Un Encuentro Casual

Chapter 3 - La Primera Cita

[My POV.]
I pulled up to his shop and was about to get down when I saw him walk out. I opened my door as he came around to say hi.

Me: "Someone's excited."

Stranger: "Don't tease me. I told you I wanted to see you again."

I smiled and stepped back as I spread my arms.

Me: "Here I am."

He smiled back as he stared at me intently.

Stranger: "You look really beautiful."

Me: "You clean up well."

He chuckled softly as he looked down.

Stranger: "I guess that's a compliment."

Me: "What if I say you look incredibly handsome?"

Stranger: "Is that really what you think?"

Me: "I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."

He smiled widely as he nodded.

Stranger: "Fair enough. Are you ready to go?"

I nodded and was about to open my door again when he reached for my hand.

Stranger: "Mind if I drive?"

Me: "Huh?"

Stranger: "I want it to be a surprise."

I thought for a moment but agreed.

Stranger: "We'll go in my truck."

Me: "Are you sure?"

Stranger: "Yeah."

Me: "I don't mind going in my car."

Stranger: "I just feel bad that you came to pick me up. I should've insisted on picking you up."

Me: "This isn't the 1950s. I said I could wine and dine you."

He smiled again as he looked down.

Stranger: "Sorry, it's just how we were raised. Let me take you today and you can plan the next date, is that alright with you?"

Me: "Alright deal. Let me grab my keys and purse."

He walked me over to his truck and opened the passenger door for me. ~His truck does seem more comfortable since he's tall.~ He got in and turned on the truck before driving off. We talked a little on the way over and finally arrived at a nice restaurant that I hadn't been to before. He got down first and opened my door before helping me down. We went inside and were escorted to a secluded table in a quiet corner of the dining area. The staff seemed to know him well as they greeted him.

Staff: "Mr. Jimenez, will you be having the usual?"

Stranger: "I'll let my date decide, can we have more time?"

Staff: "Of course. Excuse me."

I tried to hold back a smile as I looked over the menu.

Me: "You must come here often."

Stranger: "This is my parent's favorite restaurant."

Me: "What do they do?"

Stranger: "They own it."

I looked up at him surprised.

Me: "They do?"

He smiled and nodded.

Stranger: "Yeah... It started out as a small stand and gradually it grew."

I stared at him in disbelief as I wasn't sure if he was actually being serious.