The Keys to my Diary ~ Fern

Friday, June 12

Best. Day. EVER. I'm so excited that my pen is shaking in my hand, and I can barely write. I keep going over and over in my mind what happened, and I still can't believe it.

I had been circling the lagoon during my shift and had just gone into the water to retrieve a Hobie Cat that someone had left floating. I had removed my tennis shoes and socks, but my khaki uniform shorts had gotten wet along the bottom when I went out to drag the small sailboat to shore. I was looking down to assess the damage when I felt a physical change in the air.

It was suddenly as if all of my nerve endings were alive with electricity. I felt his nearness before I actually saw him. Maybe all of the fantasies I've been having about him have put me onto some kind of extra-sensory plane where I am more in tune with him.

Anyway, I looked up and there he was, handsome Mr. Black Card. He was even better looking than I remembered, and he was smiling at me in recognition. I silently told myself that he couldn't possibly remember me, but then he spoke, and what he said nearly bowled me over.

I still can't believe it, but he said, "I can't stop thinking about you, Fern." Wait, WHAT?!? That's right, he said he's been thinking about me, and he knew my name. I know it's on my nametag, but for him to take note of it feels absolutely amazing. Most of the members call me 'Miss' or they just snap their fingers to get my attention.

My brain was whirling with activity. Why would he be thinking about me? Was he going to turn me in after all for dropping his water bottle? Had I said something dumb when we saw each other before? Had he seen me stalking him at the docks?

I had stopped walking and was just standing there, utterly stunned. My mouth was probably agape. My shorts were definitely wet. I'm sure I was quite a frightful sight, which makes what he said next even more unbelievably fantastic.

He asked me if I would do him the honor of joining him at The Chef's Table for dinner one evening. He actually said it that way too, as if I would be honoring him with my presence. I almost had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't having an incredibly vivid daydream. This is all just too good to be true, but unless I'm still dreaming, it is true. I have never felt this joyous. I feel like twirling and singing, but I'll try to refrain.

We stood there like that for a while. My mind was reeling, and he was evidently wondering what my answer would be. As if I would or even could say no. He finally told me that if I'd rather go somewhere else, that was fine. It didn't seem to cross his mind that I might not want to go out with him at all. His offer jolted me out of my shocked silence. I told him that I would love to go with him to The Chef's Table, and that I had never been there. He likely already knew that, since it was the most exclusive restaurant at TKYC, but he didn't point that out.

He then informed me that he had some business to attend to in New York, but that he would make reservations for us for next Friday. He said he would meet me at the restaurant, and he sweetly kissed my hand before walking away. I nodded dumbly. As I stood there hardly believing what had just happened, I decided that I might never wash that hand again.

Now that I'm writing about it, I still can't believe that it was real. Have I completely lost my mind? What would that man see in me? Speaking of that man, it seems that I have a date with him, and I don't even know his name. I probably should have asked him that before agreeing to have dinner with him. Now it has the serious potential of being extremely awkward—"Thank you for bringing me to this super-expensive, fancy restaurant... You."

I probably shouldn't call him Mr. Black Card either. He's probably used to having people fawn over him because of his money, and I don't want him to think that I'm a gold digger. I really don't care about his wealth. I mean, it's a nice perk, but I like the entire package. I'm quite certain that I would be just as attracted to him if he didn't have loads of money. Well, maybe not 'just' as attracted, but definitely 'almost' as attracted.

This is going to be the longest week ever, waiting in anticipation of our date. I am so excited I can barely stand it, and I'm stressed. I hope I don't make a total ass of myself. Speaking of not embarrassing myself, what should I wear? My closet is full of shorts and tee shirts. I don't have anything that will blend in at The Chef's Table. I need to go shopping. I'm going to call Marina.

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