128 Dinner Date 3

"Do you like everything I ordered? I chose randomly, unsure of what you like and ended ordering these," said John.

"I don't know what to say." A wide smile tugged her lips as she replied. "I like them all." She looked at him and gave him her sweetest unpretentious smile. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure." John's heart leaped of the sight of that smile.

Her reaction gave him total satisfaction. Those pretty big eyes told him he succeeded in the little surprise he had planned.

If only Diane knew that years ago, John had researched and interviewed her friends, including her cousin Janice, of her likes and dislikes, even the clothes he wore now. These were all written in detail in his notebook for years and became handy today. He once thought of burning it after he thought she died but never had time to do so and he was thankful for it.

They ate with light chatter, getting to know each other. At that moment, Diane forgot the painful past with Dennis, instead, she enjoyed John's company and her heart lightened up being with him.

Since breaking her engagement with Dennis, Diane had felt apprehensive with men. She dated, but she had never allowed a relationship to grow serious. She had always found a convenient excuse to call it quits when men would begin to consider her especially.

Counseling likely would have helped her face those fears, but in doing so, she'd have to confront far more than her reluctance to enter into another relationship. She'd be forced to look back and replay the painful memory of betrayal and talk about what happened with Dennis and Janice.

Diane couldn't bear to think about it, so how much more talking about it. She wished time would really heal as what others counseled.

She wanted to think it would be different from John, but it was too soon to know.

John didn't bring up about the short escapade in the hotel or anything that would cause unpleasantness to Diane. He wanted to give her the joy of dating him. He even drove her home while the night was young.

Along the way to Diane's place, they didn't talk, the silence was warm and friendly. John was absorbing what had happened, absorb this second chance he'd been granted unexpectedly. Afraid to let go and lose her again.

While Diane was also absorbing the wonderful experience she had tonight. The dream of which was only a dream before and she believed would remain as a dream. Then tomorrow would come and she would go back to her little world she'd known without John.

"I'll visit again and schedule our second date," said John as he walked her to her front gate.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"But you still owe me that one date."

"Please, give me some time."

"Diane, I thought or I hope that after tonight you will find yourself confiding with me. I want to let you know that I'm always here for you."

Her words hurt him a bit but he had decided not to let go, so he had to let her know that she had to try harder to make him leave her. He walked nearer to her. "What kind of talk is this? So, you mean our difference of status is a wall? And I shouldn't climb over it?"

Diane moved back, not ready with this kind of confrontation. She was not sure how to reply either but in the end said, "Yes."

"Okay, if that's what you want. But I want you to understand, the thing between us is a door, not a wall. You just have to open it and walk through it. I'll be waiting and even willing to open it for you." Then he added. "I'll always be waiting for you."