A Gaze to Remember

Chapter 15 - Two Paths, One Heartache

SUNDAY 26 AUGUST 2024

It was Sunday, their two-week anniversary of knowing each other. Two weeks may not seem like a long time to most people, but for Vivienne, her life had been changed forever since that Sunday, the 11th of August. She couldn't help but think back on how everything shifted in such a short time.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was Reid.

"Hey, Viv," his familiar voice came through the phone, soft and a little playful. "What are you up to?"

"Just lounging around," Vivienne answered, smiling as she settled back into her couch. "Why?"

"Well," Reid started, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, "I was thinking... It's been two whole weeks since we met. Kind of feels like an anniversary, doesn't it?"

Vivienne laughed. "An anniversary for what, exactly? Two weeks of driving each other crazy?"

"Exactly! And that's worth celebrating, don't you think?" he teased, his voice warm. "I was thinking... dinner, tonight? Something a little special."

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Special? What do you have in mind, Reid?"

"I found this really beautiful, fancy restaurant. You know, the kind with soft lighting, a view of the city, and probably too many forks. Perfect for a two-week anniversary."

She chuckled, feeling a warm flutter in her chest. "Alright, that sounds nice. What time?"

"How about 7? And don't worry, I'll take care of everything," he promised, sounding proud of himself. "Just be ready to be wowed."

"Wowed, huh? That's a big promise," she teased back.

"Trust me," he said, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "I'll see you later, Viv."

After hanging up, Vivienne felt a familiar rush of anticipation. The idea of celebrating their two-week "anniversary" was cute, and knowing Reid, he would make it a night to remember. She spent extra time getting ready, picking out a soft, elegant dress that made her feel just the right mix of beautiful and comfortable. She curled her hair, applying her makeup with care, giving herself a soft, glowing look.

At 7 sharp, Vivienne arrived at the restaurant Reid had chosen. It was even more magical than she had imagined. The soft glow of candlelight flickered from every table, the large windows framed a stunning view of the city bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The atmosphere was intimate and elegant, the kind of place where time seemed to slow down.

Reid was waiting for her at the entrance, looking as handsome as ever in a crisp black suit. His usual casual style was replaced by something a little more polished, though his playful smile remained the same.

"Wow," he said, his eyes scanning her as she approached. "You look... incredible, Viv."

She smiled, a little shy under his gaze. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Reid."

He offered her his arm, and together they walked into the restaurant. They were led to a table by the window, where the view of the city's skyline stretched out before them, bathed in the last light of dusk.

As they sat down, Reid looked across the table at her and grinned. "So... two weeks. Can you believe it?"

Vivienne laughed softly. "It feels like so much longer, honestly. In a good way."

"I know what you mean," he agreed. "Meeting you has been... well, let's just say Rome isn't the only thing I'll remember from this trip."

A small flutter of warmth spread through her at his words, and she felt the same. The waiter appeared, and Reid ordered a bottle of white wine for them to share. They talked as they sipped their wine, the conversation flowing as easily as it always did between them. They swapped stories, laughing about all the silly moments they'd had in the past two weeks.