An Eye for Art

Chapter Sixteen

The past few weeks have been a mixture of stress and excitement. Exams were over, and graduation was in two days. Four years of advanced education would be coming to a close, and four more years under Ashlan and mine's belt.

I'd be one step closer to living up to my father's legacy; I wanted to make him proud.

With the job offer from Zach and the end of college rearing by, Ashlan wanted to celebrate what will be another four years traversing through life together. It was rather exciting, actually. She and I have been together since I was five, and we've been best friends since then. Imagine having a best friend to accompany you through everything, always having some kind of support system.

Ashlan chose to dine at Gracie's, an elegant fine dining restaurant, which was odd. I was pretty sure fine dining was out of her price range, but I didn't question it. She was adamant about doing something nice for me. How could I say no to that?

Gracie's was adorned with beige, taupes, and browns, sprinkled with colorful floral art pieces and table centerpieces. It had a summertime feel with a taste of enchantment as fairy lights dangled and draped from the ceiling beams. The place bustled with people and light chatter roared over the soft music playing in the background. Along the wall, I spotted Ashlan. . . and Scott. Why was Scott here?

Ashlan smiled and waved for me to come over. "Hey, Adilene! I'm glad you could make it. You remember Scott, right?" I nodded my head as I slid into the chair across from Scott and Ashlan. So that's how you're able to pay for tonight.

"Hello Adilene, it's lovely seeing you again."

"Good evening, Scott," I nodded, sending him a gentle smile as the waiter came by, pulling out a black notepad. This evening's glee downed to an adequate existence. I was hoping it was only going to be Ashlan and I, but I supposed I'd have to deal with it.

"Hello Ma'am, what would you like to drink tonight?"

"Oh, just some water please," I voiced. I couldn't help but wonder about Scott's presence; it bothered me. Black suit and tie, a classic choice. I keep my thoughts under wrap, attempting to keep my suspicion undetected. "Adilene, Ashlan tells me you've been quite busy preparing for the home stretch alongside your internship, which I want to give you another congratulation on the exhibits you've been facilitating these past few months."

"Thank you. I work closely with Zach, and this internship has provided me with marvelous experiences. I can't wait to work there officially after graduation." I opened up the menu and scanned down the dinner section.

"That's coming up soon, isn't it? Graduation?" He asked, rubbing Ashlan's back.

"Yeah, I'm excited."

"I would be too. I remember my college graduation. It was the final step to freedom and independence," Scott shared. Coming back with my water, the waiter placed it on my side of the table.

"Thank you," I said.

"You're welcome. Are you all ready to order?"

"We're ready," Scott announced, " Are you good to go, Adilene?" Biting my lip, I nodded.

"Yeah," I dragged, "Can I have the Duo of Milk Fed Pork, please?"

"Alright, and you guys?"

"I'll have the Crescent Farms Duckling, and he'll have the Roasted Atlantic Cod Loin," Ashlan read, smiling at the waiter when she was done ordering. The waiter took a minute to finish writing everyone's orders.

"Those will be out as soon as possible," The waiter beamed, taking the menus from us and going about his business.

Scott continued to rub Ashlan's back as we filled the awkward silence with speech. My lurking gaze ceased as we talked about our current lives. I actually laughed once or twice and how absurd Ashlan's relationship was with Scott, but whatever made her happy. We chowed down our food in between topics, and, before you know it, we were enjoying dessert.