By Sun and Candlelight / CAMREN

Chapter 27 - Finally

Camila and Lauren sat at a small table for two in the dimly lit restaurant, the candle between them providing most of the light. Camila couldn't stop looking at Lauren, she was simply gorgeous. Camila gave her a small smile and reached across the table and held out her hand. Lauren placed her hand in Camila's and gave it a squeeze. The waiter approached and they let go and settled back in their seats.

"Can I offer you something to drink?" he asked, with a strong Italian accent.

Lauren looked at Camila, "We could go with a bottle of wine, if you want."

"That sounds good," Camila said.

"Let me call Anthony to help you," the waiter said graciously.

The sommelier approached the table and discussed options based on the women's tastes and what they would be ordering for dinner. The settled on a bottle and he returned just moments later to uncork and pour for them. When he left, they chatted about the menu and decided on their food order. The first dish to arrive was a large plate of carpaccio with arugula and shaved parmesan cheese. They both placed a serving on the smaller plates in front of them and dug in.

"Oh my god, this is good," Camila said, smiling, "I can't believe I never came here when I lived in this city."

"One thing I have to complement Chris on – he knew all the best restaurants," Lauren said, smiling softly, "This was always my favorite. Every time we came, I hoped that one day I'd be here with someone I care about."

Camila felt herself blush and she took a sip of wine, keeping her eyes on Lauren the whole time. As she leaned in for another bite, she couldn't help but let her view drop slightly to Lauren's chest. When she raised her eyes again Lauren was looking at her with a knowing smirk.

"I know I'm staring," Camila said, her voice low, "But I can't take my eyes off you."

Lauren wanted to ask for the check and leave but she managed to control herself. She smiled and took another bite.

"I guess that's what I was hoping for when I picked this dress," Lauren said, grinning.

"Well, you did a good job," Camila said, taking a deep breath.

The next course was a risotto with wild mushrooms, garlic, parsley, olive oil and parmesan cheese. They both marveled at the food and enjoyed light conversation. As the entrees arrived Camila realized that this was, without a doubt, the most she had ever enjoyed a date. The restaurant was romantic, the food was magnificent, and Lauren was absolutely perfect.

Camila plowed through her seafood linguine and Lauren nearly finished her entire plate of spinach and ricotta ravioli. They were both happily full as the waiter cleared their dishes.

"Can I tempt you with dessert?" he asked, smiling, "we have gelato, tiramisu, panna cotta, and cannoli."

"I'm stuffed," Lauren said, looking at Camila, "But I know you love dessert. I'll take a bite of whatever you order."

Camila generally never turned down dessert, but she didn't want to wait any longer to get back to the hotel.

"Is it possible for you to pack up cannoli for us to take home?" Camila asked.

"Of course, we can," he answered politely, "I'll get it ready for you right away."

He left then returned quickly with the cannoli in a small bag and placed the bill on the table. Lauren immediately handed him her credit card and he turned and walked away.

"Lauren, no...," Camila said, watching him move toward the back of the restaurant.

"Camila, I insist," Lauren said, "This is the only thing I'm going to have a chance to treat you to this weekend. I wanted to bring you here and it was as wonderful as I'd hoped. Just let me take care of this one meal."