in Search of Amore: Who loves me

A Serenade to Remember 💕🎶

"I haven't been this happy in a while," I thought to myself as I took each step, feeling a powerful aura emanating from my confident stride.

Feeling like the boss woman that I am, I strode through the entryway in my stunning outfit. Surprisingly, my heart wasn't palpitating as it usually does before every date. I could already tell that this date was going to go great.

Stepping out of my house, Jaxon's eyes widened in amazement. "Oh-my-GOSH! You look amazing!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. I could tell from his gaze that he wasn't exaggerating - I could see my dress dazzling in his pupils.

I took my eyes off his and glanced at his outfit, and that's when I was perplexed. Jaxon was wearing a tailored black suit with a fitted white dress shirt, complemented by a patterned silver tie that added a touch of sophistication. His black trousers were perfectly creased, and his black dress shoes were polished to a high shine. A silver watch adorned his wrist, and a simple yet elegant silver necklace added a touch of elegance to his overall look. His hair was styled perfectly, and his facial hair was neatly groomed, giving him a confident and put-together appearance.

Over my many years of date experience, this was the first time I was being out-dressed by my date! I couldn't help but feel impressed and maybe even a little intimidated by his stylish appearance.

"You look amazing."

"Amazing?" He replied, surprised. "If my dressing could be referred to as amazing, then what would yours be called?"

"Horrible?" I replied in my head. We exchanged smiles, and he took my hand, leading me to his luxury sedan, which I guessed was the BMW 7-series, and we left.

Arriving at Alinea, the restaurant, I was greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant was bustling with activity, but I couldn't take my eyes off Jaxon, who went to sit right opposite me, blasting a smile that melted my heart.

The waiter approached us with an Italian accent. "Hello Buona sera! Welcome to Alinea, my friend! What would you like-a, eh? Maybe-a something to drink-a, or perhaps-a a nice-a plate of pasta, eh?" He asked, and I didn't understand that, but it seemed like he was asking what we would like to order.

"What's on the menu?" Jaxon replied.

"Tonight, we have-a some very special dishes for you to try. May I recommend-a our signature Hot Potato, Cold Potato? It's a-a little ball of potato soup, served with a side of Parmesan and truffle. Or perhaps-a our famous Lamb's Tongue, served with a-a delicate rose petal gelée and a sprinkle of microgreens. And for our adventurous guests, we have-a the Foam, a-a light and airy take on the classic Italian meringue. Which one-a would you like to try, eh?"

"Well, I'd just have the regular, rosatto and chicken pancetta with lobster on 'em," then he faced me. "Pardon my courtesy, my lady, what would you like?"

"Oh- erm- I'd take exactly what you take," I replied.

"Okay, so we would have that with cosmopolitan," the waiter said as he left.

"Seems like you're so familiar with this place," I said with a smile.

"Hmm, not really, this is just my second time here," he replied.

"On a date?" I asked a bit quicker than I should have, and I regretted it a bit, but I guess it was fine.

"Yeah, if that doesn't sound bad," he replied.

"Not at all. This is my sixth date, that's three times as weird as it could be," I said.

"Well..." he was building up a conversation as the waiter came with our food.

"Here you go!"

As we dug into our meals, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Jaxon navigated the conversation, sharing stories about his past experiences and interests. I found myself opening up as well, sharing tales of my own adventures and passions. But as the night wore on, I couldn't resist poking fun at his previous dating life.

"So, tell me more about this other date you brought here," I said with a sly grin. "Was she a fan of the Hot Potato, Cold Potato as well?"

Jaxon chuckled, "Actually, she opted for the Foam. But let's just say it was a bit of a messy experience."

I giggled, "Oh, I can imagine! Did you two make a mess of the relationship as well?"

He playfully rolled his eyes, "Maya¿"

I shrugged, "Hey, I'm just curious! And besides, I'm on my sixth date, remember? I've got some experience in this department."

Jaxon laughed, "Well, I suppose I can handle a little teasing. But let's focus on the present, shall we? I'm rather enjoying your company tonight."

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Likewise, Jaxon. Likewise."

As we continued our meal and conversation, I couldn't help but feel a connection growing between us. Maybe, just maybe, this date would be the start of something special.

The silence between us could make us hear the ambient music in the background.

"I'm sorry you won't be getting a piano serenade tonight just like we see in most films," he said.

"It's no problem," I smiled.

"But probably later when you come over to my place, I'd play you a song with my guitar."

"Wow, you play guitar?" I said, flabbergasted.

"Mhm mhmm," a way of saying yes.

"Well then I guess I'd be the first woman to perform a serenade," I said as I stood and walked to the piano.

His pupils dilated in shock, then I sat to play it.

~Jaxon's perspective ~

I was taken aback as Maya got up and walked over to the piano. She sat down and began to play a beautiful melody, her fingers moving deftly over the keys. I was mesmerized by her talent and the romantic atmosphere she created. I couldn't believe my luck - I was getting a piano serenade after all, and it was even more special because it was coming from Maya herself. Everyone was shocked a lady was playing it, even more shocked than I am, the melody in each key catching the attention of another person till everyone focused.It was so special; this had to be the sweetest thing that ever happened to me. Maya finished playing, and everyone's arms came together, applauding the brilliance of her performance. Murmurs of "wow, she did that for a guy" accompanied the clapping. I felt a bit embarrassed but more loved. She was truly the Juliet every Romeo wishes for. She stood and walked towards me in her elegant dress, which appeared even more awesome after she played.

"Don't mind me," I said.

"WOW, that was great. I feel less of myself already. I wish I could also play the piano - at least once to repay this," he said, a bit too much.

"No problem, you still owe me a guitar serenade," I smiled.

"Oh yeah," he smiled back. We both stood and went to the gazebo, where I rested my head on his chest.

"Maya," he called out my name.

"Jaxon," taking my face off his chest.

"Erm, I just wanted to say I love you, I really do, and I knew that right from the moment I saw you..." I took his face, then gave him a kiss.

"I know you do," we smiled.

He took me back to my place, and we waved goodbyes.

The night was cold, able to pass flutters into both lovers' hearts as they departed. Then, out of the shade came someone with a black hoodie.