The Witches Image

Chapter 15

The ride was mostly silent, except for the soft hum of the radio and the sound of the engine. Copia kept his focus on the road, occasionally glancing in your direction.

Every now and then he would catch a glimpse of you, his heart fluttering as he took in your features, illuminated by the soft glow of the passing streetlights.

The ride was filled with a pleasant silence. Copia concentrated on the road while occasionally glancing at you. He was aware of your presence, the way you moved, the soft breaths you took.

He tried to keep his thoughts in check, but they kept wandering back to the anticipation of spending the evening with you.

You looked at him with a smile. He looked good behind the wheel, driving the car smoothly through the streets. The soft sound of music made this scene perfect.

Copia felt his heart skip a beat when you smiled at him, his eyes flickering briefly from the road to meet yours.

He smiled back, his expression softer than usual. The streetlights cast a soft, almost romantic glow on your face, and he found himself completely entranced by your beauty.

Copia pulled into a parking spot in front of the restaurant and turned off the engine. The exterior of the place was charming, with outdoor dining and dim lighting, clearly intended to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere.

Turning to you, he unbuckled his seat belt and gave you a mischievous smile. "We're here," he said, his tone a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Ready for your surprise?"

You unbuckled your belt and said, "Italian food...I love it."

Copia beamed at your enthusiasm, his nerves a little soothed by your eagerness. He got out of the car and walked around the front to open your door, offering his hand to help you out.

"I had a feeling you'd like it," he said, closing the door behind you. "Come on, I got us a table."

He led you inside, one hand resting lightly on the small of your back as you walked.

The interior of the restaurant was even more charming than the exterior. Soft candlelight flickered from small votives, casting shadows on the white tablecloths. A pianist played soothing music in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Copia weaved his way through the tables to a secluded corner booth. He pulled out a chair for you and motioned for you to sit down.

"Thank you!" you said as you sat down. "You're a real gentleman, you know that!"

Copia took a seat across from you, a warm pink blush creeping across his cheeks. He wasn't used to compliments, especially when they were directed at him.

"Oh, well," he said a little shyly, "I try my best, mia cara."

He fidgeted with the napkin in his lap, trying to hide the wave of nerves that washed over him.

"This place is really beautiful...it feels like we are realy in Italy!" you smiled and looked around, taking in this place.

Copia smiled back at you, his eyes flickering around the restaurant as he took in your words.

"I had a feeling you would like it," he replied, his fingers tapping on the table in time to the music. "The atmosphere seemed right for a first date."

The word "date" seemed to echo in his mind. He was on a date. With you. It felt almost unreal.

A waiter approached and started talking to Copia in Italian, and they seemed to know each other. You looked at him.

Copia's smooth Italian words seemed to melt together, the soft yet firm lilt of his accent rolling off his tongue with ease. He smiled and chatted with the waiter, his eyes occasionally flickering to look at you.