Destiny Calls

“Good. Let me show you around before we sit down to dinner.”

Dakota took the arm Ethan extended to her. He had told her he was a neat one. And he had told the absolute truth. There didn’t seem to be a thing out of place.

“This is my formal living room, an area no one ever comes into. Maybe I need to buy some furniture so I can use it. You think?”

“That would help make it serviceable,” Dakota joked.

“I’m definitely more comfortable in the family room, where I can watch the big screen, lounging on the leather sofa or kicking back on the recliners. Maybe I’ll get you to help me pick out furniture for both formals. My dining room is empty, too.”

As Dakota received the dime tour, she saw that Ethan favored darker woods but lighter colored furniture and glass tabletops. The leather furnishings were a light tan. Various shades of beige and brown were prevalent throughout. Entryways were designed in dramatic arches. The kitchen appliances were all black with stainless steel trim and the walls had been painted a mustard shade, which provided a bold contrast. The center island was where she imagined Ethan preparing his food.

His hands turned upward in an encompassing gesture. “This is where I hang out every day. I’m glad you accepted my invitation. I’ll show you the bedrooms and my office after dinner. Think you can stand the suspense for that long?”

Dakota took hold of his hand. “Eager anticipation is always a good thing.”

“Hmm. I really like the sound of that.”

Ethan had set a lovely kitchen table, creating a romantic ambience for him and Dakota to dine by. Several candles had been lit and placed all about the room. Once he said a blessing over the food, he poured into crystal glasses a crisp white wine complementary to the seafood.

Steamed snow crab legs, grilled shrimp, rice pilaf and the fresh salad Ethan had prepared for dinner looked very appetizing.

Dakota had put a nice portion of everything on her plate. A little worried about getting butter sauce on her dress, she shielded it with a couple of napkins. Ethan cracked the crab for her. Removing the meat from the shell with a fork, he placed it on her plate.

Dakota liked the attentiveness, loved how well Ethan treated her. He seemed to enjoy doing nice things for her and he also liked to make her smile. Being in his company was a tremendous joy for her, just as her presence was for him. When he’d asked for them to talk more, she hadn’t thought it was an unreasonable request. Dakota hoped she could open up to him about everything, but she knew it wouldn’t come all at once.

A few minutes later Dakota put seconds of everything but crab on her plate. “This rice pilaf is the best I’ve ever eaten. You have to teach me how to make it.”

“I’d love to. It’s simple. I’m pleased you like the food.”

“Everything is delicious. Mind pouring me a little more wine?”

“At your service, my lady.”

“Are you originally from California, Ethan?”

“Born and raised not too far from here. I graduated from Torrance High School and went to the University of California, Dominguez Hills.”

“I hope to transfer there in the winter term. It’s close enough to my apartment for me to walk to classes.”