Chapter 101: Dinner Date I
Chapter 20 - Dinner Date
Jude
I knew Rosie was probably buried in textbooks with my mom right now, but I couldn’t just sit around and wait anymore. I needed to hasten the process. I couldn’t just pass the time hoping she’d eventually catch up to my feelings. What if she were a slow burner? What if it took her months, or years? God forbid negative thoughts. I had to take initiative. Falling in love was as hard as it was easy.
Besides, I knew my mom was by my side—always by my side. I knew she remembered Rosie after the day she and Father came to greet us in the penthouse. The mystery girl I’d been totally obsessed with for years. And that was why she liked Rosie immediately, even going as far as to personally tutor her for the GED.
Then again, who wouldn’t like Rosie? She was the epitome of everything a human being should be. Beautiful, kind, funny, and understanding, and I couldn’t list everything unless you have the time to listen to me.
Sitting on the bench at the training arena, I pulled off my skating boots while dialing my mom’s number. "Hello, Juddy," her warm voice came through the speaker.
I smiled, leaning back against the locker. "Hey, Mom."
We exchanged a few quick pleasantries before her voice softened into that knowing, maternal tone. "What’s wrong, Juddy?"
Nothing ever got past a mother as I chuckled, running a hand through my damp hair. "Well... I need your help."
I heard some shuffling in the background on her end, and her tone instantly perked up with curiosity. "With what?"
"You know... with Rosie," I trailed off, feeling a bit sheepish.
A laugh bubbled from her side of the line. "Don’t tell me you don’t even know how to court your own wife, Juddy?"
I grinned to myself; objectively speaking, I had some vantage point—I had the kind of face and athletic build she liked, not to mention the wealth and the status. There was no logic in her not falling for me eventually, but logic can’t dictate who you love.
"Well, lucky for you, I’m always available for something like that," Mom said smoothly. "I happen to have two exclusive reservation tickets to that new restaurant downtown. You two are going on a date tonight."
My grin widened. "Thank you, Mom. I love you."
"I love you too, Juddy. Just make sure you treat her right."
"Trust me, Mom. Always."
"I know. I raised a perfect gentleman," she said proudly before hanging up.
Exactly thirty minutes later, my phone buzzed in my palm; it was a text from Rosie, and just reading the words had me smiling like an idiot.
Wifey: Elena gave me a restaurant card. She says I deserve a break from studying. So... Do you want to go?
The message was so like her—straightforward, slightly guarded, and reluctant. I could practically picture her scrawling it out, her dark brows scrunched together while her free hand nervously fiddled with her clothes, and I wasted no time typing out my reply, silently thanking my mom for working so fast.
Jude: Are you asking me out on a date, wifey? added a wink emoji
Wifey: Do you want to go or not?
Jude: It would be a crime to let a perfect date go to waste. I’ll pick you up soon.
My body buzzed with an intense wave of excitement as I threw my gear into my locker.
By the time evening rolled around, we were stepping through the grand glass doors of the restaurant. The place had sophisticated lighting, crystal chandeliers throwing soft shadows against the walls, and small rows of dressed-up waiters moving flawlessly. True to her word, my mom had secured us a secluded, private booth nestled away from the main dining crowd.
But as beautiful as the venue was, I couldn’t take my eyes off Rosie. She looked breathtakingly gorgeous in an emerald green dress that complemented her perfectly. My mom’s taste in styling never disappointed.
I stepped forward, pulling out a velvet chair for her while she offered a small, shy smile as she sat, and soon after, the waiters arrived to serve our meals, and we ate in comfortable silences, with just the sound of cutlery clinking and soft, somber violin play in the background.
I lightly dabbed my mouth with a linen napkin and decided to break the silence; the main dish had been served. "Mom mentioned that you’ve been working hard on your GED."
Rosie paused, taking a slow sip of her white wine as she did; her blue eyes twinkled under the candlelight. A soft smile tugged at my lips. She was enjoying the vintage; I’d have to note down the bottle and buy a few cases for the house.
"How is it all going?" I asked.
Even though I already knew the answer—Mom called me daily to praise her, swearing that Rosie was so naturally brilliant she would have easily been a top-tier student in high school—I wanted to hear it directly from her. I couldn’t expect anything less from my woman.
"It’s going okay," Rosie replied, a soft chuckle escaping her. "Elena is patient with me. I didn’t even think my brain was still capable of working like that."
She laughed lightly, but the sound trailed off into a quiet whisper when she noticed my intense, unblinking gaze locked onto her face. I couldn’t help it. I just loved looking at her; listening to the melody of her voice was alluring.
"What?" she whisper-yelled, her cheeks instantly flushing as she defensively looked away.
"You look beautiful," I blurted out honestly. And it was the truth; she was beautiful from head to toe, inner and outer appearance—everything. I could look at her all day without getting tired.
"Thank you," she mumbled tightly, her eyes darting around the room.
"I’m not saying it just to get a polite thank you, wifey. I’m just stating a fact," I murmured, leaning slightly closer across the table. "Your blue eyes tend to brighten up—they shine differently whenever you talk about something you like."
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