XXV: Dinner for Two

Ariam led Rebecca to the balcony seating of a beach-side and pulled out her chair for her to sit down. "Here we are, Milady."

Rebecca sat down as he pushed her chair in. "You didn't have to go through all of this trouble... a table inside would have been perfectly fine."

"Oh no...there are far too many prying eyes." He said, sitting down across from her. "I thought a more private setting would be better for us."

"It does have a lovely view..." she said, looking out over the beach. "But really....you didn't have to...not on my account."

"Now now... I insist." He said, flashing a smile before flagging down the waiter. "Your best wine. And leave the bottle." He turned back to her. "A man is allowed to splurge now and then...given the right reasons, of course."Ariam watched her for a few moments, noticing her fidget and stare idly at the water. "Rebecca, are you alright?"

Rebecca snapped out of her state and idly brushed her hair behind her ear with her hand. "I'm fine," she said, shyly. "I've.. never been on a date before..." she bit her lip and lowered her gaze to her lap, embarrassed for her admittance.

Ariam gave a small smile before reaching over the table and placing his hand over her own. "Now...we all have to start somewhere, don't we? It's nothing to be upset about."

Rebecca glanced up and saw his smile, then returned one of her own. "I suppose you're right."

"Besides, we don't have to call this a date. We can make tonight....a friendship affair, starting at the very beginning. That's where all relationships start, do they not?" He gave one of his debonair grins. "How's that sound?"

Rebecca nodded, "I like the sound of that, Ariam." She smiled, feeling a little more comfortable.

"Excellent!" he nodded to the waiter as the wine arrived at the table, leaving two glasses of wine and the bottle. Ariam lifted his glass and clinked it with her own. He then cleared his throat and chose his words carefully:
"A toast...to my beautiful young lady, and to our friendship. May they both forever be...fruitful."