Page 38 of The River in Spring
In this moment I am flying among the stars. It’s just begun, and I wish it would last forever. As if the Universe heard my feeble wish and said “no” her door and mine open at once, breaking the spell.
“Good evening,” the valet says unaware of the weight of the moment. Now the world reminds us other people occupy it too. We exchange key for ticket.
“Good evening.”
I exit and come around the car. One kiss. Her joy. Mine. Some sort of visceral excitement is going on in my stomach. And there is the feeling of an altered mindset where someone else’s welfare and happiness reigns. As soon as I said the three words, it became obvious. It seems as if the reverse is true too. Think she feels as I do. I hold the elevated position in her mind. I have no idea how I know that other than her face looks exactly how I am feeling. So, this is love. It is more than I knew.
The entry door to the restaurant opens and a man lets us pass.
“Welcome to Lotus. Enjoy your night.”
“Oh, we will!” Dove says. “It’s my birthday! And this guy is in love with me,” she teases.
“That is true!” I add.
This delights the man, who sends her a wide smile. And I admit her enthusiasm is catching.
Walking inside, I wait for the group standing ahead of us. They give their name and follow the hostess to be seated. It gives me time to hold Dove close. PDA has never been my thing. Before meeting my mountain girl. Now I barely give it a thought. If I want to touch her, I do. The public is lucky I don’t do more. Decency is the only thing holding me back sometimes.
This place is obviously popular. I made the reservations a few weeks ago and didn’t get in at first. They called back after a cancellation. Otherwise, my plans would have had to be reworked. Every table seems to be taken. Low lighting and upscale décor set a mood that suits how special this night is for us.
The hostess returns and takes her place at the podium.
“Good evening.”
“Lyon. Reservations at seven.”
The attractive hostess, dressed as if she stepped out of a designer’s fashion show, checks for the name and does exactly as I had requested. She doesn’t say anything else about the reservation.
“This way, please.”
With a hand on Dove’s back, we follow the woman through the room to where a private alcove is waiting. I can’t see if everyone is here until we are almost at the entry. Then, when Dove sees she makes a happy sound. A kind of squeak.
“Ohh! What did you do?”
As I round the corner the table comes into view. Good. They all made it.
Dove starts tearing up. “You guys! This is so beautiful!”
“Happy birthday!!” everyone calls to the birthday girl.
A few people raise cocktails or sake cups in honor of their friend. All four band members, their dates, best friend Deborah and hers, and us two make the party of twelve. The large square table is already filled with cocktails and appetizers. I don’t mind they started without us. I’m just glad they agreed to show up on time for the surprise.
I wasn’t so sure Jimmy would agree to come. The woman beside him is not who I imagined he would bring. Not that I know him at all. But she is older and plainer than expected. He definitely does not have a type.
“Anna! It’s so nice to see you!” Dove says it as the woman rises and comes in for a hug.
“You look so pretty!” Anna says.
“Nobel, this is Jimmy’s sister, Anna.”
“Thanks for joining us, Anna. Nice to meet you.”
So, he brought the sister. That’s kind of weird. Doesn’t the guy know any women he could invite? Maybe he is sending my woman a message. Don’t want to think of it now. Dove makes the rounds, kissing each cheek.
“Does everyone know each other? ZZ, Oscar, I don’t think you have met Nobel yet.” Dove says it as she takes the seat next to mine.
“We talked on the phone,” ZZ says dryly. He pours himself some sake. “For at least five minutes.”
