It was a Wednesday morning when Ethan Grey had pitched the idea of a dinner date to Scarlett. His enthusiasm for the said date soared when he texted her the location, to which she confirmed her attendance.
Half past five on the Friday evening, Ethan Grey stood before the mirror as he brushed off his looks one more time before stepping out. He had broken the bank all to acquire one very striking three-piece black tuxedo suit, fancy enough to impress his lady for the night.
Its fabric had a subtle elegant rose pattern woven into it, with black bead embellishments shaped like leaves which were padded to the shoulders and lapels. The lapels were made of smooth satin, contrasting nicely and being paired with a crisp white shirt and a large, but soft black velvet bow tie.
His entire look was stylish, bold, and superb. His smile was wide, coupled with the neatly trimmed hair that boosted his aura and confidence.
"You are one handsome fellow," he whispered to his reflection in the mirror.
He reached out and grabbed a simple bouquet he got, filled with five stems of fresh tulips. He inhaled the sweet scent from the bouquet, and his grin broadened into a more comforting smile. He was certain she would be dazzled by all the things he planned out for the night.
Thirty minutes later, Ethan Grey arrived at the venue of his choosing. On the top of the building was inscribed the name, "Délices de la Table", with fancy neon lights that glowed through the dark evening. It was the fanciest French restaurant in Arcadia, possibly the best on the list.
He got in, and took a seat on the table he had reserved for the night. He was anxious. His heart was thumping against his chest, and his mind spiralling with different instances as to how the night would go.
Soon, a waiter approached him from behind.
"Welcome to Délices de la Table, sir. What would you like to order?" The waiter spoke with a native French accent.
Ethan jerked out of his train of thoughts at the sound of his voice. He giggled slightly, but nervously as he responded, "Oh no, not yet. I'm expecting someone. But I'll have a glass of sparkling wine, please."
The waiter smiled, nodded, and walked away.
Ethan was seated with his back turned against the door. He rubbed his hands together in a bid to relieve himself from the anxiety that almost crippled him.
Soon, the waiter returned with a bottle of sparkling wine like he requested, and an empty flute. With practiced motion, he filled the glass at the table, letting the fizzing sound rise between the both of them.
Ethan nodded as he watched. He was still staring at the rising bubbles in the glass when the doors opened.
"Sir, I believe your date has arrived," said the waiter to Ethan.
Ethan halted midway sipping his wine. He lifted his eyes to the waiter, staring at him with a questioned look, while the waiter pointed towards the door.
Soon, he turned around, and his eyes went straight to the door, and bulged wider as soon as he sighted Scarlett.
Slowly he dropped the wine, and stood from his chair in pure disbelief. It felt as though the air shifted as soon as she stepped into the room. She wasn't just too ethereal or beautiful— she looked like the perfect painting brought to life. It wasn't just him who was captivated with her ravishing looks— all heads turned, and eyes were fixed on her as she stepped in.
She was dressed in a sleek satin copper-brown dress, smooth and shiny at every curve. The dress had a neckline that draped softly, fitting snugly at the hips and waist, flowing down to her ankles in an elegant line. She paired the dress with gold strappy heels, gold bracelet and a clutch bag.
Her wavy brown hair was well styled into soft curls pinned up, and two strands framing her face.
Her eyes scanned the room in search of Ethan. As soon as her eyes met with his, her lips curved into a smile, showing off perfect dentition as she walked towards him.
Ethan Grey adjusted his posture, brushing his suit as though he was trying to channel his confidence and self esteem.
"Hi there," she said in a soft tone that matched her appearance, a soothing voice that melted his heart and weakened him in the knees.
"Uhmmm... Hi," Ethan started as he swallowed hard. He was void of what to say, just staring at her for a while as he searched for the right words.
"You look... beautiful," he stuttered in his speech. His heart was beating thrice its usual rhythm, and his face was beaded with sweat as he tried to keep direct eye contact with her.
Her eyes were peered into his. She was patient with him, giggling at the way he struggled to compose himself, maintain eye contact, and even how he stuttered in his speech.
Her eyes turned to the table, sighting the bouquet that lay there.
"Wow! Were those meant for me?" She gasped excitedly at the sight of the flowers.
Ethan turned to the table, and sighted the flowers as well. He had initially wanted to hand the flowers to her whenever she would walk in, coupled with sweet words that should compliment her beauty. But he was so lost in the latter part of his plans, and forgot about the former.
Quickly, he grabbed the bouquet from the table, and handed it over to her with a slight bow.
"I got you these," he said to her.
She took it from him with pure excitement in her tone, squealing happily as she drew it closer to herself and inhaled the fruity scent of the flowers.
"Thank God you didn't get me roses. I so much love Tulips. These are perfect," she said with a slight moan, and a wide smile.
"Okay," he laughed softly, and grabbed her by the hand. He planted a soft kiss on her knuckles, and said to her, "Shall we?", leading her to the table.
He dragged out the seat for her, and pushed her closer to the table as soon as she sat, right before he took his seat as well.
He turned to the waiter, and said to him with a wide grin on his face, "We'll place an order now."