Soulmate's Words

Chapter Six

I stepped into the quaint, stylish restaurant, taking in the simple theme. Wooden chairs sat by wooden tables on a wooden floor. The walls were a creamy white color, and the lampshades covering the hanging lights were the same color.

I almost squealed when I spotted him sitting in the back. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that I didn't want to push him away with my fangirling.

When Tom noticed me, he stood and pulled out my chair for me. I flushed, and took the offered seat.

"Hi, Tom," I mumbled shyly.

"Hello, Emma. Are you okay?" He looked genuinely concerned.

"I told you last night I prefer the company of a book. I've always been that way. So, this is sorta kinda my first date," I ended in an unintelligible whisper.

"What was that? I didn't quite catch that last part."

"This is my first date. I'm not really sure what to expect."

Tom smiled sheepishly. "The last time I went on an actual date, I was sixteen. I'm not really sure what to expect either. Especially since it's you here with me."

He glanced behind me, and a giant smile erupted. Waving at whoever he recognized, he turned back to me.

"Emma, I told you I knew the owner. This is Ben Oliver," Tom introduced as the man in mention approached, pulling him into a friendly hug.

"Tom! Nice to see you again! Who's this?" Ben looked over at me.

"Ben, I'd like to introduce you to Emma." He unbuttoned the sleeve of his nice shirt, raising it to show the words written in my handwriting. Go ahead, my friend is dancing.

I smiled, placing my arm next to his, so Ben could see our quotes side by side.

"Oh, Tom, congrats! It's a pleasure to meet you, Emma. Now, what can I get you two? Consider it already paid for." Tom tried to protest against Ben's offer, but I giggled as I realized Ben would win.

"Fine," Tom gave in. "I'll have a hamburger and chips. Emma?"

"I've been told your hamburgers are delicious, so I'll have the same. Thanks!"

Ben chuckled. "I'll be right out with that." And he was gone, disappearing behind the double doors.

"He seems like a nice guy. How long have you known him?" I asked.

"Since we were thirteen. My turn for questions. What's your full name?"

"Emmalia Katherine Row. What do you like to do in your free time?"

"As you can probably guess, I don't get a lot of it, but when I do, I usually hang out with friends and family. Or there are days when a book is a good distraction, especially Shakespeare." Tom paused a second, coming up with a new question. "What kind of books do you read?"

"It varies a lot. Usually some form of fantasy, dystopian, or romance; occasionally, it's all three in one. Things like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Selection. Poetry is also something I love, and on the subject of Shakespeare, here's my next question: can you recite any of his works from memory?"

He laughed. "Yes, I can. Unfortunately, they're all rather loud, impassioned monologues, so this isn't really the place to deliver them. What about you?"

"All I know by heart is Sonnet 18. It was always my favorite. Next question: paper and pencil, or computer and keyboard?"

As our food arrived, we continued the back and forth barrage of questions. Eventually, we went our separate ways, and I pointlessly hoped Cassie wouldn't ask about what we did. Some peace and quiet for once would be nice.