Laying my hand upon my brow, I try to aide my sunglasses in facing the glare of the sun. Its such a beautiful day, its hard to complain and I'm not really, just overly excited about your invitation to meet for lunch.
The restaurant is new but we've agreed to a late lunch so that the crowd has thinned and we don't have to worry about too many added distractions or having to raise our voices over nearby banter. As I worked my way through, I saw that most of the remaining customers are enjoying the last of their meals or chatting over coffee or an early cocktail.
At the reception area, they indicated I should try looking for you on the terrace which is where most of the patrons have chosen on this warm, sunny afternoon. The surrounding chatter died away as I entered the plaza and step out of the way of a waitress heading in with a tray. Looking around, I'm taken by how many plants and small shrubs are placed throughout the terrace area. Hardly looking like a restaurant and more like a park or common tucked away on a side street.
I finally spot you in a distant corner, half-hidden by a large flowering plant. You haven't noticed my entrance as you are speaking with the waitress while glancing back and forth at the menu in your hand. Walking to you, I'm struck by the fragrances of the greenery and flowers that outnumber the tables and remaining diners.
I see you flash a smile at the waitress, which is quickly returned, as you hand her the menu. You still haven't noticed me but I am studying you as I draw nearer.
The peach silk blouse is a perfect compliment to your summer tan and the mood I find myself in. Coming around the corner, I'm able to see the rest of your outfit: short light colored flowered skirt and beaded, flower shaped of course, flat sandals. Your finger and toe-nails look to be mandarine in color, which matches nicely with your top and the colors in your skirt and shoes.
I don't know if you picked this table deliberately but it strikes me as the most coveted location. Surrounded by waist-high plants, its almost cut off from the rest of the restaurant. The few nearby tables are either empty or placed so that the occupants' attention is directed away from this corner. Currently, there is only one couple within hearing range and they seem preoccupied with their meal.
I smile and literally bounce up to you as you finally see me approach. Rising, we meet with a soft kiss that we often exchange in public. Your hand on my elbow guides me to the chair nearest yours as we exchange hellos and the hunger in our eyes.
"I love this place! How did you manage to get this table?"
"Oh, I have my ways," your smile increasing, "I hope that it puts you in the proper frame of mind with me. I've also taken the liberty of ordering for us and I hope you don't mind."
Before I can answer, the waitress somehow appears over my shoulder and is filling my wine glass. She looks to you, with a slightly chagrined look, "I'm sorry but the chef will need a little extra time on your order. If you're in a rush, I can suggest something else."
You wave her concern away, giving her another smile. "Oh, no need to rush anything. Its too fine of a day for that and we'll enjoy our wine and perhaps have more with the meal. This is our afternoon together and I am in absolutely no hurry for it to end." The waitress nods and disappears as quickly as she came.
I sip my wine and glance again about me. Leaning forward, I place my hand over yours and thank you again for calling me. I feel your foot brush against my leg as you tell me that its your pleasure and that we should do this more often.