Love in Paradise

Chapter 8: The Boardwalk

Finally, we reached the boardwalk. Around us, there were a few shopping malls and small stations. Face painting, drawing, photography, concession stands, and other booths were set up by numerous people. We arrived at the restaurant, which was a medium-sized restaurant with the words Lanai's Restaurant and Tiki bar lit up in LED lights.

I thanked Dean and entered the restaurant once he had opened the glass door for me. There were many people inside seated at tables, and it was busy. While there was some noise inside, it wasn't too loud to handle. "

Aloha welcome to Lanai's Restaurant and Tiki bar, how many people are at your party?" the waitress greeted us with a warm smile as she took the menus off the counter. "Two people," I responded in turn. "Great, follow me", she said, nodding. She escorted us to a round wooden table with seats and a white tablecloth.

I sat down on the wooden chair and moved my seat even closer to the table after doing so. Directly across from me, Dean had taken a seat. She placed the menus on the hardwood table and said, "Here are your menus. Your waiter will be with you shortly." We both said "thank you" to her. I then glanced down at the menu because I saw that Dean would occasionally look up at me. Dean's blue eyes were studying the menu from top to bottom when I turned to face him.

"Do you know what you're going to order?" Dean asked as he set his menu on the table. He stared intently into my brown eyes. "I'm considering ordering the shrimp pasta with a side of fried rice." "How about you? " I asked. Dean said, "I'm considering the sweet and spicy wings with a side of French fries."

The server came up to our table holding a little notepad and a pen in each hand. "My name is Rian and I'll be your waiter today." " Would you both like something to drink?" Rian asked inquisitively. "Please give me a Piña Colada drink." I raised an eyebrow since I was a little surprised by this. I noticed that we were only a few inches from the Tiki bar. "I'll settle with just a glass of water, please." The waiter said with a nod, "I'll be back soon."

"Why did you appear a little surprised, Bri?" He asked inquisitively. "I didn't realize you drank, but as long as you don't drink excessively, there's nothing wrong with that." I retorted, saying that.  "I don't drink often, but when I do, it's not a lot," Dean replied.  The waiter had already returned with our drinks.

He places the glass of water for me first, and then he places the glass of Piña Colada drink for Dean, which was in a glass cup with a pineapple on the side and a plastic straw inside. "Are you ready to place your order?" the waiter asked.

"Yes, please I want the sweet and sour chicken wings and french fries." He answered. That was noted down by the waiter on his notepad. "For you Miss?" He curiously enquired to me. "Can I have the fried rice and shrimp pasta?" That was also noted by the server. Okay, I'll be back shortly. He moved away from our table and into the kitchen.

I turned to gaze out the window. I watched the waves as they steadily moved back and forth. "Do you see yourself getting married in the future, Dean?" I asked with a soft sigh. "When I find the perfect person, I may see myself getting married in the future." He answered her in turn. "Who is the right person for you?" I spoke while facing him.

Dean was on the verge of saying "you," but he refrained since he understood that they were merely friends. "Just till I find the perfect person", he said after giving it some serious thought. He said quietly. As I looked back out the window, I sighed. In contrast to how I felt for him, he still saw us as nothing more than friends.

While I had a few sips of water, Dean took a few sips of his beverage. "Enjoy your lunch", the waiter said when he returned. On the table, he places the food. I turned to look at the hot pasta and shrimp on the plate.

On top, I could make out a scattering of basil leaves. On the plate's side was the fried rice. I inserted my fork into the noodles and swirled it around. I looked over to Dean's food next, where the chicken wings had barbeque sauce poured over them and the fries had basil sprinkled on top.

As we ate, there was a brief period of silence between the two of us. "So, how do you feel about tomorrow...?" To ease their tension, Dean questioned. "Yeah, I'm happy. My childhood friend Marina and I had always dreamed about having both our weddings on a beach." I said.

When the waiter returned, Dean proposed to cover the bill. The $60 bill caught his eye as he looked down. He passed the cash to the server, and I offered him a twenty-dollar tip in appreciation for his excellent service. He gave us both his gratitude. "Are you prepared to leave?" Dean questioned inquisitively. I nodded, and we walked out the door after that. As the sun began to set, it was already dawn.

Considering how worn out we were, we both decided to go back to the hotel. Once again, we rode in a cab to the hotel. I texted Marina she understood because Marina knew it had been a long day for them. As we entered the hotel, we subsequently made our way inside. I laid myself down on my bed and exhaled quietly. In his bed, Dean followed suit.

I got up, went to the bathroom, slammed the door behind me, and quickly showered. I changed into a black sleeping gown and shut off the water as I did so. Dean then repeated the action while putting on blue pajama bottoms and a top that also showed a little bit of his chest. Dean turned off the lights. To watch television for the night, we both got into our beds.

Authors Note
Thank you so much for reading! The next chapter will be the Bachelorette/ Bachelor's Party! ❤️