Smile - CrankGameplays

48. Mine

Reese had more than a few reasons to smile today. She felt incredible as she walked through the grand doors of the fine restaurant, stepping past a grounded fountain that spewed crystal clear water into a tub fitted with elegant, crafted statues.

Instinctively, she linked her arm with Ethan's who in turn, gave a closed mouth smile.

The pair walked over to a podium where a host was standing tall, a snug outfit pressed against his body.

He offered a polite grin, tugging at the black bowtie fitted around his neck, "Bonsoir, welcome to La Cuisine."

"Bon... bonsoir?" he giggled, "A reservation under Nestor,"

The man typed away on the little device and scanned his eyes across the glowing screen, "For two?"

Ethan nodded proudly and held onto her a little tighter, loving every second of this. It wasn't because she was coiled around him or because he was taking her out to a nice dinner, but because the people in the restaurant were able to see him with her. They saw her tugging onto him tightly and they saw her leaning her head against the bend of his shoulder. Every lingering stare that was on her was quickly gone when they saw Ethan's hand placed on the small of her back.

The pair trudged over to a table with a white tablecloth swung around the surface. Crystal glasses strung throughout and a lit candle strapped to the middle. The flame flickered in the dim lights as Ethan pulled the chair out for Reese, suggesting for her to sit with a nod of his head.

She grinned up at him before sitting, pulling the ends of the tight dress away from riding up her thighs.

"This place is fancy," Reese gushed, admiring the decor along the burgundy tinted walls.

Ethan laughed, "Yeah, it really is."

A tall man stepped forward, dressed in a black button up with the same bowtie wrapped around his neck, "Good evening, my name is Leon and I'll be your server tonight. Could I interest you two in some of our signature wine?" he ripped a green bottle out of nowhere and nestled the drink into his arms, "Or any other beverages?"

"Yes, please." She answered quickly, "I'll also have a water."

"I'll take some too," Ethan chortled.

Leon nodded his head, "I'll need to see your IDs thought first."

Everything at dinner was going smoothly, the food had come, a lot of wine had been consumed, the conversation never fell short.

Ethan took a long swig of the red wine as he then plucked his fork into his medium rare steak, savoring the taste of the well-cooked meal.

She swept a lock of hair out of her face as she gulped down her water, "Thank you for this, Ethan."

He beamed, "Of course. I'm glad you like it."

"Love," she said with a mouth full of ravioli.

Ethan lowered his head and sighed, "I, uh, want to tell you that I accepted that internship... I'm uh, I'm going to France. I'm going to do it."

"Wait, you did?"

Ethan set down the wine glass as he nodded his head, staring up at Reese with half-lidded eyes, "Yes, I'm going through the final paperwork right now."

She dropped her gaze and was staring at the cheese ravioli on her plate, the dish barely touched.

He cleared his throat as he tried to find her eyes, "Reese?"

Reese lifted her fallen face and closed her eyes, the edges of her lips curling. With her eyes still shut, she let out a single huff before breaking into a full grin.

God, that smile.

She stood up from the seat and leaned forward, placing her hands on his cheeks. Her nails softly scratching away at his jawline, eyelashes fluttering with a single bat of the eye, cheeks flushed from the closing distance.

In an instant, she pulled herself into him and her thin lips embraced his. Kissing in public was something she hated, showing affection was despicable, but with him right by her side - she knew she could start to love it.

Because slowly, she was starting to love life more and more. And love everything he did, everything he said. And, man, she hated for falling so easily - but he made it easy.

He kissed her once more before sitting back down on his chair and grabbing his wine glass to take another swig, "You're not upset?"

"How could I be upset at you for following your dreams, Ethan?"

He chuckled, wondering if it was from her sincerity or the slight buzz he was attaining from the red wine, "I'm thousands of miles away from you."

"Yeah, and?" she said with a raised brow, "Distance means so little to a person that means so much."

"You really think that?"

"Of course, I'm not going to give up on you because you're getting to do what you love. I'm so incredibly proud of you. I know I haven't known you for the longest time or anything... but being your girlfriend is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me. You being my best friend is just a plus."

"Oh, babe..." Ethan had to clutch the cloth placed on his lap a little tighter, focusing on clamping the towel tightly so he wouldn't risk crying in front of her. Tears of joy, of course, but still embarrassing.

"You're absolutely amazing, Ethan. You're going to do great in France."

"Oh, stop." He blushed, face turning tomato red, "I'm actually, uh, pretty excited. It feels so surreal... my dreams are coming true, Reese. My fucking dreams are coming true."

"Yes, they are." She lifted her wine glass towards his and cocked her head, the glass clinking with one another.

If only this moment could last forever.

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Sorry that this took so long to come out and that's it on the shorter side! I'm getting used to school again and practices along with trying to find time to write.

Knowing that it's becoming harder to find time to write... I know how I want the book to end. I'm hoping to squeeze a few more parts in but this story is coming to a close! Thanks for sticking with me and reading!

More to come soon! <3

- domducky :)