Twice the Love

6

I changed into a layered white shirt and blue jeans. I guessed an outing was a lot less formal than dinner. I really did not want to appear in a ball gown for a trip to the night club.

It was kind of cold today so I threw on a gray scarf and black boots. I waited by the door at 6:55 for the door bell to ring. I don't know why I'm so excited. It's a trip out with someone who's pretty much my boss now.

*Ding dong*

The bell rang and I jumped up to open the door. I suppose for a guy who expects people to be thirty minutes early to work five minutes is nothing.

"Hello," he said, "Are you ready to go?"

"Oh, yes," I said. I thought back on yesterday with shame. Thankfully I got ready early today. Mr. Fane was wearing a plaid blue shirt, and black jeans. That, his sneakers, and his fluffy brown hair told me I had dressed appropriately.

We walked towards his Porsche in the parking lot. I looked at his gold plated licence plate.

*1IFANE1*

I giggled slightly, and he looked back, amused. I was more comfortable, this being my second time in here. Last time we had a semi awkward conversation about cats and dogs.

"So, where are we going Mr. Fane?" I asked.

"The park," he said, shooting me a perfect smile, "We're having a picnic." A picnic? Did his personal chef cook him a to go meal or something? I hadn't brought any food, and judging by the fact he made me cook lunch for him, I guessed he couldn't either.

We arrived at an empty park filled with cherry blossoms and oak trees. The park was on top of a cliff with a stairway leading to the beach. It was a stunning site. The restaurant we had gone to last night had a fabulous view too.

"Well then, I guess I'll start cooking," he said.

"You can cook?" I asked.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be able to?"

"No reason." Was he just too lazy to cook for himself that time? Thinking of Mr. Fane in his neat business suit, typing away at his keyboard the word lazy didn't really fit well.

Mr. Fane took a small bag up to the grill and started on some turkey burgers. Turkey burgers, huh. Maybe he wouldn't have minded a BLT after all.

I placed the checkered blanket he bought on the floor as he carried over our food. We sat down across from each other and he handed me my burger.

I threw away the trash and sat back down to watch the sunset. Despite living so close to the ocean I'd never actually seen the sun set into the water. It sank slowly at first, but before I knew it, it was gone.

Mr. Fane plopped into the blanket, sinking lightly into the grass. Silently wondering if it was okay I lied down beside him.

"I've never seen the sun set into the ocean before," he said.

"Neither have I." He turned to look at me, propping his head onto his elbow.

"Really?"

"Yeah, my parents thought it was a waste of time. Sitting and watching something that happens every day. I've always wanted to though and- Oh I'm sorry I'm rambling nonsense."

"No, no I get it. My mother died when I was born. Father was always too busy maintaining Deluge to take us around every where. It's fine though, with out him I wouldn't be alive. Deluge is what puts food on the table. We did have dinner together every day, though. What about you?"

"The last time my family had dinner together was five years ago. I was nineteen and I made soup for everyone."

"I wanna eat your soup one day."

"You already have. It had undercooked chicken and broth that was too thick..."

It was dark when I woke up. The lights in the park were on and the stars were actually out. I sat up to find Mr. Fane breathing softly beside me. I guess we had both fell asleep while talking.

He stirred a little. I took advantage of the situation and started at his face a little. At work he was stern. On outings he was chill. When asleep he was calm, at total peace, and smiling faintly. It was nice seeing Mr. Fane like this.

"Mr. Fane," I whispered. He didn't move. I shook him a little.

"Mmm, Katie?" he said, waking up, "I guess I dozed off a little." He smiled sheepishly and I laughed a little.

"It's okay, I fell asleep too," I admitted. He brushed grass out of his hair as he stood up, holding a hand out to me. I smiled as I took it.

The two of us walked down to the beach. I took my boots off feeling the sand crunch under my feet. The moon was full, and its reflection was clear against the water. The warmth from his hand made its way into my heart.