Page 19 of When Sinners Rise
“Could you remind me what cocktail was advertised at the bar?” he asks.
“Of course. However, we’d recommend something a little different to pair with the tasting experience this evening. Would that be okay? And to remind you, there’s also an alcoholic drink as part of the menu later this evening.”
“Sounds great. Rack ‘em up.”
She leaves, and Shaw starts to laugh. “Okay, maybe this doesn’t scream first date restaurant.”
“I’ve eaten in far more pretentious places than this, don’t worry.” I think to some of the places Landon’s dragged us to.
“Well, now, that’s not what I’d have guessed.”
“Really? So, what sort of place would you have thought I’d frequent?”
“Oh, maybe a relaxed sushi bar or just a homely Italian. I’m going to blame the rest of the night on my desire to make a good impression.”
“You’d be right with either option, but let's wait for the food and drink to speak for themselves. It could be the best we’ve ever had.”
“Miri, be careful. Don’t get my hopes up this early in the night.”
“Oh, behave. You don’t have alcohol to blame for your wandering mind yet.”
And with that, the waitress returns with two small tumblers with a cloudy liquid inside, a lime rind on the rim and a shovel of crushed ice.
No explanation or introduction.
Just the drinks.
“Cheers.” He raises his glass. “To new pleasures.” He oozes the confidence of knowing how good-looking he is. We clink our drinks and take a sip, and both proceed to pull faces at the sour and sharp flavour of the drink.
“Wow, that’s tart.” I put it back down.
“Sweet tooth, girl?”
“Not overly. But in comparison to that, then yes.” We both laugh.
~
The evening passes so fast it’s scary. The food delivered punctuates the conversation, each dish really is delicious and a step up from the starting cocktail. It’s food I’d never have tried, but I love everything they set down.
As we get further into the evening, any final concerns or uneasy feelings about being on a date evaporate. Shaw is constantly a charmer, but he partakes in a range of conversation topics from work, growing up and favourite things.
I was quiet when he spoke about having a big family with multiple siblings. I didn’t want to tell him I’m not in contact with my only sister or the circumstances around that. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to share that with someone – to recount the awful things that happened to us. But his parents have also passed, so we share that same loss.
By the time the last dessert course is served, I have butterflies back in my stomach because I don’t want the evening to end. The conversation draws to a close, but there’s something, an invisible force, that weighs between us. An anticipation, perhaps, or a promise of something to come?
The feelings mix and twist in my gut, a shadow of confusion emerging. Should I be feeling this way? Is this normal? If I were back in Copenhagen, would this be what dating feels like?
Shaw settles the bill and offers me my coat. He takes the opportunity to provide the only real physical contact of the night and slides his hands over my shoulders and down my arms. His touch doesn’t repulse or scare me, and it sends a shock of something else through me.
His hand on my back guides me through and out of the restaurant.
“Let me call you a cab.” He steps out into the street with his arm raised, and I have a pang of desire hit me in the chest. I don’t want the night to be over. It’s crazy, but I feel at ease with Shaw. More than even some of my friends. It’s like we just click.
“You don’t want coffee?” My voice is quiet, but I own the words, and I know what I’m inviting him back for.
He has a soft look on his face and raises his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Not tonight. Patience. If you get me back tonight, I’ll have no guarantee of another date.” He plants a tender kiss on the centre of my forehead. “I want another date, Miri. Several. I'm enjoying this.”
He opens the car door and sees me inside before stepping away.
