Saved [boyxboy]

Chapter 10: Seasons of Love

It was 2014 and I was in love.

After Declan died, I never knew that I could feel such love again. I never knew what extents I could feel so wanted, so needed...so loved.

Valentine's day was quickly approaching. I know, I know, it's stupid. The cynics say that it's just a day that was created by card companies, flower shops, restaurants and chocolatiers for us to spend more money. They say that love should be celebrated everyday. I agree. But I love Valentine's day. It's the one day you get to feel wanted, appreciated...loved.

I had told Caleb weeks before that I wanted to plan something for us for Valentine's, as I felt that he was cooking something up. He had always been the one to plan and take me on special dates and I wanted to change that. I wanted to  be the one to spoil him, for once, especially as he's always spoiling me. So after much protests and compromises, we agreed that we'd both plan something for each other. 

After a lot of calls, my Mom's credit card, permission from both parental ends and a lot of planning, the date was ready. Caleb took me out on Friday night. We pulled up to my favourite restaurant, Cucina Italiana. "Cale...this place is expensive!" I said as he opened the door for me.

"I know," he said, "that's why I saved up. I knew I wanted to take you out somewhere nice sometime, even when we were just friends." He took my hand and led me inside. "Reservation for Hastings?" he told the maitre-d as we got inside.

She looked at us and smiled. "Valentine's date?" I don't know who blushed more, Caleb or me. She ushered us through the restaurant, leading us through double doors. Caleb went all out.

There was one, sole table that was set for two, candles and all. A bouquet of white lillies, my favourite flower, and a white teddy bear with a red heart in its palms sat on one of the chairs. Tiki lanterns were strewn about the entire area. I choked up a little at the idea of him doing all of this. For me. "Caleb..." I managed to choke out but nothing else came out. I was left speechless. I turned to him, finding the widest smile on his face. "I...I..."

"You don't have to say anything, Jace," Caleb said, taking my hand in his. "Happy Valentine's day, baby." And with that, he kissed me and rubbed our noses together, then he led me to the table. He pulled out my chair for me, the one without the flowers and teddy bear. He handed me the stuff and then sat down.

The maitre-d who ushered us in handed us two menus. "Happy Valentine's day, you two," she said, smiling. She gestured at a girl that was coming over to us. "Katie's gonna be your sever for the evening." She turned and left us. I heard her say to Katie, "How cute are they?!" I looked at Caleb over the menu and we both blushed.

Katie came to us and introduced herself and took our orders. I ordered the pasta primavera while Caleb ordered the shrimp scampi. She brought over two cokes. "Sorry, guys. I know it's Valentine's week and everything but I still can't serve anyone under eighteen alcohol."

Caleb took my hand on the table as we fell into comfortable, casual conversation, letting go only when the food came so that he could eat. Even then, we were touching as he rested his legs on mine.

Dinner was delicious. Caleb and I shared our food, feeding each other at times as well. I heard giggling and soft chatter and looked over at the doors to find Katie and the maitre-d, whose name we learned was Jenna, looking at us. I smiled and waved at them and this time, it wasn't myself or Caleb that was blushing. 

After we ate, Katie told us that dessert would take fifteen minutes to prepare, as nothing that the restaurant made was pre-prepared, then she left. "So...I have a surprise for you," Caleb said after Katie went through the doors.

"What? Caleb, no! You've spoiled me enough for one night!" I protested.

"I don't think so," he countered. "I don't think I do it enough and I'll never get tired of spoiling you." With that, he got up and Katie reappeared, holding Caleb's guitar. A man appeared behind her, holding a stool that he placed behind Caleb.