Madison Awakening

“Well, I’m glad you did.” I say with a smile, trying to steer my thoughts away from the urge to rip his clothes off. I choose to deflect and change the subject to more neutral topics.

“So, you said you lived in France when you were younger, did you live anywhere else?’

“My father was a diplomatic liaison, so we were all over Europe. But we were mainly based in London. I came back to the states for my MBA and decided to make New York my permanent base.” He says, as I see a dark thought pass across his beautiful eyes, but I don’t pry.

 I also didn’t have a chance because the waiter arrived with our first course with a petite blonde carrying a fresh bottle of red wine. She opens the bottle and fills one of the many glasses on the table while he places three plates in the center. The waiter pours another glass and in unison they both turn and leave us to our meal. I recognize the oysters and escargot, but the last one I haven’t a clue.

“It’s Foie Gras. It’s delicious.” He states answering my silent question. I look at the brown mass ominously causing Jonathan to laugh again. I frown and he quiets. 

“Well, I guess I should at least try it…” I mutter.

“I promise you’ll love it.” He says and leads by example taking a small sample for himself.  I pick up a miniature toast, spread the unattractive mixture on top, bring it to my lips and take a bite. To my surprise, it is scrumptious. I smile at my date as he simultaneously breathes a sigh of relief.

“Good. Let’s dig in. I’m starving.”

We continued our meal sharing the usual niceties of a first date. He asked me about my education and life as a teacher. I asked him how he got into restaurants and clubs. We talked about music, movies and books. I like that he had eclectic tastes, it added to his sexiness.

“You grew up in Brooklyn, right? It’s changed a lot in the past few years. Does your family still live there?” He asks in between bites.

 I reach for my Bordeaux and take a gulp, swallowing hard to control the wave of anxiety.  I don’t want to drag up my family skeletons to a stranger. I know this isn’t going to be something long term or serious so, I settle on vague details.

“I’ve been lucky to have stayed in Brooklyn despite the circling of the real estate sharks. But my mom was done with all the construction and she retired to South Carolina last year. So, It’s just me and my extended family scattered along the east coast.” Vague but accurate.

“And your father?” He asks. 

“He’s gone.” I say simply. I think he could tell that all he was going to get from me on the subject. 

We eat in comfortable silence, interjecting commentary about the food in between bites. Jonathan is eating heartily as his mouth curves with pleasure at every bite.  I couldn’t stop the giggle from escaping.

“What’s so funny?” He asks with a raised brow.

“You.”

“Me?”

“Yes you. You eat like a beast!”  I say mockingly.

“Well, I love food. And like I said, this is a special occasion.” He says sweetly and I melt at the sentiment.

“You were right. Everything is delicious.” I affirm as the waiter re-enters the room, clears our plates, refills our glasses and is gone again.

“I’m glad you like it but we still have two more courses. Do you like to cook?”

“Why? Are you the type that likes your woman in the kitchen?” I reply with an accusatory tone and a smile. 

“Yes, if you were my woman I would like you in the kitchen. However, I’d be there too. The kitchen is a room I am very skillful in.” He replies coolly with a sexy smirk.