Jopper // Light at the End of the Tunnel - A Love Story (Completed)

Enzo's

The red or the black dress? Joyce wondered as she stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom. 

The red one it is, she finally decided, throwing the black dress onto the bed. 

The red dress was flirty and fitted her slim body perfectly, showcasing her womanly curves beautifully. She wondered if Hopper would like it and immidiately blushed by the thought. She looked at herself in the mirror and laughed. The thought was so silly, but yet, she couldn't help herself. Something was stirring deep inside her, some invisible thread was pulling her toward Hopper, and it felt like there was nothing she could do about it. She hadn't felt this way in years. But she felt it now, stronger than she had ever felt it before. 

Taking one last, long look in the mirror, she sighed, running a hand through her dark hair. 

He had been so distant for a long time, but she felt like was finally getting through to him, as if she had managed to break a piece of the hard shell he had built around himself. 

"Mom, Hopper's here!" her youngest son, Will, called from downstairs. 

She smiled at her reflection and took a deep breath, before leaving the room. 

It was cold outside, so Joyce wore her coat. Jim still hadn't seen her dress. 

"So, we're still going to Enzo's?" he asked, when they both sat in his car. 

"Yeah, why not?" said Joyce, laughing. 

"It's hella fancy." Jim chuckled. 

She loved that sound. It had been so long since she had heard it, and a lump formed in her throat. 

"I'm sure I'll fit right in then." Joyce teased. 

He looked at her briefly, and there was that beautiful, rare glimmer in his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. 

They parked outside Enzo's and stepped inside. 

"Reservation for Jim Hopper." Jim told the waiter. 

"You've already made a reservation?" Joyce asked. 

"Of course," said Jim, "it's hard to get a table here." 

Joyce was impressed. 

The waiter showed them their table and they sat down. 

Joyce had removed her coat, and it seemed Jim couldn't take his eyes off her. She couldn't stop smiling to herself.

"You look stunning." Jim told her. 

She could feel her cheeks flush.

"Thanks. You do too." she said, and it was true. 

It was funny. Just that very same afternoon, she had thought how nice it would be if Jim wore the beige and pink Hawaiian shirt he owned, and it was exactly what he was wearing. 

"Thanks." Jim said and looked down at himself, as if he felt the need to confirm it. 

"What can I get for you?" the waiter asked. 

"White wine and a steak for me, and red wine and lasagna for the lady." Jim anounced, handing the menu's to the waiter. 

"Alright, sir." the waiter replied and scuttled off. 

When he had gone, Joyce leaned over the table and said: "Hopper. I could order for myself, you know." 

"Oh. I'm sorry. I just figured..." 

"It's okay, Hop." she said, her voice softening. 

Somehow, red wine and lasagna was exactly was she felt like. It was getting kind of scary, actually, the way Hopper seemed to know her so well, as if, like he had said, he knew her better than she knew herself. 

Their food arrived, and they chatted about this and that. The evening was lovely, and Joyce felt drunk with happiness. 

"Let me drive you home." Jim said when they left the restaurant. 

"Thanks. You're such a gentleman." Joyce teased. 

"You have no idea." Jim said and winked. 

Joyce's stomach gave a sudden lurch. She felt a wave of desire wash upon her, and it overwhelmed her. 

"You know, you can come inside if you want." Joyce said, when they parked outside her house. 

"It's getting late. Another time." Jim said. 

Joyce felt a jolt of dissapointment shake her to her core, but she tried not to let it show. 

"Alright. I had a great time tonight, Hop." 

"Yeah, me too. Good night, Joyce. Take care." 

He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. 

She wanted more. She wanted to taste his lips, to feel his skin on hers. 

"Good night, Hop." she said, her voice quivering.

That night, she smiled in her sleep, dreaming of sleepless nights with Jim by her side.