[Alyssa]
Chresanto decided that we would dine at Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-American restaurant. We were seated and given a menu to look over as we wait for our waiter to come to our table.
Chresanto sets his menu down then looks at me. "You look really beautiful."
"Thank you," I smile, blushing a little. "You look really nice, too."
"Oh, this old thing?" he questions, brushing a piece of lint off of him. "It's nothing special."
I chuckle at his attempt to be nonchalant. "I wish I could say the same about this dress, but that'd be a lie."
He looks my dress over, biting his lip before looking back up to my face. "It suits you really well." I smile, and he smiles back. "Do you know what you would like to drink?"
I look over the drink menu. "I know I said I don't drink alcohol, but I think I may give it a try."
Chresanto nods his head. "By all means, try whatever you want. Is there anything you see that interests you?"
I let my index finger skim over the two drinks I'm debating between. "I'm having a tough time choosing between the Forbidden Fruit Tini and the Piña Colada. Which do you prefer?"
As he is about to reply, someone makes their way to our table and stops at the edge. "Hello, my name is Penelope, and I'll be your waitress for the evening. What can I start you off with to drink?"
I look up at her after she says her name and gasp; Ace's sister is our waitress. I look to Chresanto to see him staring at Penelope, his mouth agape before he says, "Nellie?"
She finally looks away from the notepad in her hand, and her eyes widen in disbelief. "Santo?" Her gaze lands on me then she turns back to Chresanto. "Ace told me you got locked up. I'm sorry, what I meant to say was: what can I get you to drink?"
"I'll have a Coke with extra ice, please," Chresanto orders, then adds, "and a Piña Colada."
Penelope writes it down then looks at me. "For you, miss?"
I swallow the lump in my throat and respond with, "A Forbidden Fruit Tini, please?"
"Are you guys ready to order or would you like a few more minutes to look over the menu?" Penelope asks.
After as few minutes of silence, Chresanto finally answers her. "A few more minutes, please."
"Okay. I'll go put your drink orders in," Penelope smiles then leaves.
Chresanto nervously scratches the back of his head. "I didn't know she worked here. If you want to lea-"
"We can stay here," I interrupt, still looking at the menu in front me.
"You sure?" he asks, getting my attention.
I smile at him. "I'm sure, Chres." He just nods his head once. "Have you ever been here before?"
"Not to this particular one, but they have some back in Cali that I went to. Having a hard time choosing something from the menu?" he questions, closing his menu and setting it down.
