All for the Mirrorball

Chapter 17 - Bluffing, I Guess

The restaurant was warm and inviting, all soft lighting and low chatter, with dark wood tables that gleamed under hanging pendant lights. It wasn't overly formal, but it was the kind of place where the menu came without prices - a quiet nod to its upscale status. Ilona glanced inside, taking in the cozy atmosphere, then turned back to Alan as she raised an eyebrow.

"This is where you wanted to get tacos?" she teased, the corners of her lips twitching as she folded her arms.

As they stepped inside, the subtle scent of grilled meats and spices wrapped around her like a hug. Alan grinned, unbothered by her skepticism. "Not just tacos. They've got these short rib tacos with an avocado lime crema that I knew you'd want to try. And the spicy margaritas are to die for."

Ilona shook her head but was unable to hide her smile. "You really put thought into everything you do, huh?" The tension from the game and the long week of rehearsals seemed to melt away as they were seated at a small corner table.

Alan shrugged, but there was a playful glint in his eyes. "What can I say? I have excellent taste."

Ilona glanced at the menu, her eyebrows lifting slightly as she read through the options. "You weren't kidding," she said, glancing up at Alan. "This menu is... intense."

"I told you it was worth it," he replied, leaning back in his chair with an easy confidence that made her chest tighten. "Wait until you try the tacos. They'll blow your mind."

She smirked, shaking her head. "You're really hyping this up, Al. They better live up to the expectation."

"Oh, they will," he said, his voice dipping into something lower, almost teasing. "But I think you're just mad because I picked the perfect place before you could come up with anything."

Ilona leaned forward, her arms resting on the table. "Or maybe I'm just wondering how often you come here. You seem awfully comfortable."

Alan chuckled, reaching for his water glass. "Relax, Lo. You're the only person I've brought here." He didn't mean for the words to carry so much weight, but when she blinked and looked away, he could tell they had.

"Well," she said after a beat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess I should thank you, then."

Alan's grin softened, the playfulness in his eyes giving way to something more genuine. "You're welcome. I knew you'd like it."

The rest of dinner flowed effortlessly, the kind of conversation that felt like it had no beginning or end. Alan teased her about her overly enthusiastic reaction to the short rib tacos, while she pointed out how he was entirely too smug about picking the perfect spot. Every smile, every laugh seemed to carry a weight she didn't want to address, but neither could deny how nice it was just to be there together.

As the Uber pulled away from her apartment, Ilona kicked off her shoes and sank onto the couch, her phone already in hand. She fired off a quick message, as promised.

Ilona:
Made it home okay.
Thanks for dinner, Al.

His reply came almost instantly.

Alan:
Good.
Now admit those tacos were life-changing.

She smirked, shaking her head as she typed back.

Ilona:
I mean, they were fine.
8/10.
Definitely not worth alllll the hype.

Alan:
Fine? You were THIS close to licking the plate.

She laughed, the sound escaping before she could stop it, and typed a reply.

Ilona:
Okay, 9/10.
and I wasn't THAT bad.