Cocktail Dreams

Chapter 7: Sunday Candy

(Long Chapter)

Fantasia sat in the car for a minute after pulling into the parking lot, the nerves creeping back in, but she quickly brushed them off. She had to get it together. Taraji was on her way, and she wasn't about to let her nerves spoil what had the potential to be the best date of her life. She quickly sent a text to Taraji, her fingers tapping out the message with practiced ease: "Hey, I'm here! How far out are you?" The seconds felt like minutes as she waited for the response. When her phone buzzed a moment later, she read Taraji's reply: "Ran into some unexpected traffic, I'm 15 minutes away!"

Fantasia let out a soft exhale and smiled. That gave her a few extra minutes to settle herself. She quickly checked her reflection in the rearview mirror, adding a bit more lip gloss to her pout, her usual trick to make sure her lips didn't feel too dry when she kissed. She was already feeling the flutter of excitement, the anticipation of Taraji's presence almost palpable.

She glanced at the single white rose sitting on the passenger seat, its soft petals gently curled at the tips. It was simple and elegant—a token to show Taraji how much this night meant to her. She hadn't been sure if it was too much, but something about it felt right, like something that Taraji would appreciate. It wasn't about grand gestures; it was about meaning.

With a quick, final glance at herself, she grabbed the rose and made her way inside. The restaurant greeted her with an atmosphere of understated luxury, and she could immediately tell it wasn't your average place. There was an air of intimacy and class, with low lighting creating a soft glow over everything. The polished wooden floors reflected the golden hues of chandeliers overhead, their intricate design adding a touch of elegance without being too overbearing. The scent of gourmet dishes wafted through the air, making her stomach growl, though her nerves had been in control of her appetite for the past hour.

The host greeted her with a smile, and she gave him her name, "Barrino."

Fantasia followed the host with anticipation, feeling her heartbeat settle into a calm rhythm as she took in the restaurant's careful decor. This was a Japanese spot, yet it managed to avoid the pitfalls of tackiness she'd seen in so many others. Instead, it had a subtle, refined elegance that paid homage to Japanese design principles without feeling forced or overdone.

As she was led through the dining area, she noticed small details that elevated the space—delicate bonsai trees perfectly pruned and set on low tables along the walls, bamboo accents, and rich, dark woodwork. A minimalistic rock garden lined the path toward the seating area, the soft glow of recessed lighting casting gentle shadows on the sand, adding an air of tranquility. Japanese calligraphy adorned the walls, each scroll blending seamlessly with the modern architecture, adding to the ambiance without overpowering it.

The host brought her to a table tucked away in a private alcove, one that felt like it had been plucked straight out of Kyoto. They had an oceanfront view, with wide, floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the moonlit waves rolling in, casting a silvery path across the water. Fantasia could see the LA city lights twinkling in the distance, the golden glow of the skyscrapers blending with the dark hues of the night sky. She took her seat, smoothing out her pants, and placed the single white rose she'd brought onto the table, arranging it just so.

Settling into the cozy yet elegant atmosphere, she checked her phone again. There were still ten minutes left until Taraji would arrive. In the meantime, she took in the soft ambient music, a mix of quiet instrumentals with a subtle hint of traditional Japanese melodies that made the whole space feel like a tranquil hideaway.

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Taraji took a deep breath, smoothing her blazer and checking her reflection one last time in the glass doors as she entered the restaurant. This was it—the night she'd been thinking about all week. And though she told herself to keep it cool, she could feel a flutter in her chest that was anything but calm. As she stepped in, her eyes scanned the room until she caught sight of Fantasia, who had just stood up from her seat, holding a single white rose in her hand.