Walk in the park
Their table was soon set, and the mouthwatering aroma of stake assaulted their nostril.
Nima raised her eyebrows when the server left, and she took in the contents on the table. As well as the position of the stakes.
“I assumed you ordered the side dish, so I ordered the main one cause no way you are having onion rings for dinner.” Joel said firmly.
Nima smiled softly. “You have ways around words, Joel. But I do agree I’m loving what I’m seeing.” She said.
“Common, let’s dig in.” He urged.
They both eat in silence, but Nima loves his every gesture. He had tentatively diced her stake after pulling her plate to himself.
Nima couldn’t take her eyes off him while he pretended not to notice until he was done.
“I’m hot doing that, aren’t I?” He joked, and Nima smiled softly before starting to eat.
The food was delicious and the atmosphere peaceful.
Nima’s heart swells with emotions. There were lots of them.
Is this what she has been missing? Going out and trying nice restaurants with friends?
She couldn’t explain why the thought of spending time with ‘friends’ repulsed her as soon as her mind drifted towards the possibility.
Yet…
She looked up at Joel.
Their eyes met, and Joel smiled at her.
Realizing he had probably been staring for a while now, she blushed hard and returned her gaze to her food.
The man in front of her. She feels so comfortable with him.
…….
After having dinner, they munched on the well fried onion rings and sipped their smoothie as they discussed the food they just had.
“How was it?” Joel inquired.
“Really nice.” Nima replied, looking extremely satisfied.
“Angel there’s so much I would love to know about you. I’m going to take my time and…..”
“And hack me?” Nima interjected.
Putting on a surrendering expression, Joel apologised, “I admit that was intrusive of me, but we wouldn’t be here right now if I hadn’t. I just wanted to know you at all costs.”
“I get it.” She replied.
“So, you good or wanna take a walk to digest the food? There’s a nice park nearby, and I feel you could do with a change of scenery. You said you barely left your room.” Joel said.
“I will love that.” Nima said.
A few minutes later, they finished their dinner and headed out after Joel settled the bill.
With a quick phone call, a valet stopped in front of them with a red range rover.
“Common on.” Joel urged, place his hand to her lower back to guide her towards the car.
Nima shivered involuntarily.
Joel pulled his hand away immediately, “you okay?” He asked.
Nima wished to dug a hole and hid in it at that moment.
She wondered why on earth could such a harmless gesture erupt such a reaction from her body.
His innocent eyes at that moment proved he was just as confused as her brain was with her body.
“I…. I’m perfectly fine. I was just startled.” She stammered.
“You’re so cute.” Joel smiled at how adorable she was acting and opened the door to the car for her.
Nima stepped in.
The ride was just 5 minutes from the said park.
They stepped out of the car and began taking slow steps around the park, Nima staying closer to the iron bar that demarcated the inside of the park and the Isle that surrounded it, as some people jug passed them.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“Can I?” Joel asked Nima, who looked so alert like they were walking in the middle of a jungle.
Nima’s eyes trailed down to see him offering his hand.
She took it and felt his presence overshadow her alertness.
Suddenly stopping in his tracks, Joel turned to face Nima.
“What?” She asked as their gaze held.
“I’m here. Just remember I’m here, and no one will touch you. Calm down angel and let me know if you want a more isolated area. I want you to be comfortable.” Joel couldn’t help assuring her.
He had avoided the discussion at the restaurant to not make her feel awkward, but just in case he was mistaken and Nima was actually scared, he just wanted her to be aware of his presence and how safe she was.
Nima’s lips trembled softly as she responded. “No one has ever hurt me, as far as I can remember, at least, but I just don’t feel comfortable with people.
Suddenly surrounded by them and those people running by got me alerted. I’m not scared and believe me, Joel. I want to ease these feelings. I want to be a normal girl.”
Joel nodded in understanding. As a nosy person who could already guess the story behind every situation before even letting the speaker finish explaining, he could already guess that Nima wanted to break out of her shell.
He could help with that.
Squeezing her hand tight, he gestured that they keep moving.
“Now let me share you my own funny moment.” He said to ease the awkwardness of the situation.
Nima’s eyes brightened at his word.
“Brace yourself. I’m an expressive storyteller. This is a story of how I realized I can never be gay.” Joel began.