CHAPTER 21: Date 3...

Ryu
Tonight is my date with Celeste. I hope she is still up for it after today. I don't want to put any more stress on her. She was so distraught during the meeting. Maybe she has had time to cool down by now. I have to pick her up soon. I guess I'll find out then.
I finally finish getting ready, and walk to Celeste's room. I'm calmer than I thought I'd be as I knock on the door. She answers the door wearing a jade - colored sweater, black riding pants, and black boots with fur around the top. Everything hugs her curves beautifully. "Celeste, you look beautiful." As I say this, I hand her the roses I had delivered earlier. "For you."
"White roses, Ryu, they're gorgeous. They're in such a beautiful vase too. How on earth did you get these way out here?"
"I have my ways." She giggles as I smirk at her. "Listen, we can postpone this if you're not in the mood after what happened today."
"No, I could use the distraction. Let me just put these on the dresser and I'm ready." She returns quickly, holding her coat, and shuts the door.
"Let's go then. The car is already warming up."
"Car, huh? I guess that means we are leaving the grounds this time?"
"Well, I thought you might need to get away from this nuthouse for a while, so we are going to head to Denver for the evening. If that's okay with you, that is."
"Oh my gosh, of course! As many times as I've been to this house, I've never had time to venture to Denver. I've always wanted to go, though."
"Well, good. Maybe my distraction will work." I open the car door for her and help her inside. "I hope so anyway."
"Just getting to spend time with someone who actually cares about my feelings is enough, Ryu. I'm sure it will be great." She always knows exactly what to say to make me melt.
I get in the driver's seat and we're off. "I made you some hot chocolate for the drive. It's in your cup holder."
"Really?"
"Of course. It takes about an hour and a half to get to Denver, so I thought you might like a little treat for the drive. Why do you sound so surprised?"
"You're just always so thoughtful. I've never been with someone who thinks of me first. I'm not used to it, I guess."
"Well, you have dated idiots then. I can't seem to think of anything but you these days." She laughs and takes a sip of her hot chocolate. "How is it?"
"Delicious. The fresh whipped cream is a nice touch."
"How did you know I made that fresh?"
"Hahah. Actually, that was just a guess. You always seem to exceed my expectations, so I just assumed it was."
"And now I'm blushing, but thank you. By the way, I love that sweater. It's a great color."
"Now it's my turn to blush, because I have a reason for wearing this sweater today."
"Oh, yeah? What's that?"
"It's the color of your eyes. It's my favorite part of you. I find myself lingering on them anytime I look at you. Even in dragon form, they are always the most intense jade color, and... Hey, Ryu. The car is slowing down."
"Huh? Oh, sorry. I think you broke my brain there for a minute." I hear a giggle from beside me. "The next time you're going to say something that sexy, you should make sure I'm not behind the wheel."
"Sorry. Hahah, it's true though." I smile at her, and we spend the rest of the trip talking like we've known each other for years.
Everything is so comfortable with her. I don't feel like I ever have to force conversation or think about the next subject. Everything just flowed naturally. By the time we get to Denver, I feel like we know each other better than I know some of my coworkers. I drive her around Denver when we arrive, just showing her some of the sights before dinner. She seems so much more relaxed now. "So are you getting hungry?"
"Ryu, the answer to that is usually yes. Food has forever been the way to my heart."
"Hahah, well, I'll have to store that little fact away. Let's head to the restaurant then. Shall we?"
"Sure!"
"I've picked a restaurant I think you'll like."
As I'm driving, Celeste rests her hand on the hand I have on the gearshift. I look up at her just as she says, "Thank you for today, Ryu. The drive, sightseeing, and now dinner. It has really helped me relax."
"You're welcome, Celeste, but we have one more stop after dinner, if you can handle it."
"Wow, I'm impressed. Who knew you were such a romantic, thoughtful guy?"
"Well, I did, but apparently the girls I usually date did not."
"Why not?"
"I never asked, but I get the impression that they didn't really have much interest in me personally."
"Um, I don't understand."
"I think they just saw me as a way to the family name, status, and money. Most of the time I'm able to see it early enough, but there have been a couple of surprise heartbreaks too."
"Oh Lord! That's horrible. Why would you want to be with someone for a reason like that?"
"Good people wouldn't. That's why I'm still single."
"Makes sense. So where to now?"
"Since you're part Italian, I thought a nice Italian meal would be a safe bet. The food at this restaurant has amazing reviews."
"You really are a planner, aren't you?"
"Is that bad?"
"No, it's cute actually." There's that smile I love. Shortly we pull up at Panzano. It was a great choice. The food is delicious, and Celeste looks like she was in ecstasy the entire meal. Today has already been a success. All that's left now is the knockout punch.
"So I thought we'd go get a little nightcap and then head back. Is that okay?"
"Perfect. I could use a cocktail."
"Great, let's get out of here and head to the bar."
"Let me guess, you already know where we're going, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. I may only ever have one date with you. I want to make the most of it."
"You always have the smoothest responses, don't you?"
"Hahah. Not on purpose. I promise. Let's go." We leave and head to the bar I called earlier. Howl at the Moon. Very catchy. They have a live band show every night, and the band takes requests. I've paid off the band to let me sing a song with them to Celeste. I also reserved a table right up front. I hope I don't make an idiot of myself. I'm actually confident with my singing ability, but performing in front of a crowd is a different story, though. She is so worth it. We get there quickly and head inside. I give them the name on the reservation, and we are led to our table. The host signals toward the band with his eyes to let me know he will inform them I'm here. I nod slightly behind Celeste so she doesn't see.
The waitress arrives to take our order fairly quickly. "What can I get you tonight?"
"Celeste?"
"Um, I think I'll have a vodka martini, extra dirty."
"I'll have a bourbon on the rocks."
"Comin' right up." The happy waitress proclaims before scampering away.
"Extra dirty, huh?"
Celeste lets out that giggle that makes my toes curl before saying something that makes other parts of my body move. "Well, I do like it dirty."
I didn't think my eyes could open as wide as they did at that moment. "Jesus, woman! Are you trying to stop my heart?"
She laughs so hard, she almost fell out of her chair. "Well, at least you're not driving this time."
"I guess that is the only rule I gave you, isn't it?"
"Yep." Our drinks finally arrive as I'm trying to get blood back to the rest of my body, and away from my groin. "So mind if I ask some questions over these drinks?"
"Sure, if I can ask you some too."
"Deal. So what are your plans for the future?"
"That's pretty vague. Can you narrow it down a bit?"
"Okay, like your work. What's next with that?"
"Well, I'm in line to inherit my father's company, I just don't know if I want it or not."
"Why?"
"I like working in operations. I can't go any further up the ladder at my father's company in that area, so I've been thinking about moving companies."
"Wow, that's major."
"Yes, I'm sure my father will not be thrilled if I do."
"You're allowed to be happy, Ryu. You put so much thought and effort into making others happy but very little into your own happiness."
"You're a very insightful woman, aren't you?"
"I think that's a compliment, right?"
"Hahah, of course. Okay, my turn. Do you want a family?"
"Oh yeah, for sure. It's really important to me, actually. I'm sure I'll fall on my face a lot as a mother, but that's how you learn. You take the knowledge from the first one and apply it to the second."
"How many kids do you want?"
"Probably three. I think that would be a good size for a family. What about you?"
"I want six. All girls."
"Six?"
"Yep. That's part of the reason I want to go out on my own. I want my family to have a great life."
"Why all girls, though?"
"Little girls love their daddy. Little boys hate everyone except Santa and SpongeBob."
"Hahah. I don't know if that's accurate."
We hear the announcer from in front of us. "Now we have something a little different. Ryu, come up to the stage."
I down my drink and stand up. "Ryu! What is going on?"
"You'll see...," I say with a mischievous smirk as I walk toward the stage. I take my place at the microphone, center stage. "This song is for Celeste, that beautiful woman sitting at the table up front," I say this as I motion to her sitting at our table, blushing furiously.
As soon as I stop talking, the music starts. I can see just by glancing at her that Celeste has recognized the song instantly. "When your legs don't work like they used to before..." I sing the entire song, constantly glancing at Celeste. She is smiling and teary - eyed all at the same time. It's a beautiful sight. Now, I'm no Ed Sheeran, but luckily tonight I got pretty damn close. I finish my song, and thank the band before heading back toward my table. Just as I get there, Celeste throws her body against mine. Her arms wrap around my neck, and she squeezes me tight. Out of reflex, I catch her with my arms around her waist, lift her up slightly, and squeeze back. "So I guess I did okay then?"
"Ryu! That was amazing! I had no idea you could sing like that. And you remembered the song I said I loved."
"Of course, I did, I mean, who could forget a one - woman show like that?"
"Ugh! I have to be more aware of my surroundings."
"Hahah. Smart girl. Well, you ready to head back?"
"No, but we should anyway."
The fact that she didn't want to go makes me happy, even if we do have to. I pay our tab, and we walk to the parking lot. Again I open the car door for her, but this time, before she gets in she turns to face me. She puts one foot on the bottom doorjamb and stands up so we are almost eye to eye. "Ryu, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me today. I know you went a little over the top trying to cheer me up and I just wanted you to know that I see that, and I love that compassionate side of you."
"You are very welcome, Celeste. You are worth this and so much more. You are an incredible woman. I only want your happiness." Just as I finish my sentence, I feel Celeste slowly slide her hands onto my face, slightly touching the underside of my jawline. That alone makes my heart speed up, but then she pulls my face to hers. She places her soft, plump lips on mine with a featherlight touch. At that point, I lose all rational thought. I wrap my arms around her, one on her upper back, and one dangerously low on the small of her back. I press her body to mine as I deepen the kiss. Jesus! She feels amazing.
"Mmmm." It's when I hear that little moan that I have to actually physically stop myself from tearing her clothes off. God, it's hard too. I let my hands roam over that beautiful body of hers for several minutes while I kiss her. It's extremely difficult, but I finally pull away. She smiles at me as she gets into the car. I drive us home with my hand on her thigh. She naps most of the way, but I don't mind. Just being near her makes me happier than I knew I could be. I really want her to choose me, but I can honestly say that as long as she is happy, I'll be okay with any choice she makes.