Sylvester arrived at Akylace restaurant thirty minutes early. He had a date with Anabel that evening. He had planned to convince her to be his girlfriend. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored suit. Looking at him, one could easy say that he was a gentle man. He looked every bit the gentleman he wasn't.
He had choosing a secluded corner table that offered some sense of privacy.
Sylvester called one of the waitress. "Can I have a bottle of LA. Tache and two glass cups?" Sylvester asked.
"Right away, Sir." The waitress replied and went to get it. A couple of minutes later, the waitress arrived with the bottle of the red wine and two glass cup.
"This wine costs three thousand dollars. Should I go ahead and open it?" The waitress asked.
"Do I look like someone that cannot afford it?" He asked. "Go ahead and open it."
"I'm sorry sir. I just found the need to let you know." The waitress said and went ahead to open it. She pop it open and poured a good amount in the glass cup before leaving. "Enjoy yourself, sir."
He took the cup of wine and began to sip it slowly while checking his watch. His eyes were never leaving the entrance door. He rehearsed his lines in his head, ensuring every word would seem genuine. He had seen Anabel as his ticket to unimaginable wealth. He had no love for her, only a deep-seated desire for her money.
Few minutes later, he saw Anabel walking in. Her presence was commanding attention. Despite her pregnancy, she look like an epitome of elegance. She was dressed in a red flowing emerald gown that accentuated her figure. She smiled as she approached the table, and Sylvester stood up to greet her, pulling out her chair like the perfect gentleman he pretended to be.
"Good evening, Sylvester. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I ran into traffic." She said and sat down
"No problem, dear." He replied with a sweet gentle voice. "You look stunning as always."
Anabel blushed slightly, appreciating the compliment. She just came late, thirty minutes after the time scheduled and he wasn't angry. He was even complimenting her beauty with a smile.
"Thank you very much, Sylvester. It's good to see you."
"Thank you." Sylvester replied.
"And... you are not looking bad either. I like your suit."
"Thank you. You are free to borrow anytime you want it." Sylvester said and Anabel couldn't help but smiled. "He's such a gentle man."
Sylvester wasted to time in calling the waitress. "Can I have your menu?"
She gave them one each and walked away to do other things. Sylvester poured the wine on the other cup.
"This is for you. I ordered this while waiting for you."
Anabel smiled and took it. "This is one of my best. I love the taste."
"I'm satisfied you like it." He poured a small amount in his cup and offered for a toast. Anabel accepted ans they clink their glass together, then sipped a bit.
After that, Sylvester took a deep breathe, ready to steer the conversation in the direction he wanted.
"Anabel, I don't know how you will feel about this but I've been thinking a lot about you, about us." He began and Anabel looked up at him "From the moment I met you, I knew that you were someone special for me. I don't know the best way to tell you so you will understand. You have been on my mind. I never sleeps without thinking about you. No girl have ever drove me crazy like you do. I feel like my life is incomplete without you."
Anabel had always admired Sylvester's persistence, even though she had turned him down numerous times.
"Sylvester, I appreciate your love for me." Anabel replied. "But you know my situation. I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I'm good with the Friendship."
Sylvester reached across the table and took her hand gently. "I understand, Anabel. But I want you to know that I'm serious about this. I love you, and I will treat your baby as my own. I want to build a future with you, to give you the support you deserve. I will take care of you and the baby. Just give me a chance."
Anabel hesitated, looking at his eyes to know if she could see any sign of deception.