Nouveau

Chapter 76: Forevers

"A desire to be seen, is a desire to exist..."
-Lady in Red, 2022

Laive

Hours ago, their ride along the beautiful scenic city skyline complimented silhouettes of palm trees and a waning beach shore in the resplendent sunset. Her left hand was interlocked  in Tremaine's right as the car slowed to a large modern style glass and steel bordered building. They were swiftly greeted by formally dressed staff. The large curb side acrylic signage listed directions of parking, valet, and an arrow pointing towards the glass structure that was labeled event. Laive remembered being confused as she took Tremaine's hand exiting the passenger door, but didn't hesitate to follow his lead. His cool and pensive demeanor caused L to ask questions about where they were going and how she wasn't familiar with the location.

Glass panels covered with mirror reflective film concealed the interior of the building as Tremaine's slow stroll accompanied the clicking of L's heels upon winding concrete. Laive made out beautiful sounds of faint classical music scores playing in the far off distance as she reveled in the breath taking scenery. Her stomach dropped for the millionth time but in gratefulness. A variety of elegant floral bushels complimented landscapes of purposefully planted trees for ambiance. Once inside, a solo harpist, pianist, and symphonic string quartet provided the melodic harmonies of the evening.

An attendant grabbed two menus and ushered them towards a black curved pathway to their designated table. There were huge digital photo frames that stood at least fifteen feet tall and five feet wide playing photos and videos of them in black and white every few feet with Laive getting choked up at how beautiful everything was. The curated trip down memory lane was worth endless emotions. Their hot air balloon ride, nights together overseas, viewing the world's wonders, time spent in private, them together amongst family and friends, their silly snaps and TikToks...Her tears were barely holding off as they were seated.

"You want me to ruin my makeup so bad," Laive joked. Tremaine pulled out her chair while L subtly patted at the corner of both eyes with a folded napkin.

"Or," Tremaine's grin quickly appeared while pushing L's seat up and sitting next to her. "I just love you."

"I love you."

"How much?" He teased. Seemingly proud of how effortlessly the rebuttal rolled off Laive's tongue. She didn't think he'd ever get tired of hearing her say it so easily these days.

"More than anything."

"Anything baby?"

"Mhmm."

"More than my kisses?"

L smirked as they leaned in towards each other to share in their usual affections. It took a few seconds to gather herself when their lips parted, "It's a close second for sure."

"I call bullshit." Tremaine interjected and they both laughed light heartedly in response.

The cutlery was vintage gold, engraved with matching ivory china plates finished in metallic scalloped edges. They indulged in dinner and L's favorite past time of kisses and touches. He'd occasionally offer sips of his red wine, but Laive's excuse was that she was cutting back on alcohol for a while. Tremaine's right hand gently tugged her left wrist towards him, reminding Laive of how small her hands were. Their rhythm was natural. Sweet, kind, and entrapped within each other's full attention. Tremaine smirked at how Laive was gazing at him.