Dinner

Her father was always buying gifts for her mother, he always had them ready. Most of the times buying it cause he liked it, but it wasn’t suited for him. A necklace here, an earring there, a ring to stop and stare. Something cute, something neat, something just so sweet. He was always looking for gifts to give her, some that he would purchase, others that he would make, or a planning of important dates. Gifts that he didn’t always give her, taking time to see if it was worth it, waiting for the right time when it felt right. And because of this he never forgot an anniversary or a special day with her, because in the back of his hand he was always hiding something, always ready to give her something, even when it wasn’t time to give, sometimes a sudden spontaneity.

There was a bell hanging at the tip of the door. As it opened from pedestrians entering and leaving, it gave off a friendly jingle. The café was quaint with candle lighting amongst each table, a cozy patio surrounded by picket fences that gave view to the setting sun lake.

"What do you think?"

"It’s like a hidden gem", he said "Do you come here often?"

"Sometimes", she said. "I like the atmosphere."

“Hidden gem?”

“Yeah, like a needle in a haystack.”

Her phone rang, she looked at him, “pardon me”, he nodded. When they planned time to spend together they spent less time on their smartphones. Because they wanted to pay attention to each other, to give each other an undivided attention, to be there with them. Limiting to not turn to something else when things got quiet or silent. Listening to the surroundings, feeling the sensations, seeing the world for what it was- where they were. An inhale and exhale.

...

As the check laid upon the table, he reached for it but was stopped as she placed her hand on top of his. "Please let me", she said in reassurance. He had already paid for the first couple of dates. "I want us to take turns."

He stepped in, out of a courteous gesture. Though she was different. Quite capable of herself. For she shared this affection, offering as equally as he may. There was a respect and independence, in which they were both, willing to put themselves in mutually. The thoughts and feelings between the individuals were the same. And that’s how it began. The man is chivalrous in covering in the beginning, and if the feelings were mutual and there was a connection, then it became an equality.

I never meant to fall for her, but the more time we spent together, the harder it became. Even if she wasn't everything I thought she may be, I liked her for who she was, in her nakedness. And in that moment I just couldn't think about anyone else in the same way. It wasn’t easy.