Page 13 of Say Yes

“Here you are. Joseph will be out with some wine shortly. Enjoy your meal.”

I held out Casey’s chair for her. Her eyes wandered around, taking in the sights around us. Wide-eye wonderment was the only way I could explain the expression on her face. I let her take everything in. Finally, she realized I was waiting for her, and she slid into her seat with a mumbled, “Oh, thanks. Sorry.”

Once seated, I laid my napkin across my lap. “So, what do you think?”

“Oh my god, Philip, it’s beautiful up here. But where is everyone? I expected a place like this to be packed. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. ”

“They actually close in about thirty minutes. I know the owners, and they let me ‘borrow’ the place for tonight.”

Casey narrowed her eyes. “You sure do know an awful lot of people.”

I shrugged, brushing off her suspicious tone. I did actually know a lot of people. “What can I say, I have a lot of friends.”

She was about to respond when we were interrupted by our waiter.

“Good evening. My name is Joseph, and I’ll be serving you tonight. Can I start you off with a bottle of wine? Perhaps a nice pinot grigio or merlot?”

I, personally, wasn’t a wine drinker, but I actually didn’t know about Casey. I’d never seen her drink any alcohol now that I thought about it. I’d leave it up to her.

“Are either of those sweet? I don’t really know much about wine.” She was doing surprisingly well interacting with the man, considering he was a stranger. I was extremely proud of her.

“No, ma’am, neither are sweet, but we do have an exceptional prosecco I could recommend. It’s a little more bubbly and closer to a champagne.”

I could tell she weighed her decision as though it was of the utmost importance. “I’d like to try a glass of the prosecco, please.”

Joseph bowed, and then directed his attention to me. “I’ll just take a Corona with lime.”

“Very good, sir. I’ll bring out water in just a few moments.”

“Thank you.”

Joseph turned and soon, we were alone again.

“How are you doing?” I asked, wanting to make sure she truly was all right.

“I’m doing okay. Focusing on keeping my breathing even. It helps that there’s no one here but us. I only mildly panicked when Joseph showed up. But, really, I’m doing much better than I expected. I’m truly trying to keep my anxiety under control. I almost took my medication, but I wanted to see if I could make it without it. Now, with the wine, I’m glad I didn’t take it. It’s actually so peaceful up here. Thank you for bringing me.”

Needing to feel her skin against mine, I reached across the table for her hand. “You’re so welcome.”

We chatted for a few minutes before Joseph returned with water and to take our order. Before long, we were diving into our meal. I ordered a prime rib with au jus and a baked potato, and Casey ordered salmon with rice. As we ate our meal, I kept playing out how this night should progress. I knew where my body wanted it to lead, but this was Casey. She wasn’t a woman to wine and dine and then take home for the night. I wanted everything about tonight to be special. A night she would remember.

Before long, Casey finished her wine, and set her fork across her plate. She let out a long, satisfied sigh.

“That was absolutely delicious. And I think I’m in love with prosecco.” She hiccupped a little with an embarrassed giggle. “Excuse me.”

“No more wine for you, lightweight,” I ribbed her.

She stuck her tongue out at me. In response, I rose from my chair and stood next to her, arm outstretched.

“Let’s dance.”

“What? Like here? Now?” She looked around the patio.

“Yes, here. Yes, now. Come on.” I continued to wait.

Finally, Casey placed her warm hand in mine, and I pulled her to her feet. I adjusted my grasp on her hand, placing it on my chest, and then I wrapped my free arm around her back, pulling her close. We swayed back and forth to the music coming from the speakers. She was rigid and uncomfortable at first, but the longer we remained dancing, the more relaxed Casey became, until soon, she rested her cheek against my chest.

I inhaled her scent, and for a moment I cursed myself for agreeing to this. I predicted a broken heart in my future. But, I would do anything to see this woman in my arms happy. Even if it was to send her into the arms of another man eventually. Just seeing her this relaxed and seemingly happy was completely and utterly worth it. Over the top of Casey’s head, I saw Joseph pause when he saw us, but I nodded an okay. Not once did Casey pay attention or even notice his presence as he quietly cleared off the table. He hastily left once he was done, leaving us in our own private oasis up here.

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