What happens in Vegans Definitely didn't stay there

Chapter 5: Italian Beef and Chill

Sylvie goes on a first and second date, eats pizza with friends, and confides in Kelly about her blossoming relationship

Sylvie slept better than she thought she would that night, waking up later than normal to a quiet apartment. She had three hours until she was going to meet Antonio for lunch, and she was excited to meet him and see what would happen. She showered and shaved her legs, taking her time to do her hair and makeup before dressing. It was still November in Chicago, so she grabbed a heavy jacket to wear over her jeans and sweater.

Gabby was lying on the couch with the curtains closed, a glass of water almost empty in front of her. She waved at the noise of Sylvie moving through the room, before sitting up slowly. "How much did I drink? Can you get me water and an Advil?" Sylvie grabbed her glass and filled it, handing over the painkillers and glass to her. Gabby took them, drank, then stood up. She kept her balance and smiled, taking in Sylvie's outfit. "You've got a date, what's going on?"

Sylvie smiled, trying to hide her worry about Gabby's response. "I'm getting lunch with a friend, that's all. We're going to Portillo's for sandwiches." She sat on the couch beside Gabby to settle in for the talk.

"Who with? Is it a friend or a friend?" Gabby's insinuation was clear, and Sylvie laughed.

"I'm getting sandwiches with your brother, Gabby. We're just getting food, he helped me get you home from Molly's last night."

"That's bull. He told me you were cute, you know. He's gonna think it's a date, are you ok with that?" Gabby blinked the hangover cloudiness from her eyes and stared straight at Sylvie, making Sylvie feel like she was under a microscope.

"We made out last night after you went to bed, but I wasn't going to sleep with my friend's brother for a one night thing. So we're getting food, and we'll see what happens." Gabby smiled at her, making Sylvie feel better.

"Good! You could be good for each other. His divorce is settled, and it was tough on him. Laura didn't get what being a cop is like and what it can do to and for you. You're a paramedic, you get it though. Good luck, and I want the PG rated details when you get back, he's still my brother." Gabby chased her off the couch, before flopping back down with her eyes closed. Sylvie quietly left the apartment, getting the El to make her way to Portillos.

It was a Friday afternoon, and things weren't too busy. They'd missed the worst of the lunch rush, and Antonio had arrived first to grab them a table. She ordered an Italian Beef sandwich, a shake and a slice of chocolate cake, and he did the same.

The first few minutes were awkward as they tried to work out what they were doing. It was the first time they'd been without any of their coworkers in the same place, and it took time for them to relax and just talk. Before too long Antonio was telling her stories about his time in Intelligence and how he'd worked on cases, and she explained how she ended up in Chicago in the first place.

"I guess that was breaking first conversation rule number one, don't mention your exes," she said, taking a sip of her strawberry shake

"We're both adults, I don't blame you for mentioning it. I'm gonna guess Gabby mentioned my divorce to you. After the last time I was shot, Laura couldn't put up with my job anymore. It's not pretty, but we've divided custody and the kids are ok which is important. I see them most weekends and I'm over for dinner every few nights." He squeezed Sylvie's hand to punctuate his words, and she smiled.

"Once we finish this food, wanna walk down to Navy Pier? It's cold but the ferris wheel is fun, and I think we could enjoy it." Sylvie nodded, and after he paid - against her wishes, but he got there first - they walked hand in hand down to the pier. She hadn't been down here since she'd moved, and the bright colours made her grin. She managed to pay for the ferris wheel, and they sat in their pod, watching the city skyline as they rose. It didn't take long before they were near the top, the stop start motion of their trip a constant as people got on and off. She looked around, but before long felt Antonio's cool lips on the side of her neck. They made out like teenagers in the pod for a few moments, separating before they made it to the bottom of the wheel.