new york city

8 | watch out

   "YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING."

   Anne's cheeks flushed slightly at Oliver's compliment and closed the door behind her, hearing it automatically lock. They started walking to the elevator, Anne's heels making light clicking sounds against the floor.

   "You're one to talk, you look amazing," she replied, glimpsing at him. He smiled, and she could've sworn she saw a tint of red on his cheeks. She smirked as they stepped into the elevator. "Did I make you blush? Is that a blush on your face?"

   He laughed lightly, the blush darkening on his cheeks. He didn't deny it. They stepped off the elevator on the parking floor and walked to Oliver's car. He stood by her door uncertainly and she looked at him, confused.

  "I wasn't sure if you were the type to want to open your own doors," he admitted. She smiled and shook her head. He grinned boyishly and opened the door for her and she stepped into the car, sitting carefully. She watched Oliver go in front of the car to the driver's seat and sit down.

   He turned on the car and drove out of the garage, making his way through traffic. New York drivers are, something, to say the least. When they arrived the valet man opened Anne's door, winking at her. She merely gave him a tight-lipped smile, taking Oliver's outstretched hand. 

   As they made their way in, the paparazzi flooded the front and Oliver took Anne by the waist, pulling her closer and out of the way of the rambunctious paps. They rushed in quickly and security thankfully stopped the paparazzi from entering the restaurant.

   Anne straightened and looked around, observing the interior. She hadn't been here for a while. Oliver took her hand carefully in his, leading her to the receptionist. The lady smiled at them kindly, asking their name.

   "Knox," he answered and she nodded, leading the two to their table. It was by the window and overlooked New York. Anne sat down, followed by Oliver who sat across from her. A girl walked up, dressed in a waitress uniform and a professional smile on her face.

  "Hi, my name is Joanne and I'll be your server this evening. Would you like me to bring out water first?" she said, placing the menus down in front of them. 

  "Yes please, water sounds great," Oliver replied, noticing that Anne wasn't paying very much attention to the waitress's words. Joanne nodded, smiling and walking away.

   A smile well-rehearsed, she thought.

  "What's wrong? Do you not like the place?" Anne shook her head, looking at her menu briefly and covering her mouth with her hand, careful not to smudge the makeup

  "No, no, it's beautiful. It's just that everything is so expensive," she mumbled, scanning the menu, not really looking at the food.

  "I guess it is, huh. But, the food is top-quality, and that's all that matters." Oliver smiled and she chortled lightly

   "You know, you always liked such fatty and greasy foods but manage to keep a good figure. I don't understand it," Anne said, remembering their college days filled with late night trips to McDonalds and binge-eating ice cream in front of a TV.

  Oliver laughed, shaking his head. "I can ask you the same. You've maintained your figure, and I know for a fact that you can't give up fries or pizza. I have to maintain a diet, but on cheat days, I eat everything I want."

  "Ugh, what figure, I never had one. I go to the gym a lot, and maintain a healthy diet for the most part. I just have a cheat hour everyday I guess," Anne replied, quietly thanking the waitress who had just arrived with their water. She watched as Oliver ordered, and attempted to grab the straw with her tongue.