he does the same for me at the restaurant. This simple gesture earns him double boyfriend bonus points in my books. He even comments on my outfit; a cute striped knit dress I fancied up with silver-tone jewelry and pair of black pumps. He says I look gorgeous and that I have great style. Honestly, he is too nice for words.
Steven even suggests he do the ordering. He takes my menu when the waiter comes, and selects our drinks, appetizers, and main course. But what really impresses me is that he doesn’t order me a vodka and water like Ben suggested (and I know Steven heard him say it). Instead, he orders us a bottle of white Riesling wine. I silently laugh to myself, because Ben hates Riesling wine and insists it’s way too sweet. So when I take my first gulp, I feel like I am somehow getting back at him for enjoying his most hated choice of wine.
By the time our meals come, our conversation has never seen a dull moment. It is easy and fluid and I think we have a great vibe. He even opens up so much, to tell me the reason for his divorce; his wife came out and admitted she was a lesbian. I nearly choke on my garlic shrimp when he tells me, but he laughs and says that is the reaction he usually gets from people. I apologize and take a sip of wine, but Steven says it’s not a big deal. He insists they are still good friends and that there aren’t any hard feelings between them.
I feel relieved knowing his circumstance, because it only confirms he is a great guy. I mean, for a guy to have no hard feelings towards his ex-wife turned lesbian is quite an accomplishment.
Once our main courses hit the table, Steven comes out of nowhere and calmly asks, “What’s your relationship with Ben?”
I let out a really awkward chuckle and play with the food on my plate, “He is just my friend. Why?”
Steven looks at me, studying my expression, “He seems quite possessive over you.”
“Well, that’s just how Ben is.” I stupidly smile, (thinking that is 100% NOT how Ben ever is). Steven’s eyes continue to carefully assess my demeanor, “Why do you ask?”
“Well is something going on between you two? The way he acted in the lobby was a strange way for just a friend to act. That’s all.” Steven shrugs.
That’s all? I want to shout. Like no big deal? Ohmigod. I can feel the sweat building up under my armpits. I am trying to speak and assure Steven that there is nothing going on. But for some reason, the words I want to say don’t spit out of my mouth. I kick myself from the inside, Come on Megan! Just say nothing is going on or ever has!
But I don’t. Instead I politely wipe my mouth with my napkin, and place it back down on my knees. When our silence is unbearable, Steven finally changes the subject, “So Megan, tell me about your mother again.”
****
After dinner, outside the restaurant on the patio, I thank Steven again for the flowers, and tell him I had a really nice time. Steven leans against the wall and smiles at me with his bright blue eyes, “I also had a good time. I really enjoyed your company.”
I take a deep steadying breath, “Would like to come and meet Jessica and my other friends for a drink?”
“I didn’t want to intrude on your late night plans, so I told my brother and cousins I would meet up with them later. I hope you don’t mind, I just didn’t want to be too forward.” Steven says taking one step closer, “Maybe we will stop by later if they are feeling up to it.”
“Sure” I smile, but I can tell he is just being polite.
Steven closes the space between us by placing his hand on the column behind me to stop from pressing against my body. I swallow hard and scoot back a bit along the railing. I give him a final thank you and start to walk away. Steven grabs my hand and turns me around to face him. He brings my hand up to his mouth and gently kisses it. I turn a tad flush, and thank him once again and say I hope to see him later (which in truth, I am not sure at all what I want.)
I walk back to my villa, ready to