1.14 – Date night

Chapter tune: T’pau – China in your hands

Warning: Mild profanity…and more 😉

Finally. After a long, almost sleepless night, the sun came up and Rose was able to call her friends and let them know of her big date that evening. Soon, they both were at her house.

“So, what are you going to wear? It must be something sexy to set the mood!” Madison giggled.

“That’s the thing, I’m pretty sure I own nothing like that. I should go for some shopping but I’m almost broke.” Rose replied.

“No worries girl” Emma said “I know a second hand shop – most of the clothes there are great quality. I’m sure you’ll find something nice”

“Oooh yes” Madison exclaimed “they’ll show you how to do your hair and makeup too! Let’s go! Oh, and don’t forget to take some casual clothes with you tonight, I’ve been there and the way home was awkwaaaard!”

They soon arrived at the shop. The stylist sent the girls to the room where all the clothes were stored. Most of them, although good quality, looked pretty dated. Also, about half of the stock was organized, while the rest laid in crates here and there. It was going to be a difficult task to find something decent.

Still, the girls were determined that something special was hiding in there somewhere. After some time, they were ready to give up. Most dresses were too revealing, or too “granny style” or just plain weird.

Suddenly Emma squealed “Found it!!”

And boy was she right. This dress was really precious. The upper body was made by off-white lace while the skirt was a very dark silk which oozed luxury. And only 18 simoleons! “Who would throw that treasure away?” Rose thought to herself.

After a little chat with the stylist, she bought a pair of shoes and a necklace to match, she thanked her friends for their help and went home to get ready.

–

The evening came. Rose’s anticipation grew more and more as time went by. Suddenly she heard a honk outside. He was here.

Jared looked speechless as Rose was approaching. He always thought that she was the sweetest girl he’d ever laid eyes on, but tonight… oh man. For a moment there he thought everything was moving in slow motion.

“Ready babe?” he said as he regained his speech. Despite this being her very first time on a motorcycle, Rose felt safe holding him as they were travelling in high speed.

Soon they arrived at his place. “Did you forget something?” she asked.

“No babe, we’re here. Welcome to La cuisine de Jared” he replied playfully, mimicking a french accent. “That’s the place I was talking about. After you, mademoiselle”

Jared had really commited to this dinner. He had set a lovely table at the balcony looking at the beach. He had even put french music on the stereo which he knew was Rose’s favorite.

She sat outside admiring the view, while Jared was preparing the food in the kitchen.

Although it was already late autumn, that night was especially mild, with just a pleasant breeze sweeping across her skin from time to time.

“Dinner is ready” Jared was heard while he brought two delicious looking dishes at the table.

“These taste so good, I’m truly impressed. I’d never believe you had no official training. Too bad there isn’t a place for you to work yet, except for that diner” Rose said.

“Oh no, I’m never going there” Jared said “But I should tell you, I did get a job recently, business stuff. You see, my dream is to open my own restaurant someday. Some kind of bar and grill – you know, I cook a mean barbeque – somewhere near the beach. So I figured a little knowledge about business might come in handy”

“That’s great” Rose said smiling “I really hope your dream comes true one day”

“Well, one of them is. I met you” he said coyly while looking straight into Rose’s eyes.

“Time for dessert” he said a little later while going inside “and it’s something special, just for you”

While preparing the dessert – crepes, and again, Rose’s favorite – Jared’s phone rang.

“What” he said. “No, I can’t talk right now. I said I can’t talk. Oh, I’m sure it can wait. Call me another time!!” the voice on the other side of the line was making unsuccessful efforts to hold his interest.

Although pretty irritated that someone had tried to ruin his date, he didn’t pay much attention to that phone call anyway and soon, the dessert was ready.

Rose was amazed again. “These look incredible! Thank you for taking the time to learn the recipe for me. I like french things so much, I like to believe my family were originally from France” she said laughing.

“Speaking of which, did you ever locate another family member of yours?” Jared asked “Your parents mustn’t have been all alone in the world”

“Well, it kind of seems that they were. I haven’t been able to track anyone down with the surname Briar, not in Sunset Valley or Twinbrook” she replied, a little melancholic.

“I’m sorry babe, I didn’t mean to make you sad. Come on, care to dance with me?” Jared said, trying to cheer her up. Rose stood up happily “Of course I’d like to dance with you”

While slow dancing, Rose felt her whole body shaking with suspense and desire.

She was sure now, that was their night. She looked at him and whispered “We can go inside if you want to”

“Are you sure babe? We can wait if you’re not ready”

But Rose just nodded, she was more than ready. In fact, she was sure she was in love with that man and that he was in love with her too. Why wait? Jared gave her a lingering kiss. As much as he anticipated this, he wanted to cherish their moments of slow dancing under the moonlight.

The bedroom setting was equally impressive as the balcony. The same little candles were waiting to be lit, and rose petals were thrown generously all over the floor.

Jared though about asking Rose again if she’s ready for this, but the look in her eyes was pretty clear.

While kissing her, he remembered how he enjoyed the smell of her hair that day in her house. He began kissing the back of her neck. There was that cinnamon and lavender scent again that made him feel weak at the knees. His breathing became heavier and heavier, while Rose’s sigh made him go on as he slowly started undressing her.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect night.

A little later, Jared’s phone began to ring again. It may have rung several times during the night, but the silence of the hour made the noice unbearable. He went to the hall to speak.

“What do you want, I told you we’ll talk another time! What?! Are you serious? Ok ok, I’ll be there in ten minutes.” Shit.

He went to the bedroom to find Rose waiting for him. “Is everything ok?” she asked.

“Listen babe, something came up and I have to go for about half an hour. I’m really sorry, if I could avoid it I would. I won’t be long. But you shouldn’t worry, you need to get some rest. I’ll see you later, ok? …Tonight was really great you know” he kissed her tenderly and left.

–

The morning came but Jared had not shown up in the bedroom. Rose felt really anxious, but decided to ignore that feeling. She got dressed and went upstairs. The living room reeked of cigarettes and Jared was there. From the looks of it, he had spent almost the entire night in that room.

She went closer. Was he ignoring her or had he just not noticed her approaching? “Good morning” she finally said. “So, is everything ok after all? You know, last night was great for me too. More than great, it was perfect” she said gently while attempting to stroke his cheek.

But before she could do it, Jared grabbed her hand and stopped her.

“Yeah, well” he mumbled “…don’t I deserve an Oscar”