--------------------
We finally reached 'De Palace' restaurant but it was 8:15pm.

The driver opened my door for me and I felt so honored and special.

Finally I am in, I thought to myself. Where the heck did this thought come from, I don't know.

Took a moment to behold the beauty. 

This place is really a 'Palace' indeed.

The Deco was giving gold and royal blue. The chandelier at the center of the room brightened it. The gold lamp mounted on every corner of the room gave it its romance.

Lost in beholding the beauty, a waiter's still voice broke the connection I had between the room at that moment.

'Good evening ma'am, welcome to 'De Palace' restaurant. Do you have a reservation?'. The waiter said sounding very polite.

'Yes. Uhmmmmmmmmmm, table 15'. I said trying to confirm the number on the note Chris sent.

'Right this way ma'am. He said leading me to my table. 

Then I saw Chris.

He looked more handsome than when I saw him the last time.

I could see the devastation in his eyes as our eyes met. I couldn't be more sorry for the time I had wasted.

I felt sorry because I could imagine the stress in booking such a place like this for our dinner date and the fact that I was late.

He didn't want it to show that's all.

He quickly pulled out my seat for me and made me sit. 

So romantic, I thought.

He gave me the menu to pick from without saying a word.

He was angry, I felt it.

'I will have what the lady picks'. He said to the waiter and smiles gingerly at me.

'Ok sir', the waiter storms off.

I looked straight to him trying to catch his attention, but it didn't work.

He barely looked at me. 

'Chris'. I called out his name, but he didn't respond.

Then the food came.

He stretches his hand to me in a way of say 'Go on, dig in'.

He didn't speak.

I didn't care, my stomach growled of hunger.

I began to eat.

Then I catch his eyes staring at me. He took them off immediately I noticed. 

I chuckled at the sight of it.

He looked at me very surprised that I found it amusing.

'You look very gorgeous and magnificent'. he said with a smirk on his face then he smiled broadly. 

'Thank you'. I said with a pink face. 

'I am very.......... '

'Let's not talk about that now'. He cut me off in my attempt to apologize.

'Do you like this place'. He asked.

'l love it'. I said smiling from ear to ear.

'Look Beth....

'Hmmm', with food in my mouth. 

I will do anything for you'. 

Then I paused to look in his eyes in an attempt to find the Truth.

I couldn't find it.

'I love you Beth, sincerely this Time'. He said as he held my hand from the other side of the table. 

Tears filled my eyes and I held it back. 



© Precious Effiong