Page 78 of Love's Bloom
“Thanks,” said Misty, noting his tan slacks and navy golf shirt. He’d fussed with his appearance, too.
When they arrived at the restaurant outside of town, a valet took care of David’s truck while David led her inside.
As they waited to be seated, Misty studied the interior. Dark green walls were trimmed with white-painted wood and matched the green in the floral-patterned carpet. White linen cloths covered the tables, and in the center of each table, a small crystal vase held pink roses. The lighting was low, allowing the shimmering candles at each table to glow.
They were seated at a corner table where they’d have privacy.
“It’s beautiful,” said Misty.
David took hold of her hand and gazed at her, smiling with satisfaction. “I wanted this to be a special evening to celebrate our decision to move forward.”
“That makes me happy,” said Misty. David had never given her a reason to doubt his sincerity.
Their waitress appeared, and after ordering a bottle of wine, David and she perused the menu together.
“What do you think you want?” he asked her. He hesitated for only a moment, then added, “Along with me?”
She laughed. “That’s dessert. Right? I think I’ll start with something on the menu.”
He chuckled. “This is a side of you I like.”
They laughed together. She enjoyed flirting with him. It was something new for her.
The wine came, and David went through the motions of tasting it. “Delicious.”
The wine steward bobbed his head. “A lovely Chandler Hill pinot noir. A fine choice.”
After pouring some into their glasses, he left, giving them privacy.
David took a sip of wine and set down his glass. “I have something to ask you, and I don’t want it to come out wrong. My parents have been given a chance to buy a condo in Florida, and they wanted to know how I felt about moving into the cottage from the cabin. They eventually want a smaller place here in town but hate the idea of giving up the lake property.”
“And?” Misty said, trying to control her voice as her heart pumped blood through her.
“And I wonder if you’d consider living there with me if our relationship grows like we want. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not pushing you into anything before it's time, but if it’s a flat no, I should probably let them know I’m not interested.”
“What timeline are you talking about?” Misty asked.
“No definite decision has to be made for a long time. But as I said, if I know that no matter what happens between us, you have no interest in living there, I need to tell them.” He shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s beginning to sound awkward, and I don’t want that.”
“Would I ever consider living there if the circumstances were right?” she asked. “I would. Does that help?”
“Yes,” said David. “We’ve committed to growing our relationship. Right?”
Misty nodded but already knew she wanted more. A lot of her recent soul-searching had included such thoughts.
“I think I’d better have another sip of wine and shut up,” David said, grinning. “This opportunity for my parents has made me think about the future.”
“No worries. We’re starting over tonight, and that was a fair question,” said Misty. If they were going to grow and move forward, they had to be able to talk about anything.
They placed their orders,and Misty told him about working at the gourmet dinners Crystal was excited to put on. David spoke about the coming Christmas season and how he planned to increase sales.
“Maybe you could have a booth at the Christmas Fair in town,” said Misty. “That might help you get through slow winter months.”
“Something to think about, anything to be able to keep my crew. Seasonal work can make it hard for families. Several of my men work at the ski resorts during the winter, but anything I can do to help keeps a flow of income for everyone.”
“You’re a good man, David,” she said.
“I try.” He gave her a teasing smile. “But there are times I like to be bad.”
