Gallery of Hearts

Chapter 8

I wake up feeling like I'm in a movie. The birds are chirping and the city is buzzing with excitement. I grab my phone and open my messages.

Me: Good morning. I was thinking we could get dinner again tonight?

I put my phone down and hop in the shower. I let the room steam up as I take my time shampooing. When I get out, I reach for my phone and check my notifications.

Oliver: Sounds great ;)

Me: How about Italian?

I giggle and tie the towel around me. I finish my skin care routine and blow dry my hair, patiently waiting for Oliver to respond. 

Bing

I pounce on my phone.

Oliver: Rome's Luxe @ 8:30. My treat. 

My jaw drops. Rome's Luxe? That's an extremely expensive restaurant. He is one successful man. I think about the privilege some people have to own that much money. But for some reason the thought about him being wealthy barely even pokes me. I could care less if he lived in a castle or owned 6 cars. I just wanted him. 

Me: How could I say no? 

The hours are slow until it's finally time for me to see Oliver again. 

I slip into my favorite dress and excitement takes over me. I strap on my heels, grab my purse, and kiss Sunny goodbye. I arrive at Rome's Luxe at 8:30 on the dot and I think it's safe to assume Oliver will already be inside. I'm greeted by staff and guided to a table by the big windows overlooking the city. The atmosphere is intimate and the air is filled with quiet conversation and clinking of fine china. The waitress steps aside and I see Oliver at a table. He is so gorgeous. Insanely gorgeous. He sees me and stands up as I walk over to him. He cusps my face in his hands.

"You look so..." he starts to say as his eyes scan me, taking in every piece, before they come back to my face. He suddenly plants a kiss on my lips. "...so beautiful, Ivy." I put my hands over his and smile. I feel warmth spread throughout me from his touch. I take in his suit, his deep crisp cologne, and his hazel green eyes that sparkle from soft glow of the candles. He pulls out my chair and I sit down across from him. The waitress appears promptly and pours us each a glass of water before leaving us alone to look at the menu. Oliver tells me what he recommends and I let him take charge of the food. I feel so at ease in his presence. His hand grabs mine from across the table. "I love spending time with you," whispers, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. 

"I think I enjoy it more," I whisper back. I look out the window at the beautiful view next to us. The city lights are bright, contrasting the dark sky. 

The night slowly comes to an end and we step out of the restaurant into the warm summer breeze the night brings. Oliver wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close. "Thank you so much for tonight," I say looking up at him. He looks down at me in return.

"Thank you." I feel him hold me tighter and my stomach does backflips. I rest my head on his chest as we walk. It's late now, and I'm pretty tired, so I'm thinking of getting an uber home when we part ways.

"Where's your apartment?" Oliver asks.

"Hm?" I ask as I'm pulled out of my thoughts. 

"I don't know where you live."

"I'm in the West Village. Close to Marco's restaurant."

"Shit you're far," he responds.

"It's not too bad. I walk all over this city. No different tonight."

"Ivy, it's late. That's like an hour walk from here. And the subways are dangerous, especially at this time. I'm walking you home," he says in almost a stern tone. I've never seen this protective side of him.