The drive to the restaurant was short, unfortunately. It didn’t give me enough time to think about all the things I want to tell Sidney or process our relationship. I fear that once I tell him my baggage, he might push me away. There is also the possibility of him keeping me close… Are we moving too fast? I don’t know, it is all very confusing.

The restaurant is a cozy place specializing in breakfast but they serve lunch and dinner as well. It sits lake side, the back facing the water were hungry customers can enjoy the breeze and wildlife over friendly conversation. I suddenly feel very over dressed in the modern-rustic restaurant; the walls are white brick with light brown wood beams lining the top. The exposed pipes give it a slight industrial feel. Square tables meticulously placed around the room are covered in eggshell cloths with small blue, purple or pink hydrangeas sit in the middle of each table. I look around and check out the customers carefully—most of them are older and not overdressed like me.

“I feel overdressed babe,” I whisper in Sid’s ear after he tells the maitre d’. He brings my right hand up to his lips and kisses the back of my hand.

“That’s okay, I get to flaunt a beautiful woman,” he says grinning. I try not to melt. The host leads us to our table were Sidney’s parents are already seated at in the back. Tina stands up, her voice nearly a squeal when she greets us.

“Sidney! Sera! Good afternoon, I’m glad you two could make it,” she says in between hugs and kisses for the two of us. She holds both my hands and looks me up and down. “You are quite the stunner, you know that Sera?” Tina beams.

“Uh, so your son tells me! I think I’m alright,” I say flustered. Troy stands and shakes his son’s hand and moves to me for a slightly awkward hug and kiss on the cheek.

“I heard you weren’t feeling too well this morning. Glad you’re feeling better,” Troy says gruffly.

“Thank you, my head was killing me and I was just exhausted overall,” I lie when we all sit down in our seats. Sid is on my left and his father on my right, leaving his mother across from me. Sidney coughs a bit at my lie and I give him a small kick under the table.

We talk lightly before a waiter comes with menus and takes our drink orders. I order chicken alfredo with broccoli and a mimosa to everyone’s surprise.

“Champagne? This early?” Tina asks astonished. I give a small shrug as I hand the menu back to the waiter.

“Like Charles Dickens said, champagne is one of the elegant extras in life. I like to have elegant things from time to time and I’m happy, so why not?”

“Very true,” Tina says with a smile. “I think I’ll have one as well!”

“There we go!” I exclaim, clapping happily. Sid and Troy shake their heads all while trying to hide their smiles. The wait for food isn’t long thankfully because after my workout with Sid last night, I am starving. The first bite after my plate cools down is heaven.

“This is so good!” I practically squeal. Everyone else’s food looks good too; Sid got a filet minion with grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes; Troy got chicken nicoise and Tina has balsamic chicken with roasted carrots and quinoa. I make a mental note to find recipes of everyone’s meals.

We talk about me some more to my disdain and about adventures we may have for the rest of the day. Sidney’s birthday is quickly approaching and I have no idea what to get him even though he says not to get him anything. My stubborn and prideful self won’t take no for an answer when it comes to this. I hate taking things and not giving anything back in return. The lunch rush slows down and the room returns to normal decibels (thankfully).

“Sidney?” A female voice calls out from behind us. We all turn around to see a average height blonde in a red flowy dress approach our table. Sidney’s face contorts meaning he has met this woman before. I grab his right hand in my left, drawing his attention.

“Who’s that?” I ask. Sidney slowly turns to me, his face even more pale than usual.

“My ex, Emma,” he whispers as he stands up to greet her. She does look fit; he did say she was a lifeguard which was apparent in the blondeness of her hair. She is very tan, a good tan though. The natural kind of tan; the kind that can be achieved from countless hours in the sun. Her face has sharp features against her oval-shaped face with a heart-shaped mouth to add some softness to her look. Emma’s makeup is subtle but still seductive. All of a sudden I’m insecure, jealous and protective.

“Oh hi Emma,” Sidney says after he gives her an awkward hug. He tries to put his hands in his pockets, a nervous habit I believe, but it fails since the pockets are made small form his enormous derriere. I grab his hand instead. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Yes it has, since high school. Well, since you left for the U.S.,” Emma says through a chuckle. “ Hi Tina, hi Troy,” she waves to Sidney’s parents. They’re on a first name basis? They wave back, but do not get up to greet her.

“This is my girlfriend, Seraphina,” Sidney says as he helps me out of my chair. Emma and I look each other up and down and exchange tight smiles. Sidney shifts uncomfortably, sensing the tension between all of us. I extend a hand out which she slowly takes. I flash her a bright smile.

“Hello.”
“Hello, what a beautiful name,” Emma compliments. I can’t tell if it’s genuine or not. I try to keep myself composed and happy, not wanting to immediately dislike the girl for no reason.

“Thank you! I’ve grown to like it.” I admit once I release my hand and intertwine it with Sidney’s. He gives me a small squeeze.

“What brings you all into town?” Sidney asks.

“I’m here for a wedding! Not my own, but a close friend’s.”

“Oh, how nice.”

“I know! What about you?” Emma asks, her eyes dancing as she stares at Sid.

“My birthday is soon and I wanted to show Sera off to my family,” he says grinning down at me.

“Oh shoot!” Emma exclaims, playfully hitting her forehead. “I forgot, I’m so sorry, it’s been so long!” She reaches for Sid’s forearm, lightly rubbing it in the way people do to be friendly or whatever. I am instantly annoyed.

“Uh, it’s okay,” Sid says looking down at his arm. “No big deal.”

“I should really get going,” Emma says as she puts her arm down. “I got some wedding stuff to help out with. Nice seeing you again Sidney,” She smiles. “All of you,” she adds looking at Sid’s parents.

“Of course dear!” Tina exclaims. “Maybe we can catch up sometime.”

“What a wonderful idea! Do you have the same home number?” Emma inquires and to which Tina says of course. “I’ll call you to see when I’m available. I gotta go for now. Nice seeing you all and meeting you Seraphina,” she says taking my left hand in hers. I agree stiffly before watching her leave the restaurant.

Notes