Intertwined: Invisible Strings

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven- Dinner with a side of bruises

As I arrived at Osteria Restaurant in Brooklyn, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nervousness. The soft glow of the restaurant's lights spilled out onto the sidewalk, casting a warm and inviting aura. The sound of chatter and clinking glasses filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere. Stepping inside, I was greeted by the rich aroma of Italian cuisine and the sight of elegant decor. The walls were adorned with rustic paintings, and soft music played in the background, creating a perfect ambiance for a dinner date. A friendly waitress approached me, her smile brightening as she led me to our table. I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious in my long red dress, but the excitement of the evening overshadowed any doubts. As we walked, I caught glimpses of Juan Franco, already seated at the table, his eyes lighting up as he saw me approaching. I was so glad to be given the opportunity to repay his favour. He was indeed such a great person and extremely attractive as well. This was my first date since Rohan and I separated. I'm glad it was with someone so friendly and respectful.

Juan Franco was dressed in a sharp suit, his dark hair neatly styled. His warm smile made my nerves melt away, and as I reached the table, he stood up, extending a hand to greet me. "Princessa, you look absolutely stunning," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. I thanked him with a smile, feeling a surge of confidence. Sitting down, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his help and excited for the evening ahead. I was still feeling a bit light headed and my throat was sore but overall, I think I was okay. "I'll be honest, I rarely eat Italian cuisine so I may need some help to order," I shyly admitted attempting to break the ice. "Luckily for you, I am an expert," Franco chuckled, a sparkle in his eyes. "I'm in great hands then, what do you suggest?" I asked browsing through the seemingly confusing menu.

"First of all, I want to enjoy the meal already in front of me, beautifully dressed in red and stunning from her head to her toe," Franco continued as he stared at me with an intensity that definitely made my cheeks heat up, it's been a long while since I've been so playful with a man. "Franco, you flatter me too much, it's you I should be thankful for, I'm so beyond blessed that you helped me out today," I began in an extremely grateful tone, "because of you, I achieved my first victory...well indirectly but still it's still worth celebrating," I smiled taking his hand into mine. "You deserve to be celebrated every single day, Princessa," he smiled feverishly back at me, "and that is why I will be ordering for you," he continued focusing intently on the menu while I chuckled wholeheartedly. My phone started vibrating violently against the table, I was about to pick it up but then I thought...I needed some time alone, just for myself away from everything. Also, I felt horrible because I meant to text Aishna about my whereabouts but she'd understand me when I explain it to her later. While Juan Franco was scouring the menu, my phone kept vibrating nonstop...I felt extremely embarrassed because who the hell could be calling me this much? Without a second thought I picked it up and held down the 'power-off' button, there we go no more disturbances. "Alright Princessa, I'm ready to order," Juan Franco signaled our server over and began to list the various courses of our dinner, "For our appetizer we'll have: Bruschetta al Pomodoro with a little bit of extra garlic, for the beautiful lady across from me, she'll have: Linguine alle Vongole as her main course and I will have: Filetto di Manzo," I smiled awkwardly because I had no idea what to expect from these items that Franco had ordered on my behalf but the thrill of not knowing was exciting and I needed a little excitement. "A glass of Chianti Classico for the lady and a glass of Barolo for me," and with that our order was completed. The waitress assured us that she would be back with our meals within 20 minutes.

As our date progressed, I began to feel a slight ache in my head same as I previously did earlier this morning however I pushed it away as much as I could and chose to enjoy the beautiful environment, my friendly company and the amazing Italian cuisine that Juan Franco had ordered for me. As the waitress brought our meals, I wasn't ashamed to say that I indulged in every single bite of food. The bruschetta was a delightful start to the meal, with the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and fragrant basil on crispy bread. Each bite was a burst of freshness that awakened my taste buds. My linguine alle vongole was a comforting dish, the pasta perfectly cooked and the clams juicy and flavourful. The garlic and white wine sauce added a depth of flavor that was truly satisfying. That first sip of my Chianti Classico was smooth and full-bodied, complementing the meal perfectly, I felt absolutely refreshed. Until the pounding in head escalated and that burning sensation in my throat began again. The air around us was cold and thick and I was beginning to shiver yet I tried to mask it.