I spent some time freshening up, cleaning myself up, and touching up my makeup. I then put on the emerald dress, and to my delight, it fit me like a glove. I can’t help but feel incredible in it.
We get into the Jeep and I sit in the front seat next to Cain while Mike and Nate take the back seats. The radio is tuned to my favorite station, playing I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew. The volume is turned up high, creating an energetic atmosphere as we make our way towards the restaurant.
The car glides down the road and I can't help but bop my head to the rhythm of the song on the radio. The catchy tune fills the air and I can feel my excitement building up. “I love this song!” I exclaim, unable to contain my enthusiasm. Cain has one hand on the steering wheel while his other hand rests on my thigh. It's comforting to feel his touch and I can't help but smile. In the back seat, Mike quietly sings along to the song, his voice blending perfectly with the melody. It's a moment of pure joy.
I take a quick peek into the rear seat and catch Nate's gaze. He gives me a playful wink and moves his head in rhythm to the upbeat music playing in the background.
“I'm really looking forward to our meal at the restaurant. By the way, could we take a group photo once we get there?” I suggest.
“Ugh, I can't stand having my picture taken,” Cain confesses, his fingers digging into my thigh as he speaks. “But I'll do anything for my princess.” Every time he calls me princess in his deep voice, I melt.
As we arrive at the restaurant, the Jeep comes to a halt and Mike hastily jumps out of the car. He dashes towards my door and holds it open, gesturing for me to step out. Nate, standing beside him, extends his hand out towards me. I take it and leap out of the car, feeling grateful for the assistance. Mike shuts the door behind me and I dig into my handbag to retrieve my phone.
Excitedly, I announce, “Okay, picture time!” Cain rolls his eyes at my enthusiasm, but I can see his amusement. As I prepare to take the group photo, I notice an elderly couple walking past us. I quickly stop them and ask if they can take the photo for us. To my surprise, I realize that the couple is none other than Bill and Babs, whom Cain and I met at the charity event.
Cain and I have a quick conversation with them and ask how they are.
Bill takes my phone, getting ready to capture the moment. Standing in the center of our trio, I feel a sense of belonging. Cain stands to the left of me, putting his arm around my waist, while Nate is to my right, cheekily cupping my ass. Mike, the tallest of the group, stands behind me, completing our little posse.
Despite Bill's age, he takes a perfect photo of us. The three of them look dashing in their black shirts, while my emerald dress stands out gloriously. The photograph captures the moment perfectly. It is a memory I will always cherish.
Cain holds my hand as the four of us enter the restaurant. The space is dimly lit with walls adorned with stunning marble accents that seem to glow. The seating arrangements are cozy, red, leather booths and tables with immaculate white cloths. I can't help but admire the intricate painted artwork that spans the ceiling, adding an elegant touch to the already exquisite atmosphere.
A friendly waiter greets us and leads us to a cozy round booth. I sit in the center and the trio settles in around me. The ambiance is warm and inviting with soft lighting and tasteful decor. After handing us the menu, the waiter asks about our drink preferences. I opt for a sparkling glass of prosecco while the others request a smooth whisky.
Nate and I gaze intently at the menu. I rest my elbow on the table and lean my head on my hand, lost in thought. Suddenly, Nate's eyes meet mine and he plants a quick, gentle kiss on my lips. It sends a warm shiver down my spine and I can't help but smile. Breaking the silence, I ponder out loud, “I think I might just have steak and fries tonight.”
Mike's eyes scan the menu eagerly as he remarks, “I have a feeling they serve some extravagant, mouth-watering burgers here.”
The waiter approaches our table, excited to pick our meals for the night. After careful consideration, Nate and I settle on the classic steak and fries, Mike opts for a juicy burger, and Cain decides on a savory pasta dish. Once we've made our choices, the waiter kindly takes note of our orders and leaves us to enjoy the restaurant's atmosphere.
The sound of a lively band fills the air, adding to the restaurant's already vibrant atmosphere. The aroma of delicious food wafts past our table, making my mouth water with anticipation. I sit comfortably in the booth, taking it all in. Cain leans on the chair above my shoulders while Nate places his hand on my thigh. I can't help but let out a soft giggle as I playfully remind them that I am too exhausted from our earlier activities to entertain any further ideas.
“The prices are exorbitant in this restaurant and I'm starting to regret choosing this place for my birthday dinner,” I mutter hesitantly.
“Don't worry about it. It's your special day and I'll be taking care of the bill,” Mike reassures me with a smile.
Cain mutters under his breath, “I forgot you’re a mister rich kid…” I nudge Cain's arm and glare at him. I can’t believe he said that; it was uncalled for.
Mike counters, his voice filling with bitterness. “Yeah, and it came at the cost of my family. Didn't it?” His words hang heavily in the air as the tension grows between him and Cain.
“At least you had a family at one point,” Cain retorts back.
“Cain!” I shriek loudly.
Nate intervenes, his voice calm, but firm. “Guys, stop! It's Tessie's birthday.”
Cain shakes his head in disappointment, his expression revealing a sense of remorse. He locks both hands together and leans on the table as if trying to find support or stability. In a soft and apologetic tone, he speaks to Mike, “I'm sorry, Mike. I know that was a dick move. I shouldn't have said that.”
Mike nods and gives a closed-lipped smile. Suddenly, he remarks back, “Hey, it's cool, man. I get it. My mom loved me, yours didn’t. That's why you're a dick.” Cain responds to Mike's comment with a smirk, saying, “Touché.”
They both laugh at each other.
Finally, the waiter arrives with our drinks and I breathe a sigh of relief. I reach for my glass of prosecco and take a long, satisfying sip. The bubbles tickle my nose and the crisp taste soothes my nerves.
Cain's voice rumbles deeply as he asks, “How did you enjoy your first birthday treat, my princess?” My heart beats faster at the sound of his voice. “I want to experience that every night,” I whisper breathlessly. Mike joins in, “I think we can make that happen.”
A smile spreads across my face.
Nate says, “You're positively impacting and changing us for the better.” I strongly disagree and respond with, “I don't think I am. The things you've already done for me–” Before I can finish, Cain interjects, “And we will continue to do so, Tessie.”
“I simply can't imagine how I would manage without the three of you now. You are all so important to me,” I confess, feeling my cheeks flush with the warmth of gratitude and affection.
They all smile at me like I just melted their hearts.
The waiter approaches our table, carrying a tray of steaming, hot plates. Nate can't help but exclaim, “That was fast!” My mouth begins to water as I take in the delicious looking food before me. The steak emanates an irresistible aroma that makes my senses tingle with anticipation. Without hesitation, we all start to dig in, savoring every bite.
I can't help but notice the steam rising from Cain’s plate of pasta. The aroma is tantalizing and I feel my mouth watering just looking at it. “Can I try some of your pasta?” I ask, trying to hide my eagerness. Cain's expression turns serious and he glares at me for a moment before replying, “Did you order the pasta dish?” I feel a twinge of embarrassment as I shake my head. “Uhh, no,” I mumble.
“Then no,” he says bluntly, his tone final. But just as I'm about to look away in disappointment, he nudges me playfully and smirks. “Of course, you can, princess,” he says before lifting a forkful of pasta to my mouth. I savor the flavors as they explode on my tongue, grateful for Cain's generosity.
Staring at my plate regretfully, I sigh and mutter, “I wish I ordered that now.”
However, before I could dwell on my mistake any longer, Cain, being the gentleman he is, reaches over and switches our plates around. It is a small and simple gesture, but it completely melts my heart.
I savor a mouthful of pasta and clear my throat before speaking up, “I know so much about you, but I feel like you don't know much about me.” Cain raises his eyebrows and lets out a scoffing sound, “Believe me, I know everything there is to know.” I shake my head and continue, “You don't even know my favorite color or animal.” At that moment, Nate sets his fork down and chimes in, “Well, why don't you tell us what they are?”
“I have always loved the color green,” I declare confidently. Cain looks at me with interest as I continue, “And my favorite animal is a duck.”
