Kashmir [BxB]

Chapter 24 - A penne for your thoughts

"I thought the other guys were going to be here as well..."

"Oh? Oh, um, no. I didn't invite them."

"Hm."

Standing on the busy sidewalk of a glistening skyscraper, I can already hear Esme's taunting. 'You should talk so you know what to expect' - yeah, no shit.

Kade had told me to dress up and made a joke about Sunday dinner, but standing beside the 'Salerno' sign made my heart thump. I'd heard about this place, one of the city's best vegetarian restaurants with a glass dome covering the roof terrace, offering up a beautiful view of the city.

This wasn't just some restaurant. This was a date.

"So, you hungry?"

I feel underdressed in my regular button-up next to Kade who's wearing a fucking vest - A VEST - paired with a dazzling smile as he held the door open for me. I swallow and smile as well, walking in and past him towards the elevator.

"I've never been here before, but I hear the food's great. How'd you find this place?", I start as we're stood in the elevator. Kade smiles abashedly and glances weirdly at me before looking at the floor counters' increasingly higher numbers.

"Oh, you know. Through the grapevine."

The door ding and open to reveal the large dining space, and as they close behind us they take my breath away with them. The large space is cozy and warm with the high glass ceiling reflecting the candles burning all over the restaurant. Tables are occupied everywhere, only divided by half walls and plants, and the murmur of the occupants blend nicely with the soft thrum of music flowing from the invisible speakers.

"You said fancy. Not... this.", I breathe, trying to get a grip.

"You don't like it?"

Kade's worried question makes me turn quickly to assure him.

"No! No, not at all. It's just..."

"What?", he asks, frowning. His eyes survey me, taking me in as he searches for an answer. This is it Kash - ask him what he means! Clarify what your relationship is, what all this is.

"...nothing."

I chicken out, too lost in the dream, the fantasy of it all to dare break the spell.

"Hello, welcome to Salerno. Do you have a reservation?"

The hostess question brings Kade's attention away from me and allows me to pull a few deep breaths before we're led through the busy restaurant and to our table. Two chairs on opposite sides of polished wood, away from the busy center of the room and adorned with candles, greenery and fancy tablecloths.

"A waiter will be with you shortly."

I sit down quickly, afraid that my knees will buckle beneath me if I don't. It's so romantic, plucked straight out of a romance novel. As is Kade, the way he moves and talks, the way his eyes boldly meet mine and he leans forward over the table as the hostess takes her leave.

"You look beautiful tonight."

Okay. Okay. Yup. Cool.

"Thank you.", I pipe out, thanking the gods when our waiter arrives with the menus.

I aimlessly flip through the plastic-covered pages, wishing to hide behind them until nobody was looking for me anymore. The closer I got to actually talking to him, the more nervous I got. He was so romantic, and sweet, and what if I asked stupid questions or he misunderstood and I never got to have this again?

"Huh?"

A question directed at me, but what? The waiter and Kade were both looking expectantly.

"What'd you like to drink?", Kade repeats.