The Dark Society

83

Anticipation heightened as Luis and Sabrina entered the Bistro Royale, but as Luis tipped the doorman (something he often did), she cringed. A charming quality she thought, but one Sabrina also found condescending. All that aside, he figured to have prepared for every scenario seeking to discern her on a deeper more intimate level.

"Comfortable?" he asked before taking a seat.

Her dark eyes focused.

"I'm fine, but you're staring."

"I'm sorry, I can't help it."

Light reflected in her eyes eloquently while Sabrina's timbre also sounded enchanting. Then again, to be with her one more time was something he craved.

"No, I'm flattered..." she retorted. "Though, I'm still shocked that you came to see me."

He perched up.

"For moments like this."

She blushed.

"I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything..." he declared while taking her hand. "Appreciate the evening -- without expectations."

Sabrina caressed his fingers.

"I'll keep that in mind..." she affirmed. "So, how about a drink?"

Luis felt like a child again all told and for the first time since meeting Sabrina everything felt natural. Because of this, he retained a witty grin while conferring with the waiter.

"Scotch neat."

"And for the lady?" the steward questioned.

Luis was cordial, that was of course until Sabrina desired a moment of amusement.

"The same..." she confirmed. "Though, make mine a double."

Not for nothing, he stood amazed since Sabrina wasn't known as a tippler. Notwithstanding this, the night was progressing and their conversations were becoming more intimate.

"Why don't you move closer?" she suggested with a smile.

He raised a brow.

"Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise."

During this time the Bistro grew crowded, so Luis aimed to ease the angst.

"A toast..." he announced as Sabrina grinned and raised a glass. "To a wonderful evening and the night to follow."

The setting was ideal and Luis and Sabrina were appreciating the grandeur of a new environment, but Sam had come to the Bistro hoping to find Jennifer. Cottonwood Falls wasn't unlike other rural communities that catered to a specific society. However, the Bistro also embodied an essential part of its well-rounded population.

In the short term, Sam's thoughts reverted to Saint Anthony's and the beckoning to return. Even now, her limbs trembled at the notion of something or someone that could provide answers. On the flip side, Anna was masking the truth while Sam's resemblances to Katherine and the caretaker's admissions were undeniable.

For all these reasons, she gazed through the Bistro aiming to calm an escalating curiosity. Although, like within Saint Anthony's there was another undiscovered mystique that'd stayed well-preserved. Allowing for this, Samantha's anxieties grew and a compulsion to explore arose.

Everything appeared veiled initially as light and dark harmonized together. But, Sam perceived illusion, practiced it and had mastered various narratives. However, these varying sensations defied explanation while manipulating her thoughts and actions.

More significantly, when there should've existed justification there was none. That being the case, she settled at the bar wishing to dismiss the calling. Ultimately, Jennifer had come to Cottonwood Falls for a purpose and Sam needed to know why.

Meanwhile, she purified spirits amid the allures of a sinister energy: an ecstasy resembling Saint Anthony's, but with one difference. This time, such an aura didn't resonate within a location, but an individual.

Upon which, her attention diverted to a young lady and an eminent gentleman seated together in a private booth. By comparison, their nuances were familiar notwithstanding a reserved candor. Nevertheless, Sam moved closer, eager to observe.

They'd imagined this night for a while now and it was going as expected. But more than that, Luis wanted her to savor his caring heart. (A notion he believed she'd reciprocate). Yet more often than not, Sabrina appeared distracted.

"Everything all right?"

She grinned, amid fluctuating stares.

"I'm fine."

"I hope you don't have a curfew."

Sabrina drifted close and settled a finger under his chin.

"I don't."