Kept

He smiled, and it lightened the mood. He called the waiter over, and ordered a something I couldn't pronounce, but sounded delicious. Someth

ing with fish and I liked seafood.

“Why France? If you really didn’t have this planned as a business trip, then why did we come to France?”

He took a sip from his wine glass before speaking. “I love France. The cuisine is amazing, and it's beautiful. And I've been told it's romantic. But I wouldn't really know anything about that.”

“I saw the beach on my way to your home; it's amazing. I'd love to see it again before we go back.”

He shook his head. “You know, I have never been to the beach here.”

“Really? Then I think we need to fix that.”

He raised his glass. “Agreed.”

“You know, I really am sorry for what I said earlier. It’s not my place.”

“But you were right. I don’t treat people like people. I’ve never had to. I spend most of my time alone.”

“Why?”

“I don’t have anyone to spend time with. No one of importance, at least. And I decided a long time ago to stop spending time with people who weren’t important.”

“Any reason why?”

He shook his head. “That’s a story for another night.”

Our conversation remained on frivolous topics the rest of the dinner. We discussed our trip to the beach. He asked me multiple times which one I wanted to go to, and if I wanted to go at night or during the day. He was actually interested in what I wanted. My outburst from earlier had done some good.

As we left the restaurant, he offered me his arm to escort me to the town car, and I realized I didn't want to go back yet. For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, I was on a real date, like something out of the movies.

“I don't want to go back yet.”

“Aren’t you exhausted? I mean, I know you slept on the plane…”

“It doesn't matter.” I took off my shoes, and held them by the straps while I started to walk down the cold cobblestone street towards the beach. “You promised.”

He started to chase after me, but I could hardly run in the heavy gown, and even after I pulled it up above my knees, it still dragged in the back.

“Let me take those for you.” He offered his hands to my shoes after we slowed down.

“Oh that's very nice of you. Have you ever done anything like this before?”

He shook his head. “I don't think I've ever been to a beach at night.”

“No, I mean offered to do something for someone else just because it was a nice thing to do.”

He stopped in the middle of the street. “Do you ever just let things happen?”

I turned around. “Not really.”

“Why are you always analyzing me?”

“That's part of what I do. I'm just trying to figure out who you are.”

“Why do you want to know so badly?”

“Because there's something here. There’s something between us, and I just have to figure it out. Because as much as you infuriate me sometimes, all I want you to do is kiss me.”