Atlas High

Chapter 11 - The Date Part 2

Ellie's Point Of View...

          "Hunter thank you for taking me to your godfather's art gallery opening..it was really beautiful seeing the emotions that your godfather captured in each of his work." I can't help but gush to Hunter about his godfather's artwork. He knew how to capture the little details that made his work unique.

    The emotions captured in the photographs told the story behind the muse or theme in the photo. Each had a different composition, lighting, in color, or black and white. It didn't matter since he knew how to manipulate the camera to show what he wanted us to see. Each of his works had a story behind them that made you feel a certain way. A story worth discussing with one another and that was what Hunter and I did. 

            "No Ellie thank you for saying yes to me and for going on this date with me. I'm happy you enjoyed my godfather's work but the night is not over yet." Hunter reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. He looks back on the road still holding my hand. I can't help the blush and smile on my face for how caring he is acting towards me. He really isn't like Niko. 

    Honestly, there is no comparison between them other than the fact that they are really hot and athletic. Hunter has thick dark brown hair that is long enough to the point where all I want to do is run my fingers through it. His muscular arms bulge from the shirts he wears that always find there way around my waist. 

    Not that I mind but I can't let him know that now can I? His brown eyes reveal his emotions that his stone-cold face lacks but I like how that one part of his face holds the truth for me to see. His tattoos peak through his long sleeve shirt. And those pink plump lips make me want to kiss him to no end. There is so much more that Hunter has that Niko never had. 

    Niko is almost the opposite of Hunter. With his short clan cut brown hair that he never let grow out much to my disappointment. He has a lean muscular body and a clean look to himself. He had thick eyebrows that framed his eyes and the rest of his features. His brown eyes hid everything from me and those pink lips would never tell the truth. The once sexy Russian Niko turn into another version that I did not like. In the short time, Hunter and I have known each other he has been nothing but caring and charming. Niko used to be that way in the beginning, but the way Hunter treats me is different. A good different. 

    I don't want to compare them to each other because Hunter doesn't deserve that..not one bit. But being with Niko and now getting to know Hunter I know what a man should be. I know that I shouldn't have and never should be treated like that way again. Hunter is so caring towards me and we are not even dating...yet? Hopefully? 

    What happened with Niko was traumatizing, to say the very least...I'm not the Ellie I was before him and I'm not back to the old me but I'm somewhere in between. Each time I'm with Hunter I feel better about myself. The way he treats me makes me believe that I should always be treated this way and nothing less than that. 

    I still fear that what happened with Niko might happen again with me but I need time to heal and hopefully, this fear I have will go away. All I gotta do is try to move forward and forget about Niko for a night. I gotta enjoy this date that Hunter planned for me.

            "Wait..why does this look so familiar?" I look at Hunter who has a smirk on his face enjoying how confused I am right now. He continues to drive down the road that leads to the booming restaurant.

            "Do you remember when all of us were exploring Atlas and we made our way to the riverwalk?" I nod my head and he continues driving. "Well, when we were alone and away from the group we ended up on a bench that perfectly overlooked the sunset. You were admiring this restaurant while I was staring at you....it is the same restaurant with the river coming up to a relaxer part of the restaurant. This restaurant actually has 3 areas that will take your breath away."

            "It is infamous here in Atlas and the sounding towns for there dining experience and unique and savory food. In Italian, It is called Terra e Mare but when translated to English it is called Land and Sea." Hunter says while getting out of the car and handing his keys to the valet. While another worker opens my door for me and helps me get out. Hunter makes his way to me and slides his arm on my back guiding me to the entrance of the beautifully lit restaurant. I can't help but remember the movie The Princess and The Frog. When Tiana dreams about her dream restaurant and how it looks fancy with the red and gold colors. 

    Entering the restaurant feels as if I was somewhere else. The overall beauty is beyond words. With the flowers, trees, the lights, the feel all come together to make this restaurant what it is. I see a big chandelier hanging above on a mirrored ceiling that reflects the people inside enjoying their experience here. The fountain in the middle captures my attention as I see people through coins for luck. Everywhere you look are tables filled with laughter and people who are enjoying their evening. The square table plays host for each individual, couple, and group who are here to dine. Then there is the comfort of the couch scared around that play their role as a quick dine. Everywhere you there is a mixture of these situations. 

            A formal dressed middle-age man with a few grey hairs could be seen in his black hair and a clean-cut beard approaches us with a friendly smile on his olive skin. "Mr. Young is a pleasure to see you here again. If you would please follow Miss Janet to your table. Enjoy your time here at Terra e Mare and if you need anything please let me know."

    The girl who looks about our age has brown lush hair, dark brown eyes, thick eyebrows, tan clear skin, and pink lips. I notice how she forces a polite smile to me when she notices Hunter's arm wrapped around my waist. She guides us to a gold elevator that takes us up to the rooftop. Finally getting to the top I see it is only for the two of us making this moment even more special. 

    The view in front of us is absolutely breathtaking. You can see the riverwalk from here and if I look to my right and below I see the river to another special area that is covered in greenery, flowers, and lights. I come back when hunter whispers in my ears and wraps his arms around my waist. He places a quick but gentle kiss on my cheek before speaking to me. "The only thing that is breathtaking here is you, Ellie. Now I know for a fact that you are hungry so let's enjoy our time together." 

    Grabbing my hand I follow him to our table where our waitress places our menus down on the marvel circular tables. She leaves us giving us privacy. Hunter pulls the velvet black chair with gold color metal back for me to sit. He sits in front of me and we both look over the menu. Some of the choices are steak, risotto, Foccacia, Margherita Pizza, and so much more. There is a mix of Italian with other cuisines. 

    I look up from my mirror and it looks like Hunter knowns what he wants. Miss Janet comes back with a tablet and waits for Hunter to order. Pretending that he is the only one here.

            "Good to see you again Mr.Young what would you like as your beverage?" She leans a little to close to Hunter for my comfort but I try to ignore it. 

            "I would like our signature non-alcoholic Moscow Mule drink." He puts some distance between both of them. She seems not to get the point but Hunter makes it clear. "And for my girlfriend, Ellie I think you would love the mocktail version of the sparkling strawberry floats." I nod my head agreeing with him. I see the irritation on her face but leaves for our drinks. 

            "Ellie.." Hunter suddenly has a smirk on his devilishly plump lips that makes me want to kiss him like no tomorrow.

            "What's with the smirk?" Oh no, what now?

            "Well, you still haven't corrected me about you being my "girlfriend". It makes me think you want to be mine."

            "Yeah, you wish Hunter...I just don't want to crush your hopes. I'm not a mean person after all."

            Before he can respond our waitress comes back with our drinks in her hands. She places our drinks down before speaking again. "Do you need some more time to order?"

        "No, it's fine...I would like the salmon with a side of mash potatoes please." I answer before Hunter can. If she keeps pretending that I'm not here I'm gonna do something I regret.    

            He seems to understand my frustrations and reaches for my hand and draws circles on it. "I  would like Risotto and lasagna. That will be all for tonight thank you, Janet." She nods her head and leaves us alone. Taking his phone out he sends a text to someone while still holding on to my hand. H looks up at me after he finishes and I can see the guilt that is going through them. "Ellie I'm sorry about Janet and what's she's been doing all night to you."

            "I'm fine Hunter really I shouldn't let her get to me." I feel slightly guilty for letting this stranger get to me especially when I'm on a date with Hunter.

            "No Ellie you have a reason to be upset. The way she's been acting I really need to talk with my mom about letting her go. This can't keep happening."

            "What does your mom have to do with her?" I'm so confused right now.

            He sees my confusion that I'm pretty sure anyone could tell by looking at my facial expression. "My mom is the chef and co-owner/co-founder of this restaurant. My father aside from being her husband is also her business partner. Aside from his other professional but that's for another night."

            "Oh," I say.  

            "Yeah, this is there..well our restaurant as my parents like to put it. Please let's forget about Janet and enjoy our night okay? I've already got us a new waiter so hopefully no more drama." 

    I nod my head and we change the topic to something else. Soon enough our food is brought up and we enjoy the mouthwatering food and aroma. We continue to talk the whole night enjoying the privacy of the rooftop offered. After finishing our dessert we head out hand in hand to Hunter's car where he drives me home. When we get home he takes me to the very last step of my sidewalk where he gives me a kiss that was by far the best I've ever had. Sadly our moment ended when the door was opened by my three brothers in their pajamas ready to murder Hunter for that kiss. I laugh at them and give him a kiss on the check. 

            "Call me later our second date..if you are lucky I'll bring my wings." I wink and go upstairs to my bedroom where I can't help the smile on my face and soon I got to sleep completely forgetting about Niko. All my mind has on it is Hunter.