TASTES LIKE LOVE

The Castle

Mark untied the strings tying his apron together, done with his final shift of the day. His new chef, Derek, smiled at him across the room, already busy with orders. "I know I've only been working with you for a few weeks but I've never seen you so hyped to get off work. Hot date?" Derek said, watching as Mark pulled off his hat and hung it up on the hook on the other wall.

Mark smiled back. "Of course," he said, excited at the prospect of finally getting some alone time with the woman who'd been occupying his thoughts lately. She'd cancelled on him the other day, but they planned to meet today at a fancy restaurant uptown. He'd offered to cook, of course, but she refused, saying all he did was cook all day, the least she could do was let him do the eating for once.

He pondered going home to change into a more uptown-fancy sort of outfit, and later he would thank the stars he did. As soon as he was done changing, he was on his way to the restaurant, a white rose bouquet in the front passenger seat next to him. He was feeling more confident in a grey long-sleeved turtleneck, black pants and a grey overcoat, and a couple stares as he walked up to the table he'd reserved confirmed his excellent choice.

Always on time, at 8 o'clock, Lauren showed up, and he could tell she'd purposely dressed up a bit for the occasion. His heart skipped a beat. Wow. She's stunning.

He stood up, and pulled out her chair to let her sit. She smiled, placing her purse on the side table next her.
"Thank you," she said. "Did I make you wait?" she asked, and he shook his head . "No, I got here not too long ago. Here," he said, handing her the bouquet. She took them with a wide smile and a tiny gasp that excited him." Oh, I love these, how did you know?"
" They were on display in your office, and at your house too," he said.

"You're quite observant, aren't you?" she said, opening the menu that was already on the table. Only when it comes to you. "Well I wouldn't be a good chef if I didn't pay attention to details," he joked. She looked at him over the menu, and even though it covered half her face he could tell she was smiling. God, she's adorable.

"I love the eye makeup you did today. It matches your outfit," he said, loving the smiles she gave him whenever he complimented her. As expected, she smiled even brighter, her cheeks flushing. "Thank you, Mark. I picked this look myself. I was almost late trying to find the perfect shade but, here I am," she said. He nodded, and pretended to read his menu whilst secretly watching her smile as she picked her food.

She looked so beautiful sitting there in her pretty white dress with a plunging neckline and minimal jewelry so he couldn't resist taking a picture of her when she wasn't looking. When the waiter had come and gone, he showed it to her. "Look how pretty you look here," he said. She laughed. "It's just my ear and arm showing. When did you take this? I like it," she said, beaming from ear to ear. He made several notes. Send her white roses. Take pretty pictures of her. Buy her minimalistic jewelry. She wears a lot of black but she definitely loves white. Also sparkly shoes.