Lucifer's Return

Chapter 8: A Proper Date

The doorbell rang. Chloe ran to the door wearing a robe with her hair tied in a bun and opened the door for Ella to burst through holding a large tote bag.

"Okay, let's get down to business." Ella said in a mix of seriousness and excitement.

"What's all that?" Chloe asked, gesturing towards the bag.

"Oh this? This is all the makeup I own and extra outfit possibilities."

"Ella, that wasn't necessary."

"Hey, you never know," she said and started unloading the bag onto the kitchen island.

"I'm not trying to do anything crazy, I just want to look... nice." Chloe said, trying to diffuse the possible havoc Ella might bring.

"Trust me, Decker. I have mastered the art of looking sexy yet approachable. You know, in my off hours. I don't wear these graphic tees to the club, if you know what I mean."

Reluctantly, Chloe said "Alright, let's see what you brought."

After an hour and a half of chatting and primping Ella was putting on the finishing touches to Chloe's makeup in the kitchen. "Okay" Ella said. "Check it out."

Chloe walked into her bedroom to look at herself in the full length mirror. Ella had lent her a little black dress. The narrow straps led to a sweetheart neckline exposing Chloe's chest and the bullet slug necklace Lucifer had given her. The black fabric hugged her waist and hips and cut off at the knee. Her hair fell about her shoulders in loose waves, parted to the side. Ella had achieved a sexy but not over-the-top makeup look with eyeliner flared out like a cat's eye, a little mascara, and a red lip. Chloe wouldn't normally choose such a bold lip color but it paired perfectly with the dress and a pair of red heels she hadn't worn in ages.

"Wow, mommy," Trixie said from the doorway. "You look so pretty!"

Chloe turned to look at her. "Thanks, monkey. You excited to play with Ella tonight?"

Trixie smiled and excitedly nodded her head.

The doorbell rang at 8pm on the dot. Chloe could hear Ella opening the door to invite Lucifer in. Chloe's heart began to pound. She didn't know why she was so nervous. She was rolling around in his bed that very morning and had even seen him at his most vulnerable, crying with heartache. Something felt different now. Maybe the stakes were higher. She threw a few belongings into a purse, then wondered what else she should bring, not knowing how long she might be gone. Chloe decided not to overthink it and threw in a few toiletries just in case.

Chloe took a deep breath and stepped out into the living room where three pairs of eyes landed on her. Trixie was hugging on to Ella, both beaming at Chloe's makeover, while Lucifer stood by the door, in a sleek 3-piece dark blue suit with a white shirt and red pocket square, hair quaffed to perfection, his hands casually in his pockets.

His eyes traveled from her feet up to her eyes, and back down and up a few more times before he managed to say "Detective, you... look... nice." Ella laughed and said sarcastically "Yeah, 'nice' was what she was going for" knowing full well that she had dolled her up past 'nice'. Lucifer suddenly became aware of the other people in the room again and cleared his throat. "Ahem, yes, well, Detective, are you ready to, er, hit the town?"

Chloe took a breath and nodded her head, clutching her purse strap in her hands. Chloe's heels clicked as she crossed the room. Lucifer's eyes darted to her red shoes and he bit the inside of his bottom lip.

"I'll see you two later. Not too much chocolate tonight. Have fun!" Chloe said to Ella and Trixie as she approached the front door Lucifer was holding open for her.

Ella called after her "You too, Deck." Then, covering Trixie's ears, mouthed "Get some!"

Chloe gave her a look and closed the door behind her.

Lucifer helped Chloe into his car then jumped in beside her. They sat in silence for a moment as Lucifer studied her. "What?" Chloe asked. "Oh, nothing. Just looking at a woman trying to give me a heart attack in her red heels." He said as he started the ignition.

"Where are you we going anyway?"

"Shall I tell you, or do you like surprises?"

"I hate surprises" Chloe said.

"Alright then," he said as he began to drive. "I've got us a private rooftop dinner at the new restaurant, Crescendo. The chef is an old friend. Did him a favor a while back. I realize our past attempts at dates have always failed and I didn't want to waste another minute now that we've finally reunited."

"That actually sounds really romantic" Chloe said as the lights from the street lamps danced across her face.

Lucifer pulled up to the curb and threw the keys to the valet as he opened Chloe's door and offered her his hand. She stepped out, one red heel at a time and looked up at the blue and pink lights emanating from the building. They arrived via elevator to the rooftop dining patio and bar that they had entirely to themselves. Chloe looked around at the string lights, couches, and beautiful skyline view of the city. The night was warm. Chloe took a deep breath as a cool breeze rushed past them.

Lucifer and Chloe sat opposite one another, each sipping the fine wine he had picked out.

"This wine is delicious" Chloe said, unsure what to talk about.

Lucifer tilted his head and studied her again. "Not as delicious as you."

Chloe chuckled. "You're a nerd."

Lucifer scoffed. "A nerd! A nerd, ladies and gentlemen," he announced to an invisible audience.

This broke the ice, allowing them to chat and joke until their dishes were served. A rare steak for him and branzino for her. Chloe had never tasted such exquisite gourmet food before. Lucifer reveled in the flavors he had missed for all those years he was in Hell.

The waiter returned to ask if they were interested in dessert. "Yes, but not here" Lucifer said suggestively, looking at Chloe's red lips. "So... would you like the check?" the waiter asked, slightly confused. Lucifer impatiently, but politely said "Yes, yes, the check, please."

Chloe could feel her cheeks flush. "Does this mean we're heading back to your place?"

"Is that what you desire, Ms. Decker?" Lucifer asked with a smirk.

Chloe finished the last drop of wine in her glass. "Yes."