The Darker Exterior

Chapter 5

"I didn't know we would be eating at your restaurant," I remark, turning to look around the extravagant place.

"I thought it may be a bit much to ask. I should have mentioned it, but I was working today, which made it quite convenient for me to get ready. I also have a penthouse right above this building on the top floor."

"Brag much?" I joke, unbuttoning my coat.

"Let me take that for you," he offered, gently helping me out of my coat, hanging it on a nearby hanger.

"Thank you," I remark, following him to the hostess stand.

"Mr. Gainer," she said, giving him a little nod, "what can I get for you today?"

"Two please," he remarked, motioning to me. I was so wrapped in anxiety I hadn't even noticed what he was wearing.

His choice of suit for the night was a gray that nearly matched the silver in my dress. His tie was the exact material and color as my dress itself, and his undershirt was a slightly darker shade. His hands were adorned with the same rings as the other night, and he smelled expensive. Not overpowering, like expensive douchebag cologne, but more of a subtle, clean, masculine scent.

"Of course, right this way," she said, leading us toward a small booth in the very back of the restaurant.

"Can I get you two anything to drink before your waiter greets you?" she asks genuinely.

"Do we have any Cabernet Sauvignon left? The one from Ruthford?" Atticus asked. The hostess nodded and looked at me.

"Oh, just water," I say. She gives me a small smile and nods before walking away gently.

"No alcohol for you tonight?" Atticus asked.

"I don't know much about wine, but I feel as though what you just ordered cost you more than a thousand dollars, and I don't have the luxury of that," I responded, wiping my sweaty palms on my thighs.

"That is true, but it was a gift, and I'd love for you to at least try it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime wine," he straightened his suit and let that devilish smile crawl onto his lips once again. 

"One glass probably wouldn't hurt," I respond, letting my cheeks flush with heat as I watch Atticus' eyes graze my entire body.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, insecurity crawling its way through my bones. I felt the sudden urge to hide under some sort of coat or blanket like I was naked and the world was watching. 

"No, everything is perfect. Thank you for blessing me with that beautiful dress yet again. I wasn't trying to seem overbearing," Our hostess brings back the two glasses of wine, which I nearly glared at, as I had told her merely water, but relaxed slightly as she set a chilled glass of water in front of me as well.

"Your waiter will be with you soon," she said, walking back to her stand.

"As I was saying," Atticus said, taking his first sip, "I'm not trying to be controlling," he motioned toward my glass, "You just looked like the epitome of perfection the other night, and I thought it may be in my graces to ask you to wear it again. I also wanted to make the decision of what to wear easier for you."

"I don't mind. It's a beautiful dress," I say, admiring the material yet again.

"Yes it is, but you're the one who pulls it off, Ms. Vidal," he reprimands.

"I think the dress does me more favors than if I was standing here in nothing," I ramble, taking my first sip of the wine. Atticus was right, it was a once-in-a-lifetime wine, and was quite different than I expected. To be frank, it tasted so expensive, that I almost wanted to let it sit in my glass and look pretty. Who was I to drink expensive wine in fancy restaurants? Last week I spilled my last bowl of chicken ramen all over my white pjs and bedsheets. I never spent hoards of money on new experiences.