We walked in just in time for the last table seating of the night. We had no reservation for our anniversary because we didn't think we would find a babysitter, and then a friend offered. The Japanese restaurant was packed but couples and groups were gradually paying their checks and leaving.
The hostess had us follow her through a curtain and down the steps to the basement. The real deal was downstairs. A sort of sushi and sake speakeasy. The noobs were upstairs. This is where one could find yellowtail sashimi and Uni flown in from Hokkaido just that morning.
I turned back to see my husband looking at the hostess's butt. Some would say I should say something. The truth is, I noticed it too, and who am I to judge? I knew who he was going to be fucking later that evening.
She seated us in a dark corner. A single tea light lit the room. There was a third bar through a doorway and some lit bottles cast some colored light. It was still too dark to read the menu. Sucks being forty! I pulled my phone out for some more lighting.
"Oh, good," Jon said. "It's not just me that can't see."
"Definitely not just you. It's so dark in here."
"Welcome, my name is Hector."
"Hi, Hector," Jon said. I just smiled. Now, who was the one staring at another person's body? The answer is, me.
"Have you two dined with us before?"
"Many times."
I still said nothing. I was probably being dopey and batting my eyes and blushing. I certainly felt my body react to Hector's presence.
"Well, then I don't need to make suggestions, do I?"
"Actually, I have a question. The sake flights... is that for two?"
"It can be. If she wants a sip." Hector smiled and winked at me.
Fucking, fuck fuck. I am not a cheater but I was blushing.
"I'll just have a glass of the Shiraz," I said.
"Good choice. Sake, sir?"
"Please."
"I'll be right back."
"The fuck was that Bex? You see him coming on to you?"
I nodded and picked up my menu. I couldn't think but I tried to pick out somethings to order.
"I kinda like it," Jon said. I put the menu down and met his eyes.
"Like what?"
"That a guy of his...caliber, is hitting on you."
"You do?"
"I do."
"You don't want to pummel him?"
"No. It makes me appreciative of what I have with you."
Jon reached out and held my hand. I smiled and felt warm from his gesture.
"Shiraz for the lady. And sake for the gentleman." Hector placed both drinks down. "Do you need more time? I have to warn you, the chef has to catch a flight so he's wrapping up shortly. Red eye to Oslo."
"Oslo? Lucky," I said.
"Not as lucky as the gentleman here."
I shook my head, as if doing a mental reboot. Had he said that? Quite forward if I didn't just escape into my head and my fantasies.
"Hector, I'm paying. She's not the one who will write in the tip."
"Jon! Forgive my husband."
"I didn't say it for a tip," he said. "Just stating a fact."
"Thank you," I said. "We are ready to order." But what I was really thinking about was Hector's tip and him brushing it against me. I took a sip of the wine.
We ordered and Hector briefly left us. Jon looked at me and didn't stop. I wasn't really looking at him. I felt his gaze and squirmed.
"I love you," he said. That helped. I stopped avoiding him."
"I love you too."
"It's nice to get out for the night. Even if it's late."
"It is."
Different staff started bringing our pieces as they were finished. But after some time, Hector was the one bringing them.
"Did everyone go home? They have you shuttling plates too?"
"It's late and yeah. It didn't make sense. You two are the only ones down here. The chef is on his way to the airport."
"You're closing up the place?"
"I don't mind."
"That's a lot for a waiter."
"Well, I'm the owner too. I have some skin in the game."
"The owner," I blurted out.
"Yes, this is my favorite restaurant in my group. I spend most of my nights here. I like to see customers enjoying the menu. Lee has worked hard with our team to make something truly unique."
"We love it here. This must be our... fifth time in the last few years," Jon said.
"With all the fine places to dine in this city and," Hector looked down at my hand, saw the ring, "the limited time of parents with kids at home, that really means a lot to me."
"How did you know we have kid," I asked.
"Elementary, my dear." He smiled. "I can offer dessert but only the one Lee prepared right before he left."
"What is it," Jon said.
"Nama chocolate crumble."
"Yes, please," I said.