Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Michael sat in the moonlight restaurant sipping his wine waiting for Brenda to show up. Although he’s not sure what to discuss with her or what they are going to do, he still had to go through with it given the encouragement he had from George.

He looked constantly at the door expecting Brenda to walk in any minute, he also took time to observe some couples sitting in the same restaurant, how they converse and communicate with each other, as well as how those who walked in greeted their partners, and how their partners responds in return.

The restaurant is quite busy this evening as a lot people walked in and out, with so many others seated in it.

“There she is, looking so stunning.” He thought as he saw Brenda walk into the restaurant, he braced himself and stood up briefly raising his right hand up so that she could see him, as Brenda walked on towards him, he took a quick breathe to calm his nerves, so that it would not be so obvious that this is actually his first time on a date with a girl.

“Hello handsome.” Brenda said as she walked up to the table. “Sorry am late.” She added taking a quick glance at the restaurant in order to view the scenery.

“Hey gorgeous.” He replied as he stood up and gave her a quick hug, then pulled out a chair for her to sit down. “you do not need to worry about being late, what mattered now is that you are here.” Michael muttered afterwards, wondering why he could not just say the words out clearly to her hearing.

He had pulled out a chair for her to sit down because this was one of the things he observed the guys do when their dates arrive in the restaurant, feeling thankful that he was able to do at least that and did not chicken out from doing so after he had practiced on how to do so in his head.

“This place is quite full.” Brenda said as her eyes wandered around the restaurant. “Thank you handsome, what a gentle man.” She said as she sat down on the chair Michael pulled out for her to sit on.

“Gentleman?” he replied moving back to his chair and thankful again that he did not trip and fall. “I am no gentleman.” He added now drawing his chair close to the table and adjusting himself on the seat, with his eyes wondering from Brenda to the entrance of the restaurant, he still watched as people move in and out of the place. He hoped that he pulls this meeting off and does not fumble here in front of all these people in the restaurant

“Yes Mike, you are a gentleman.” She insisted putting her purse on the table, gazing at him, she thought he was doing well so far in the way he had received her and decided to try and hold a conversation a little with him so try and make him relax around her.

“Okay, if you say so.” He agreed, leaning on the table with both elbows, and his palms resting against each other. He really feels nervous but he is doing his best not to show it, he can't afford to embarrass himself in front of his date.

“You see, that is what I am talking about.” Brenda said and smiled at him, pointing out the way he just admitted that she was right in what she just said about him being a gentleman. Their eyes met soon afterwards but he quickly looked away, not being able to behold her eyes.

He really did not know how he managed to get her in his bed the first day they met, maybe it was the alcohol or her encouragement… no… it was definitely her encouragement, he thought as he recalled that she was the one that kissed him first.

“How have you been?” he asked picking up the menu on the table, as he tried to start a conversation again, in order to get his thought away from the kiss and love making they had.

“I am good, you?” she answered and asked in return, her gaze still on him, she couldn’t help to notice how uneasy he is but is still doing his best to hide it.

“Good too, so shall we order?” he replied and asked almost immediately, looking at her briefly.

“Yes, please.” She answered and smiled again. Their order arrived shortly afterwards.

“I enjoyed our meeting on your birthday, I had so much fun and am looking forward to having such fun with you again.” Brenda said, sipping her wine and peaking at him with the corner of her eyes.

Michael looked up dumb folded. “umm… well… well... me too…” he stammered seeing that she is being too forward.

“Hey relax Mike.” She said seeing how he stammered. “You see, I like you.” She added putting her glass on the table, her gaze still on Michael who looked up again from his meal taken by surprise at her statement, his eyes met hers and he quickly looked away again, marveled at how she spoke the words freely.

He nervously swallowed the food in his mouth which went down the wrong part, and started coughing, sipped in some water and turned again to look at her, she could see the surprise in his eyes.

“Yes Mike, I know you must be shocked to hear this coming from me in such a short time, you see, we barely know each other and I know that it’s your first time.” Brenda told him, picking up her glass from the table, took a sip of wine and put the glass down again on the table.

Michael looked down this time feeling a little embarrassed, how did she find out that it was his first time doing it, is she an expert or something.

“Please don’t get me wrong.” She continued. “It’s just that I am being me and I like to say what’s on my mind, I’m not asking for a relationship because it’s too much hustle.” She paused and took a sip of her wine again.

“All I am asking is to be friends.” She said looking steadily at Michael as if waiting to see his reaction.

“Friend?” Michael asked looking at her again a little puzzled by her request.

“Yes, friends, but friends with benefit, if you know what I mean.” She answered winking him an eye at Michael who chuckled with laugher.

“I like that, and I think I like you too.” He said, after taken some time to digest what she just told him still staring at her, he didn't believe that she would say something like this to him, he felt that she likes him, but he never thought she would own up this fast.

He raised his glass up to his lips. “Friends with benefits huh?” he asked smiling at her, feeling a lot more comfortable.

“Yeah, friends with benefits.” She replied. They raised and click their glasses together, smiling at each other. “Cheers…” they both said at the same time.