Simon’s heart felt full to the brim until he heard her stomach’s strained gurgles. As they broke apart, she began laughing through a clenched jaw before clearing her throat and looking at him, "I hope this surprise has food in it. Because I don't think sand is edible." She whispered.
Everything about her was charming. Her nervous little laugh touched his heart which caused him to laugh at her joke, “Neither do I. It’s up a little further. We’re almost there.” Then, he realized he’d never been before, “I think…” he added.
"Oh no we're lost." She muttered.
Leading her by the hand, he hoped to live many more years with it in his. Having a good feeling tonight would be the turn of their relationship, he was ready.
Approaching a little bistro restaurant, the façade was lit in strings of lights along the windows and a canopy overlooking the outdoor eatery. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw the place and glanced over the water. The views from the pier must've been amazing with the sunset.
Stopping at the glass entrance, they could see that the inside was white, clean, and modern with a homey touch. Not to mention it was busy with enough people to indicate the food was delicious, “Here we are.” He said. Holding her hand as she put her shoes back on, he helped her keep balance before he leaned against her in his own turn.
They stepped up the creaky steps together, "From the smell, I can tell it’s going to be good and expensive. Oh boy." She teased while he held the door open.
They were immediately greeted by the host smiling in their direction, “Hello, how many?” she asked. Simon gestured with two fingers while she nodded and tucked the menus beneath her arm, “Follow me.” She stated with a wave. She led them to one of the windowed seats and set the menus down, “I’ll leave you to decide what you want. What can I get you to drink in the meantime?” she questioned.
Taking a seat, Cherish smiled to herself while clasping her hands on the edge of the table. Leaning over, she glanced down at the menu and sucked on her teeth. Thinking that it was her birthday dinner, she was willing to splurge a bit and smiled up at the hostess, "Hot tea please." She stated. Looking to Simon, she took the reins and reached across for his hand.
He glanced down and felt his heart skip a beat. Usually he was the one who made moves on her. This was a new turn and it successfully flustered him. Simon tapped against the a few words, “Could we please get a bottle of champagne? It’s her birthday.” He said.
The hostess nodded as she looked to Cherish with surprise. She was met with an expression that matched her own, “Oh? Perfect! Our bottles are half price for birthdays and anniversaries.” She said.
Simon looked over their list and pointed one out with a unique name. A sweet, smooth white wine for Cherish, “This one please.” He said.
The hostess looked over before she nodded, “I’ll tell your waitress. She will be right with you.” she said turning away with a smile.
Turning his hand over, he held hers in acceptance, “Do you see anything you like?” he asked looking at the menu.
Her entire body tensed as she leaned over, "Simon, I'm only twenty or did you forget?" She hissed.
He tilted his head once he found something he wanted to try, “I think I’m going to have the scampi…” His thumb rubbed down the side of her hand. Thinking where the night would lead, he looked at her and gave a half smirk.
She puffed her cheeks up with her nerves in a bundle. Cherish bit her bottom lip and glanced around suspiciously at the other patrons. They didn't pay her any attention, but she felt as though they all knew of her underage predicament, "Oh God, we are going to jail." She whispered before looking to the menu and gripping his hand.
Laughing, he shook his head and kept his voice down for her sake, “It’s not wrong to have a glass of wine or champagne on a special occasion. Don’t worry and act calm.” He whispered. This was a normal occurrence for him every Hanukkah, though the difference was that he was supervised by his parents, “I had a glass every year since my Bar Mitzvah.” He said.
“If we go to jail, when mom and dad bail me out, I’m leaving you in there.” She retorted.
Seeing her apprehension, he tightened his grip slightly, “You don’t have to drink it, but I promise no one will notice, “He looked around at the other guests. There was something taunting in his tone because Cherish was a legal adult and mother. There was little reason as to why the law had the restriction so high. At least in his eyes. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed against her knuckles looking at her over his glasses, “Did you decide on anything?” he asked.
As the atmosphere settled once more on their intimate moment, she slowly slipped her hand out of his grasp with a lingering smirk before turning the menu over, “I don’t know. What’s cheap?” she whispered glancing at him. Her brown
