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On the other side of us are more tables with red leather chairs. The offending green leather benches line the walls with tables in front of them, the red chairs sitting on the opposite side.
Well, at least they tried to tie it all together.
“This place has amazing food. I know the decor is … well … something. But seriously, you will love the food.” Damien looks down at me and smiles.
A waitress sits us down at a booth near the bar, giving us the menu to look at. My nerves are still not any less wonky, and sitting across from this hunk of man meat isn’t helping.
Did I mention first dates are awkward?
“What are you thinking of getting?” Damien looks over his menu and our eyes meet. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I stare into his brown eyes.
“Um … I think, I uh, was thinking the Fettuccine Alfredo.” I bite my lips as his stare bores into me, making me feel very warm suddenly.
“Their Alfredo is excellent. I, myself, am going to have their Penne alla Vodka. Their pink vodka sauce is to die for.”
Before any more can be awkwardly said, the waitress comes back over to our table. “Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am your waitress for the evening, so what can I get you to drink?”
“Just a water for me, please” I politely say.
“A Sicilian Old Fashioned for me, please.” Damien nods to Jennifer.
She beams, “Got it. I will get that drink order in. Do you know what you want to eat?” She looks between the both of us expectantly.
“Yeah, she’ll have the Fettuccine Alfredo and I will have the Penne alla Vodka, please.”
Damien hands her the menus and she turns, walking away from the table and leaving us be.
“So,” Damien breaks the silence, “how are your classes going?”
I shrug. “They’re alright. I mean, outside of the whole everyone seems to schedule all the projects due on the same day thing. Which, do they all get together and plan for that shit?” I raise a brow.
“I think they do.” He chuckles. “I’m sure they enjoy our misery.”
We sit silently for a moment before I respond, “How about yours?”
He nods. “You know, this conversation feels forced. Look, if you don’t want to be here, we can just go.” His lips turn down.
My eyes widen, and I shake my head. “No. No!” I let out a long breath. “I’m just nervous. I’m sorry. You are just … well, all hot and stuff. And I’m, well, me. Just not sure what you’re doing asking me out.”
Damien cracks a smile, tapping the table a couple times. He slowly scoots out of the booth, and I look down at my hands on my lap. Guess I’ll be calling it a night.
“Scoot over.” My head snaps to Damien, who is now standing next to me. “Come on, push over please.”
My mouth drops open, but as I come back down to Earth, I wiggle down the bench and make room for him.
He plops down next to me, his smile wide as he leans his elbows on the table in front of us.
“Not sure what I’m doing asking you out? Well, for starters, you are absolutely gorgeous. You caught my eye the minute I saw you in class. I also do enjoy watching you smile; it’s a beautiful smile. And when we aren’t being awkward in conversation, it’s a nice conversation.”
I blink a few times, unsure of what to say, but then find my words. “Oh.” Okay, so one word.
Damien bursts out into a howl. “See? Great conversation.”
And with just that, I feel myself physically relax. Maybe the awkward first date isn’t so bad. He’s been an absolute gentleman since he picked me up.
And right now, him sitting next to me is kinda nice.
I still don’t get why he wanted to take me out, but right now, none of that seems to matter.