Choose Me

Chapter 26

Ken takes me to a luxurious restaurant for our second date. From the outside, I can see it's dimly lit but have no idea what to expect when we step inside. The moment I step foot past the threshold, I feel like I'm transported to a secluded cabin. I take in the details of the restaurant and observe that it's made of wood that looks like it was ripped off abandoned ships. It all has a very rustic feel to it, but I like it. It gives the place a certain charm.

It's dark and different from any restaurant I've ever been to but I love the cozy feel of it. The low lighting makes me feel like I'm in a cabin somewhere, sitting in front of a fireplace with the lights off and the fire going. It's very comforting and makes me feel like I'm at home, except a very fancy version of home because there's no way I could ever afford to have any of the fancy decor they have here.

This place is honestly so nice, I almost feel out of place here. The steakhouse doesn't even begin to compare to this place. No offense to Ken's dad, but this place is gorgeous. And the staff is dressed elegantly. This place has to be costing Ken a pretty penny. I can't believe he brought me here for a second date. I would honestly have rather he taken me to Denny's or any cheap diner that doesn't look like it will cost me my life savings if I accidentally break something.

"Do you like it?" Ken asks nervously, probably feeling worried because I've just been staring at the place like an idiot.

"I love it," I reassure him. "This place is beautiful."

"As are you," he compliments me and I can't help but smile as he pulls me in for a sweet kiss.

"Thank you for bringing me here," I whisper against his lips.

"Table for two?" A hostess asks us, interrupting us and Ken clears his throat.

"Yes, please."

"Follow me," she orders. Ken takes my hand in his as we follow the girl to our table. When she gestures at a table toward the back, Ken pulls out my chair for me and I take a seat. He helps me push in my chair like the gentleman he is before taking a seat in the chair across from me. "Your server will be right with you," the hostess informs us and hands us our menus before leaving us to look over the selection of drinks and food.

Instead of looking at my menu, I look up at the rustic chandelier that is hanging above our table. It casts our table in a warm glow with its small bulbs that look like the flames of a candle. "Is this place too much?" Ken asks me worriedly, grabbing my attention.

"No, sorry. I'm just amazed by all the detail," I admit embarrassed. "This place is unlike any restaurant I've ever been to. It's so dark and warm," I say to him and realize there's music coming from somewhere. I look around for the source of the music and feel my eyes bulge out of my head when my eyes land on a live orchestra. "They have live music too?" I ask shocked and hear Ken chuckle. I'm guessing this is no surprise to him, but it sure is to me. I've never been to a restaurant with a live orchestra. This is crazy.

"Yes, I hope you don't mind it."

"No, not at all." I love it. It gives the whole place a more romantic atmosphere. I'm guessing that's a bit part of why he brought me here.

I turn back to Ken and see that he's looking through his menu and realize I need to do the same before our server comes back. I open my menu and when I get a look at the prices I nearly gasp. This place is way too overpriced. I almost want to tell Ken that we should leave but I don't want to ruin the night after he went to all the trouble of planning this and bringing me here. I'll just have to look for the cheapest item on the menu because there's no way I'm ordering anything crazy expensive here. I love food but I don't want Ken to pay a ton for our date, and I doubt he'll let me go halfsies on it, so I'm going to do my damndest to find the cheapest item on the menu.