Andres
"Liz..." I said, taken aback, "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," she replied with a smile. "Are you going to tell me where we're going now?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. I stepped closer and looked down at her challengingly, being taller than she was.
"I told you it's a surprise," I said, touching her small nose with my finger. She knitted her brows together and resigned herself to the mystery.
She peppered me with questions about the destination in the car, but I misled her with false clues. I reveled in riling her up, watching her cheeks flush pink and her brows furrow—those little quirks of hers I found so endearing.
"We're here," I announced as I parked the car in front of a Bar-Restaurant.
"Andres..." she began, sounding nervous.
"Is something the matter? Don't you like it?" I asked.
"You remember I'm underage, right?" she said, crossing her arms without getting out of the car. I got out and opened her door like a gentleman.
"And do you forget that you're my wife?" I offered her my hand. "Dressed like that, you look much older," I said, giving her a smile without baring my teeth. She took my hand confidently and stepped out of the car with a grin.
"You'll take responsibility, whatever happens," she warned, and I couldn't help laughing along with her.
"Don't worry, my dear wife," I winked at her, and we entered the restaurant. It was a Friday evening and the place buzzed with people eating and dancing on the floor. The lighting was dim by design, and the music was at a volume that allowed for easy conversation while dining. The place was perfect. Perfect for Liz.
"This way, please," a waiter directed us.
"Thank you," Liz responded. Once seated, the waiter handed us menus. We ordered our food and he left us to enjoy some privacy.
"Thank you... I like this place," she said, happily scanning the surroundings.
"I'm truly sorry for forgetting your birthday," I admitted, causing her expression to change subtly.
"Stop apologizing, you've made up for it," she indicated the venue with a gesture and smiled warmly, her laughter audible only to me.
"Thank you," I said, reaching for her hand resting on the table. As I touched her, a wave of electricity ran through me—something magical that I couldn't describe. But Liz's gaze held mine with those lovely eyes, evoking feelings I knew I had to quell.
"Here are your appetizers," the waiter said, bringing our dishes. I withdrew my hand abruptly from Liz’s. She looked away and thanked the waiter.
"You really are an idiot, why did you pull away like that?" my conscience chided me, and rightfully so.
"Would you like to order wine?" Liz's sudden request took me by surprise—she had never drinking alcohol around me before.
"I don't think that's a good idea," I told her. She raised her eyebrows defiantly, clearly unprepared to accept a rejection. "Alright," I conceded, and her smile was one of triumph.
"A bottle of white wine, please," I asked the waiter.
"Which would you prefer, sir?" he inquired, as Liz watched intently, waiting for my reply.
"Chenin," I said without breaking eye contact with Liz.
"I'll bring it shortly, excuse me."
"Thank you," Liz said before the waiter departed.
"Drink sparingly," I cautioned her.
"Yes, sir," she mocked.
...
"Liz, that's enough drinking," I said as she reached for her fifth glass in just half an hour.
"It's so good," she giggled, sipping more. I took the empty glass from her hand.
"I know, but no more," I said, moving the bottle out of her reach. She pouted like a child.
"Fine," she responded curtly, going back to her meal.
I went to the restroom to freshen up, splashing water on my face. I was feeling overheated, unsure if it was the wine or just the difficulty of being around Liz without being drawn to her lips. "Stop looking at Liz that way," I scolded myself in the mirror before returning to the table, where Liz was again with a glass of wine. I quickly approached and she downed it in one gulp as I arrived.
"You're crazy drinking it like that," I admonished, taking her glass. She just shrugged and laughed. I signaled to the waiter for the check, and after paying, we left, Liz still laughing. It was amusing, but I shouldn't have let her drink that way.
"Liz, get your head back in the car, please," I said, gently pulling her by the back as my eyes stayed on the road. When I stopped at the red light, I leaned over and fastened her seatbelt.
"Am I annoying you?" she asked as the light turned green, leaving me a moment to ponder her question before I drove on.
"No, Liz, you've helped me through my troubles. How could you ever be a nuisance to me?" I replied with certainty, but wondered why she would even think that. Did I not make her feel comfortable? Should I ask her now or wait until she was sober?
"That's a relief..." she interrupted my thoughts, "to know you see me that way." She looked intently at me, but I couldn't reciprocate; I had to watch the road. Does she think I look at her negatively?
We arrived home and Liz dashed out of the car and ran inside. Entering, I saw she was already in her room. I approached and knocked to check on her.
"Are you okay?" I asked from the other side of the door.
"Yes... I'm fine," she replied amongst the sound of her moving around inside, so I decided to leave her be.
I retreated to my room, disrobed down to my underwear as is my usual sleepwear, and lay down, musing over why Liz would think she's a burden.
"Andres, are you awake?" Liz's voice and laughter reached me. I got up to let her in, but she beat me to it.
"What's up, Liz?" I swallowed hard—I was faced with far too much temptation, in every conceivable way. I wasn't sure how much longer I could resist.
"Good, you're not asleep yet..."
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Lilybeth Mishiro
Wow
2024-04-04
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