“It doesn’t really matter either way, though,” he said, waving his hand like it was nothing. “It’s the place I wanted to take you.”
“We could have gone to somewhere,” I paused again to pick my words carefully, “somewhere a little more normal.”
“Or we could’ve come here,” he said. “And since I was the one picking the surprise, this is what I picked.”
“I’m not going to let you surprise me anymore,” I said, regrettably realizing I sounded too much like my mother had when I left for dinner.
“Oh yes you are,” he said with a grin and a glimmer in his eye. And I realized he sounded something like my father, his words nestling their way tenderly into my chest, soothing my concern. I could hear the phrase my father had spoken blending into the moment in my head; guy knows what he’s doing.
The server arrived and after welcoming us to our first visit he pointed up and down the menu, eager to inform and delve into their many specialties.
“What’s your favorite?” Jacob asked, frowning slightly at the menu. “Everything looks so good.”
“I have too many to count,” the waiter replied with a laugh. “We make such great food here. But, my favorite would have to be the New York Sirloin with shredded lobster and lemon.”
Jacob smiled and nodded back at him. “I’ll have to think about it.”
“Of course. Can I start you both with some drinks for right now?” the waiter asked. “It will give you a little bit longer to look over the menu.”
“That sounds perfect. How about your wines?” Jacob asked, flipping through the wine menu. It was several pages long.
“What do you usually like?” the waiter asked and after a pause I realized he was looking at me.
“Oh, I like reds,” I said, feeling slightly like I had to recover from my momentary hesitation.
Jacob nodded, grinning at my awkwardness. “What’s your best red?” he asked.
“I recommend this one,” the waiter replied, pointing to a French wine on the menu. “It’s not too sweet, but it isn't as strong as some reds can be. Really a great all around blend. And it pairs really well with the sirloin and shredded lobster,” he said, with a knowing smile.
Jacob looked at me as if to subtly ask my approval. “Does that sound good to you?” he asked.
“I’m sure it’s excellent,” I said, feeling a little overwhelmed. My wine selection skills were more of the twist cap variety.
“We’ll start with that for now,” Jacob said. “A bottle, please.”
“Yes, sir. You won’t be disappointed,” the waiter assured us. “And are you thinking about any appetizers this evening?”
“How about one order of the pear bruschetta with pecans and blue cheese?” Jacob said while once again eyeing for my approval. I nodded.
“Another great choice.” The waiter smiled and then hurried off to start our order.
“Make sure you order exactly what you want,” Jacob told me. “Don't even look at the price. Pretend they’re made up numbers or something.”
I chuckled nervously. The numbers next to the dishes were basically made up. Especially for an unemployed graduate. “I'll try.”
“Please order what you'd like.” Jacob reached out and touched my hand. “I can afford it. I wouldn't have brought you here if I couldn't.”
“So you're not just trying to show off?” I asked, smiling at him.
He laughed and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Well, maybe a little.”
Our waiter returned after a moment, showing Jacob the bottle of wine before skillfully opening it and pouring just a taste into a glass. Jacob swirled the wine and took his time tasting it. I wondered if he actually knew what he was doing, or if he was just really good at pretending to know how to taste a wine.
“It's very good,” Jacob announced. The waiter smiled and quickly took our orders before leaving the both of us with full glasses of the dark red wine.
I waited until the waiter left to take a long taste of my wine, since I really didn't know what I was doing. It was really good, better than any wine I’d had in a long time.
“Do you like it?” Jacob asked, carefully watching my reaction.