As planned, Luca picked Trisha up at the Tube Station near her hotel at eight o’clock in the evening. Despite her initial reservations, she found Luca waiting for her with a tired yet welcoming smile. His slim-fit blue suit and slightly unbuttoned pale blue shirt gave him an elegant charm.
Trisha wore her favorite black lace embroidery dress and comfortable black leather ankle-strap sandals instead of her packed high heels. A red shawl completed her ensemble, adding a touch of elegance. The possibility of a dinner date hadn’t crossed her mind until now.
“You look beautiful,” Luca remarked with a genuine smile.
Blushing slightly, Trisha replied softly, “Thank you.”
With the restaurant just a short walk away, they casually talked about London’s sights and sounds. Upon their arrival, Luca courteously held the door open for Trisha and smiled at her.
“You smell wonderful,” Luca said while she went into the restaurant.
“Thank you,” Trisha mumbled. She felt anxiety coming up. Did she make the right choice to go to dinner with Luca, a man she had just met on the plain? Trisha tried to breathe calmly, but her heart was still racing, as if it would pop out of her body anytime.
They were greeted by the waiter, who greeted Luca warmly and expressed concern over his appearance.
“You look tired, Luca.” Is everything okay?
Luca shrugged it off. “I had a late-night meeting yesterday.”
The waiter raised his eyebrows. “You work all day and night; how can one think in the evening? You have to look after yourself. Work is good, but you must relax, too, Luca. If you don’t relax, how can you work? But now you are here, no work, just relaxation.”
Luca nodded. “You said it right.”
Trisha looked around. The ambiance was modern with subtle Italian touches, reflected in the red-checked napkins adorning the tables.
As they settled at their table, the waiter returned with complimentary Bellinis and appetizers, a gesture of hospitality reserved for Luca’s familiarity with the establishment.
“For you and the beautiful lady and to a wonderful night,” he said in a cheery Italian accent. “This is on the house.” He smiled as he looked at both of them and walked away.
Impressed by the spread, Trisha couldn’t help but smile. “This looks so fresh and smells lovely.”
“I travel a lot, but this place is home away from home. Italian food and some wine are needed to forget the busy schedule ahead the next day. But I have to say I have never received any complimentary treats. Luca paused and gave Trisha her glass. “To a wonderful evening with a beautiful woman. Then he looked concerned. “I am sorry, I just assumed you drink alcohol; if you don’t, we can order something else.”
Trisha smiled. “I do drink alcohol once in a while; I am not a big drinker, though.”
Their conversation flowed more comfortably as they sampled the delicious appetizers. Luca recommended the bruschetta with grilled tomatoes, which Trisha found delightful. Soon, the waiter returned with the menu, and Trisha settled on a pasta dish.
“In Italy, we have 10-course dinners; we should do that some other time”, referencing Italian dining customs. “You should take another dish, a secondi, Trisha.”
Trisha’s eyes widened. “I don’t think I could eat a 10-course meal”.
Luca chuckled. “We will start at noon and finish at midnight. What better way to get to know each other better?
Trisha stared at the menu, pretending she hadn’t heard Luca’s words. “Grilled salmon sounds lovely,” she said as she closed the menu.
Once again, Trisha felt that all-too-familiar flutter of anxiety sneaking up on her like an unexpected guest crashing a party. Amidst the jittery excitement bubbling within her, a sprinkle of self-doubt floated, curious to see what the evening would bring. Wrapped in a cloak of vulnerability, she couldn’t help but keep her guard up, even as Luca’s charm tempted her to let it slip. Balancing on the tightrope between intrigue and skepticism, she ventured into the unknown with a dash of hopefulness and a pinch of caution, ready to see where the night might lead.
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