Chapter 8: The Date
2097 Words
WE drove to a famous seafood restaurant where the diners ate with their hands. Eric still hasn’t said anything about our visit to his ex-wife’s grave. I just found it weird that he brought me along to visit her without even telling me. In fact, I didn’t think it was appropriate for him to do it at this stage of our relationship. We’re still too new, and seeing his ex-wife’s grave is a bit too shocking for me.
I decided not to say anything about it either. I don’t want to say anything that Eric might deem inappropriate. I can’t help but wonder, though. Is it possible that he is not over his wife’s death yet? If you think about it, two years is not a lot of time to get over somebody. Right now, I am happy and have gotten over not having Marco in my life, but there are times that I can’t help but think about what will happen if I meet him again. When he left, I think it took me more than two years to actually start considering seriously dating again. Now that I have, the one I chose to date may not be ready himself.
I tried to just clear my head from what happened earlier and try to enjoy the date. When we arrived at the restaurant, Eric looked at me and asked “Is this okay? You like seafood, right?”
Krista: “Yes, I love seafood. This place is perfect.”
Eric: “Really? I was a little worried you wouldn’t like places like this?”
Krista: “Why not?”
Eric: “Well, you’re the President and CEO of a large company. This place may not be your cup of tea.”
Krista: “Well, to be honest, wherever I eat doesn’t bother me much. As long as it’s clean, I’m down. It depends on who I’m with.”
Eric: “Well, I hope I live up to your expectation.”
Krista: “Well, the night is young. We’ll wee.”
Eric smiled and took my hand before we went inside. We were led to our seats and were shown the menu. Eric wanted to get the platter with an assortment of seafood including crab, shrimp, squid, clams, and mussels among others. It seemed excessive to me because there seems to be too much on the platter. However, I didn’t want Eric to think that I was too high-maintenance.
While waiting for our food, Eric took my hands and looked at me. I smiled awkwardly because the date isn’t really turning out as I hoped. He must have sensed my discomfort.
Eric: “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Krista: “Yeah, of course I’m okay.”
Eric: “Listen. I want us to be true to each other, okay? I want to show you who or what I am from the beginning, because I don’t want you to get blindsided.”
Krista: “I understand. I appreciate that.”
Eric: “Really? Why do I feel like you’re not totally comfortable right now? Is it the restaurant? We can go someplace else. It’s just that they serve the best seafood platter here, and I’d like for you to try it.”
Krista: “No, it’s not the restaurant. I said earlier I didn’t mind wherever we ate. Hearing you say the food here is delicious makes me excited to try it.”
Eric: “Then is something else bothering you?”
I’ve always been a straightforward person. I usually don’t like beating around the bush because I think that it’s a waste of time. When it comes to dating, I figured it’s a waste of time to start something with someone if I feel like it’s not going anywhere. I like Eric, and I can see a future with him. But does he feel the same way, or is the memory of his ex-wife still too fresh?
I decided to just go for it and talk about it. Now is as good a time as any.
Krista: “Uhm, can I be honest?”
Eric: “Of course. I’d prefer it if you are.”
Krista: “Well, I was caught off guard when you brought me to your ex-wife’s grave.”
Eric: “Oh.”
Eric let go of my hands and moved away a little from me, as if he’s bracing himself. I couldn’t tell if he was disappointed or curious. He did seem surprised, though.
Krista: “Don’t get me wrong. I know you loved you wife and I don’t mind you visiting him whenever you want. Bringing me along kind of rattled me. It makes me wonder if you’re ready to date someone else.”
Eric: “Oh.”
He didn’t say anything else. I was hoping for some explanation that would at least clarify why he thought it was a good idea to bring me to his wife’s grave.
Krista: “I’m sorry. Never mind what I said. Let’s just enjoy tonight, okay?”
Eric: “No, no, you’re right. I should have told you beforehand where we were going. I know I must have caught you off guard. I’m sorry about that.”
Krista: “Hey, there’s no need to be sorry.”
Eric: “The truth is, I tried dating after I lost my wife, but none of them worked out. I just didn’t click with any of them. When I met you, it was different. Truth be told, I can see a future with you.”
Krista: “Really?”
I couldn’t suppress a smile. I’m sure my eyes twinkled a little as I heard what Eric said.
Eric: “Yeah. The reason why I wanted to visit Stef’s grave is because I felt a little guilty. I wanted to ask permission if it’s okay to date you.”
Krista: “Oh.”
Eric took my hands once more before resuming.
Eric: “I am ready to go all in with you, Krista. For the first time since I lost Stef, I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel the way you do. I wanted to wait until the end of dinner, but I guess now is as a good a time as any.”
Krista: …..
Eric: “Will you be my girlfriend?”
I chuckled as I realized how wrong I was. I thought Eric wanted to see his wife because he still can’t get over her. As it turns out, he went to see his wife because he’s ready to move on from her and just wanted to let her know. When he put it that way, it actually seemed sweet.
I just nodded my head as I kept smiling. Eric smiled back as he held my face with his hands and started kissing me on the lips. It wasn’t torrid or anything. It was the kind of kiss that makes one’s heart flutter.
Our kissing was interrupted by the waiter arriving with our food. He had to clear his throat to get our attention. Once we moved away from each other, I hid my face on Eric’s shoulders. I don’t know why I was getting shy all of a sudden. I used to fornicate in public. Why does kissing Eric make me shy?
The more I think about it, the more I realized that a simple kiss with Eric felt more intimate than i*********e with some of the men in my past. Maybe it’s because I have feelings for Eric, and none for those other men.
We started eating not long after, and I enjoyed it tremendously. Eric even peeled shrimps and cracked the crabs open to feed me. It felt nice, and I like being taken cared of. I’ve been taking care of my son Marcus for so long that I didn’t realize how much I miss being the one on the receiving end.
Once we finished eating, we decided to walk around a little. We walked hand in hand as we looked at the buildings and other structures around. Eric kept talking about what makes each of the structures stand out, as well as their unique features. I never noticed them before, and it was very enlightening.
I was surprised as Eric stopped in front of a structure currently under construction.
Eric: “So this is the restaurant we’ve been building.”
I couldn’t really see it because there’s a wooden panel covering the front of the restaurant, but it’s amazing to see what Eric has been working on.
Eric: “Once it’s built, I’ll take you here on a date.”
Krista: “I’m looking forward to that.”
Eric had me face him and hugged me after a quick peck on the lips.
Eric: “I can’t believe you’re my girlfriend now. I’m a very lucky man.”
Krista: “I feel the same way.”
Eric: “Do you know how many dads in school have a crush on you? I think even the headmaster likes you.”
Krista: “Well, I don’t care about them. I only have eyes for my boyfriend.”
Eric: “You better.”
Eric went for another quick peck before we headed to his car. He held my hand as we kept driving.
Eric: “So, this weekend.”
Krista: “What about this weekend?”
Eric: “Well, I would like to invite you to my home and I can cook for you and Marcus. I was hoping both of you could spend the night as well since we don’t have to go to work and the kids don’t have to go to school.”
Krista: “That sounds great.”
Eric: “I must warn you though, my mom is going to be there since she’s been helping me take care of Stephen.”
Krista: “That’s fine. Moms usually love me.”
Eric: “Really? How many moms have you met?”
Krista: “Uhm, just one.”
I smiled awkwardly at Eric as I remembered Marco’s mom Conchita. She was the only mom I’ve ever met, and she was amazing. I’m not sure if she treated me well because she’s just naturally nice, or if I was actually a likeable person.
I realized that sooner or later I will have to come clean to Eric about my past someday. For now, it’s too early in the relationship. I will tell him eventually. I just hope that when that day comes, he’ll want to stay with me.
As we got home, I suddenly felt sad that I had to say goodbye to Eric. I just stayed in the car and didn’t even make a move to take off my seatbelt. We just stayed in the car not saying anything. I decided to just gather up all courage and invite him in. Stephen must be asleep by now anyway.
Krista: “Would you like to come in--”
Eric: “Yes.”
I chuckled as Eric didn’t even wait for me to finish my question before responding. I took off my seatbelt and we both exited the car. Eric stayed behind me as I walked inside the house.
It was already quiet inside so I took Eric’s hand and led him to my room. As we got inside and locked the door, I was surprised as he pinned me to the door and started kissing me on the lips. I responded right away.
My heart was beating really fast as Eric pulled me towards the bed and laid on top of me.
- Writer
