Happy Birthday Lizzie

Part 9

I paid when we were done and walked Lizzie out of the little shop. The town was small but provisioned. "Want to check out the shops. Dinner is at seven?"

I smiled at him and nodded. "I would love to." The little downtown area was cute and full of small shops with striped awnings. I spied a candy store right across the street. I pointed it out.

"Okay. Let's cross. We'll go wherever you like. Today is your day." I smiled and looked at her. I wanted to kiss her but we were in public. It wasn't going to happen. I touched the back of her hand and smiled again. "Sorta." I shrugged and looked for cars. There were none. "Let's go look."

I wanted him to take my hand, but I figured it wouldn't happen. I followed him across the street. I ended up with more candy than I needed, but it would be yummy. We continued down the street wandering in and out of various stores.

I chatted at her a bit, talking about the small town that didn't seem to have very many people in it. It was quaint and I liked it. The pace of the few people about was peaceful and slow. There were trees growing everywhere and small flower gardens on nearly every corner. Time flew by as we wandered and I eventually led her back to the car. "Dinner. The restaurant is not far. It's a 4-star steakhouse and came highly recommended. I hope you like it."

"I am sure it will be great." I got settled in the car and checked out my nails again. It was nice listening to him talk about the town. It was definitely more his pace than LA was.

The restaurant was just as it was described to me. I pulled into the valet, which blew my mind for it being such a small town and handed over my keys as I got out to get her door. The restaurant was inviting and the staff warm and friendly. We were dressed just right for the atmosphere. I caught a glimpse of recognition on the hostess's face and smiled. She led us to our table. "Here you are, Mr. Kaplan," The reservation was not in my name. I let it slide. "What can I get you to drink?" I ordered water and the wine list. "Ma' mam?"

The restaurant was beautiful and I was very excited. I followed his lead and ordered water knowing he would pick out the perfect wine. The hostess was very friendly and I think she recognized Avi. He doesn't usually put reservations in his name and she used his.

I looked at Lizzie over the top of the menu. I knew she could only see my eyes but behind that menu, I was hiding the biggest dumbest smile I have ever worn. She seemed happy and that made me feel very good. "What are you thinking?"

I lowered my menu and smiled at him. "That I might be the luckiest girl in the world." I knew he probably meant what was I thinking for dinner. I was very happy with everything so far and I wanted to make sure he knew it.

I put my menu down so she could see how happy that made me. I felt the heat in my cheeks. "I'm the lucky one here, but what would you like for dinner?"

I loved seeing him smile like that and I hoped I could continue to make him do it. I bit my lip. "Prime rib, medium rare, with steamed asparagus and a baked sweet potato."

"Good choices. I'll have filet mignon with shrimp, grilled asparagus, a side salad and a loaded baked potato and we'll have a merlot with that." I smiled then placed our order when the server came around.

It made me feel cared for and loved when he ordered for me. He always asked what I wanted and never assumed. I reached across the table for his hand. "Thank you for this. I love it. And I love you."

I took her hand because it was offered, but didn't hold it long. "I love you too!" I was all smiles because smiling felt right.

I took my hand back when he let it go and sighed. It wasn't long before our food arrived. It looked good and smelled amazing. I wasn't sure why, but I waited for his approval to dig in.

I smiled and nodded as I picked up my silverware and our wine was poured. The food was beyond anything I had ever imagined. I was happy to be alive. I picked up my glass to toast. "To many birthdays shared."

I clinked my glass to his. "I can toast to that." I sipped my wine and then carefully cut into my steak. It was perfectly cooked and tasted amazing. I didn't talk much while I ate. I wanted to have room for dessert, but I didn't think I was going to. I watched him eat for a bit.

"Why are you looking at me like that," I asked softly when I caught her looking at me as I ate.

"Because you are happy. I love seeing you happy. It makes me happy." I smiled, sipped my wine, and went back to eating my own meal.

"Oh, That is a nice circle isn't it? Because seeing you happy makes me happy." We finished dinner with very little conversation. The food was just too good. "Dessert?"

"I'm kind of full. I don't know if I have room, but if you planned for it...?" I was very torn.

"My plan included getting here, not what we were gonna eat, well maybe not what you were gonna eat, but I already knew what I wanted before I made the reservation. We don't have to have dessert here. We can take our bottle of wine with us and drink the rest later. Did you want to head out?"

I nodded and started to stand up. "I'll need to use the restroom on the way out." I was very curious to see what the rest of the night would bring.

"Why don't you go now. I'll get the check and wait by the door for you." I paid for our meal and left a generous tip then waited at the door. "So let's go see whatever is playing at the drive-in?"

"Hmmm. The drive-in?" I let him lead me out to the car. "I haven't been to one of those in a very long time. It was a treat for us kids when we were little. We used to go in our pajamas and dad would make a big bed in the back of the pickup truck. I have a habit of falling asleep though." I winked at him.

"We are not going out in our pajamas. I didn't bring any."