"What are you so happy about today?" Lenny's eyebrows were furrowed down in concentration as he worked on the ice machine. That's three times this week that it's stopped working. I couldn't help myself to be in a good mood. Tonight is the big night, my date with Larc.
"You know maybe it's just time for a new one, would do you think?" I looked up from my book as he tossed the wrench back into the toolbox.
" I think you're avoiding the question. It wouldn't have anything to do with that guy taking you home a few nights ago would it?" He plugged the machine back into the wall and it roared to life. A smile spread across his face as he leaned up against the counter admiring his work.
"That guy has a name. It's Larc and maybe it does. Matter of fact I have a date with him tonight." I straightened myself up as I announced my plans to him. I could fill the excitement and nervousness building in my stomach.
"I told you so." He chuckled under his breath as he headed back to the kitchen. I turned my head to see a couple walking in. I quickly pushed Larc out of my head and grabbed my pad to take their order. Only a few more hours of work to go.
When I was getting my stuff ready to leave a received a text from Larc:
We still on for tonight?
I quickly reported back:
Yea see you tonight
Larc:
Good. I'll pick you up at 7
I gathered my things quickly and headed home. It was already five o'clock, I didn't have long before he got here. I took a quick shower and did my makeup. Since I didn't have time to do my hair I settled on just putting it in a bun. I didn't know where he was planning on taking me, so I combed my closet over for something semi casual. I decided on a maroon sweater dress, black stockings, and ankle booties. I was picking out earrings when I heard the doorbell.
"Just a minute!" I yelled out.
I grabbed a pair of black studs and looked myself over in the mirror before going to the door.
"Hey, you look amazing." Larc was slightly leaned against the side of the door. The porch light was like a spot light for his rugged facial features. He had a smile on his face and his dark grey sweater hugged his biceps. His dark chocolate locks was perfectly.
"These are you for." He handed me a bouquet of light pink roses.
"Aw they're beautiful. I'll put them in water and get my coat." I walked into the kitchen looking around to see what I could use as a vase. I picked up a small cookie jar, then filled it with water and placed the roses in it. I would have to remember to get a actual vase later on. No one has ever gotten me flowers before so I didn't have a vase. I went to the closet and got my coat out.
"Are we ready?" Larc held his arm out for me. I shyly nodded as I laced my arms through his. We walked down to the car and he opened my door. I slid into the familiar car. Larc walked around and got in.
"Italian or seafood?"
"Seafood." I answered back
"I was hoping you'd say that. It's my favorite." He flashed a smile then starting to drive.
We went across down to a newly opened restaurant. We pulled up to the front entrance. A teenage boy came out to go park the car. It was a nice looking restaurant with huge columns out front. On either side were statues that were illuminated by spotlights behind the rose bushes. I could never afford to eat at a place like this. When we walked inside we were greeted by the host.
"Do you have a reserv- sorry sir. Right this way Mr. Novak. He snapped his fingers and a waiter appeared to lead us to our table. Who was this guy that he could get into a place like this without a reservation.
We were lead to a table by the window that looked out to a small pond. Larc pulled my chair out and ordered a bottle of wine.
"How did you do that?" I couldn't hold back my questions any longer.
"Do what?" Larc gave me a questioning look.
"How did you do this. They didn't bother asking you for a reservation. People have been trying to get in here for months."
I good see a smile twitching at the corner of his lips.
"Father and I do a lot of business here."
I was curious to what they did to be able to come here so frequently.
"Where do you work?" I wrapped my hand around my wine glass and brought it to my lips.
"Let's just say it's a family owned business." I didn't understand why he answered so vague but decided to leave it alone for now.
"So what about you Edith, what's your story?" He leaned back in his chair but seemed to be fully interested in what I was about to say.
"Well, I've lived in New York with my mother my whole life. I started working for diner when I was sixteen and been there ever since. I never cared much about school so i didnt go to college. He's the closest thing to family that I have around here besides my mom. My grandparents died several years ago. Mom was an only child."
"What about your dad."
" I don't know him. He took off when I was really younger and haven't heard from him since." I looked down at my hands and nervously twirled one of the leaves hanging from the center piece.
"What about your family." I quickly asked wanting to take the attention off myself.
" I've lived here all my life with my parents and my two brothers. It was actually just a few blocks from here. I started working with Dad straight out of high school."
I was shocked that he said that he grew up around here.
"Do you still live in this area?"
" Yeah." He picked up his fork while examining the salad laid out in front of him as he answered.
"If you live over here then what brought you on the other side of town to the diner." I couldn't imagine what someone of his stature would be doing on the other side of town. It wasn't as nice and the people were not as wealthy as they were.
"Work." He kept looking down like he didn't want to look me.
"What kind of work." I really want to know what his job was now.
"Like I said Edith it's a family business sometimes I have to go to the other side of to drop some stuff off." I can hear the irritation in his voice so I decided to quit questioning him.
When our food arrived we fell silent as we ate. We continued to talk a little once we were done. After paying the bill Larc laced his arm through mine once again and lead me outside to where the car was waiting for us.
"I had a great time with you tonight." I leaned my head against his shoulder as he walked me to the front door.
"So does this mean I'll get a second date?" As we reached my door he turned to look down at me with warm eyes.
I wrinkled my nose up as I smiled back and nodded yes. He chuckled quietly as he slightly tightened his grip on my hand and pulled me closer to him. He moved his hands to my waist and I could fell my cheeks growing hot. He leaned inward and kissed me, then pressed his forehead against mine. I knew t he redness on my face had to noticeable at this point.
"Good night." He whispered to me before going back to his car.
********
Author's Note
Hope everyone is enjoying the story. Comments are appreciated and don't forget to vote. Until next time ♡
YOU ARE READING
Seeking Love *completed*
Romance" I could never wash the stains of his action off the image that I had created of him in my mind. One that was once pure and beautiful was now twisted in wickedness."
