the two sat. Cameron smiled over at Daniella while Daniella took the wine menu and stared at it. "Red or white?"

"Red," Cameron said softly. Daniella hummed as her eyes trailed down the menu.

"Pinot?"

"Perfect." Daniella's giggle signaled her approval as she set the menu aside. "So, outside of that disruption, how was your day?" Cameron's fingers twirled through her hair as she leaned against the table. Daniella's eyes turned heavenward as she leaned in closer to Cameron and hummed.

"Business was actually very good today!" Cameron perked up to Daniella's elated mood. "I had these adorable kids come in from a school field trip. Their teacher had an hour to spare before the museum downtown opened and apparently she was a huge fan of the shop!" Cameron's smile glowed as she listened to Daniella's day.

"Sounds adorable!"

"Oh, their cute little eyes stared at the entire kids section like it was a new toy! It was really cute!"

"You get pretty good business at your shop, don't you?"

"I have my slow days, but they are usually on Thursdays." Cameron nodded. "How did Jason like the recommendations for his pastries?"

"Well, I made it definite that the cookies were a no-go. He loved the comments." Cameron chuckled as the waiter came by. Daniella gave the wine order as bread was placed down in front of them. Cameron swiped a slice of bread and tore off a piece as Daniella continued to order their food. As the menus were taken, Cameron munched silently on her bread.

"I hope you don't mind that I-,"

"I am so indecisive that it was actually a blessing," Cameron cut her off. Daniella chuckled as she grabbed her own slice of bread.

"I remembered you telling me how you hated small-talk with restaurant staff and never knowing what to order," Daniella commented as she cleared her throat.

"I'm glad you remembered honestly," Cameron chuckled. The two broke out into a low laughter as they munched on their bread. As they waited, their conversations turned from the day to philosophy. They grew into a debate as the wine came. Cameron sipped on her wine as she argued her point quietly. Daniella listened in complete fascination. As Cameron spoke, Daniella smiled into her wine. "-and when I...Daniella stop smiling! I can't focus when you smile like that," Cameron argued.

"Smile like what?" She teased as the wine was set aside.

"You know what I mean," Cameron squinted.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." The two broke out into laughter. "God, you are too cute," she chuckled a moment later. Two plates of pasta sat in front of them as they leaned back in their seats. Cameron grabbed a fork and picked at her food while Daniella swirled her fork into the pasta.