It wasn't surprising though, the whole city felt that way. They'd saved and planned and now they were here. The place was nice. He was nice.
The food came in courses. The china was white. Clean. It made a statement. The food was colorful. Perfect. It made a statement. The waiter was polite. Attentive. He too, made a statement. Just like they did.
She loved it here. The noises. The smells. Him. Her. All of it.
She sipped from the narrow glass. Busied her hands with bread and butter. But his stare remained constant. Except for maybe a flicker now and then as he admired the restaurant.
It was a gaze. Adoration. Protection. Pride. Love.
The conversation was comfortable. Not too intense. Just flowing and comfortable.
"How would you decorate an apartment? If you could."
Such innocent inquiries. But such power behind them.
They were talking about the future. With such hope. Such optimism. Such excitement.
Who was to say it couldn't happen? It would, they were sure. Even if the certainty never left that dinner table. They were certain that night.
That was all that mattered.
The bill came inside an old novel. The spine was worn and the cover tattered. The perfect touch.
She licked her spoon. "Ready?"
They walked into the moist air. The breeze carried the smells of the bay. They loved it here. This city was perfect. It made a statement. Just like they did.
"Thank you."
"Of course, love."
They made their way back. Pretending for the briefest moment that this was it. This was their life. A life they'd built.
The hotel reminded them of the truth. It wasn't their life.
Not yet anyway.
Someday though. Someday they'd have that life. That life that made a statement. Just like they did.
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