Chapter 12: Saturday Night

- It’s Saturday night, and I’m ready for my first date with Luke. I take a taxi and arrive at one of the most hottest restaurants in town. The place looks simple and assuming, but as soon as I walk in, I can tell that it caters to a wealthy clientele. Luke is already is waiting for me at one of the tables, and he greats me with a smile. Luke: Kate! - We exchange smiles, and he pulls out a chair for me. Luke: Please, have a seat. - We order a bottle of the restaurant’s finest white wine before going over the menu. As we choose our meals, I use the time to relax and enjoy the moment. For the first timr in my life I don’t have to choose the cheapest thing in the menu. Even if Luke doesn’t cover the bill, Edward’s credit card will. Luke: So, did you buy anything at the auction? Kate: I’m afraid not. - I try to remember the name of the painting Luke and I looked at tegother the other night... Kate: I had my eyes set on the beautiful painting called Portraid of a Napkin, but sadly, someone outbid it. Luke: That someone was me. - Bingo! I should tell Luke to show me the painting. Kate: Could you show me the painting sometime? I’d love the chance to study it a little longer. Luke: That might be difficult. Kate: Why? Luke: It’s on display in my bedroom. And I don’t let anyone just in there. Kate: Good. I love a man with discerning tastes. - He gives me a wide smile. Luke: I like talking to you. Kate: Oh? Well, let me tell you a little secret. - I lean across the table and whisper... Kate: The painting is lovely, but I’m more interested in its owner. - Luke smiles and raises his glass. Luke: I’ll drink to that. Kate: So will I. - I stare at him as I drink, eyeing him as though he were the most delicious meal in the restaurant. It’s hardly a challenge. He is absolutely charming! Luke: Tell me a bit about yourself. I wanna get to know you. You see, I actually have a confession to make. I looked you up, but all of your social media are private. Kate: There’s nothing much to say. My life isn’t something I’m proud of. I might be what people call underachiever, but I suppose I did the best I could. Luke: What do you mean? Kate: I lost my parents in an accident when I was a freshman. My baby brother was only ten so I had to take care of him. And I have nothing but a series of dead-end jobs ever since. That’s all. Luke: I’m sorry for your loss. But you should be proud! To pull through a tough situation the way you did takes courage and selflessness. I admire you. - I stare at him, speechless. I was completely honest, thinking it best not to lie... And he’s still impressed? With the real me? Kira: That’s the nicest thing anyone said to me in a while. Luke: Maybe you’ve been hanging out with the wrong people. Kira: Yes, I supposed I have. - My thoughts return to Edward, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s the real villain in this story. Did Edward lie about Luke? Luke: Tell me... Is there anyone special in your life? Kate: No, there’s no one. Luke: I should call the police. Kate: What?! Why? Luke: A woman like you, single? That’s a crime. - He pretends to be outraged, and I burst into laughter. Kate: You know, if all men were this fun to talk to, I would date more often. But I bet you’re one of a kind. What about you? How come you’re single? Luke: Well there are two reasons. - He pauses and studies me for a second before proceeding. Luke: For starters, I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by a certain social circle. It feels like I have met everyone there’s to meet... And dated everyone there’s to date. The second reason is that I have a hard time finding women who share my... Interests. Kate: Interesting. - Could he be talking about his alleged fetishes? But I can’t ask him that. These thoughts take me black to my last encounter with Edward... Just thinking about the things he did to me while teaching me about Luke... Damn, it’s making me hot. Luke: Are you OK? Kate: Y-yes. It’s just so hot here. Luke: Yes. That must be it. - He smiles and holds my gaze. It’s an intense moment... And makes me feel even hotter. He notices this, and his gorgeous smile even grows wider. Luke: Oh, here’s our food. - For the next hour, we slowly enjoy our food and make pleasant small talk. Luke tells me about his club, but he keeps it brief, and his reluctance to brag about his success only makes him more endearing. And then, Luke surprises me. Luke: The thing is... I have a question I must ask. I hope you won’t take this one wrong. But I suppose I’m feeling spontaneous tonight... And I don’t our date to end, so... Would you like to go back to my place? Kate: Oh! I’d love to! Luke: Perfect!