I'm shocked into silence by his brutal honesty. I really wasn't expecting that. I mean, I get that's what people usually do at these things, I saw some of what went on. I guess that because of his chivalrous attitude I had expected him to behave differently than the other men. Eventually I get the nerve to look at him. "Then why did you bid on me?" I ask softly.
I look away quickly, realizing I'm afraid to hear the answer. He keeps driving and he’s quiet for a while.
“I’m not sure,” he admits finally.
I look at him in confusion. I don't know what to think of him or this evening now, and I'm starting to wonder if this was a mistake. I can’t think of anything else to say to him. Fortunately, though, I’m spared the need, at least temporarily, by our arrival at the restaurant.
By now I'm not surprised that it's the most expensive one in town. It also happens to be one of the most romantic spots around. I’ve had fantasies about dining here before, but never really expected it to happen.
As he parks the car I sneak a quick look at him. Why am I here? Is tonight really going to be a waste? I don't know what to think right now. I'm so confused and I'm trying not to be nervous, and I try to tell myself that no matter what happens tonight, I’m doing this for the shop.
Chapter 7 - Gabriel
After opening her car door for her, I lead her into the restaurant. She's fallen quiet once more, and I can't tell if she's nervous, or impressed by where we are.
After slipping her a tip up front, the hostess seats us at a table a little ways apart from everyone else. I pull out Lorelai’s chair for her before taking my own seat. I can tell that she’s noticed me doing these things for her. It's just the way that I am.
I sit across from her as the waiter hands us our menus. I don't even look at mine. She looks at me curiously as I tell the waiter, "We'll start with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a garden salad. For our entrees, we'll be having the ravioli al uovo, and we’ll finish with the strawberry panna cotta.”
The waiter nods and takes our menus before walking away. I realize that I just totally bulldozed over Lorelai out of habit and look over at her. "I hope it's ok that I ordered for us?" I ask her.
She nods quickly. "Yes, that's fine,” she says with a nervous giggle, “I wouldn’t even know where to begin. But I should warn you that I'm very allergic to shellfish."
I nod. “Good to know. Fortunately that won’t be an issue with this order.”
Everything feels a little awkward right now. I can tell that she’s apprehensive about being here with me. She feels out of her element, and mentally I’m kicking myself for not having asked her before ordering.
Thankfully the waiter arrives with our wine, breaking the silence. "I'll be right back with your salad,” he tells us as he pours us each a glass.
We both reach for our glasses and take a sip at the same time. The dry white wine is crisp, with a hint of something earthy, and I’m immediately pleased with the selection. The look on Lorelai’s face tells me she’s enjoying it, too.
She looks around the room and sets her glass down. "So tell me about you,
she says, her tone polite, but nervous, “You mentioned that you’re usually busy with work? What is it that you do?"
"I'm an investment banker. I love my job, so I spend a lot of time working at it. I'd say I'm pretty decent at the work I do." I reply with a little shrug.
I don't really want to go into details about my wealth or bore her with the details of my busy days.
"Well that's very modest of you. I'm sure you’re great at it. You have to be really smart or talented for that line of work. And, I mean…" she gestures around us, “Clearly you’re pretty successful.”
I chuckle sheepishly. “I do all right. So tell me about your business. What's it like owning a bridal shop?"
She sighs softly, and I wonder why her mood has suddenly taken such a shift. She looks sad, and she’s quiet for a long moment, staring at her glass of wine. Eventually she says, "Well, it's kind of a family business. I inherited the shop from my grandmother, and I love it. I always have. There's nothing like being able to add some magic to the biggest day of someone’s life and give them that happily ever after moment.”
The words make her blush, but her mood visibly lifts as she speaks and a smile blooms on her lovely face, albeit a slightly bittersweet one. She reaches for her wine and takes a sip. It's cute watching her cheeks turn pink.