Variety

I'm not normally a dress kinda gal, but I can make an exception. Plus this red-dress hugs my figure just right. Once my make up is done, I leave my room to find Tommy waiting in a muted-blue dress shirt and black pants. A smile lights up his face.

"You look amazing." He says.

"Like always."

"Well I wouldn't have asked you out if you didn't, right?"

"Guess you got me there."

"Anyway, you ready?"

"Sure am."

We take a seat in Tom's car. As he drives to our destination, I wonder exactly what that destination is. I'm sure I'm far from the first girl he's tried to impress at the dinner table. Within minutes I have my answer when we pull up in front of a small place called 'Variety'.

"Ever been here?"

"Don't think I have, actually."

"Perfect."

Tom leads me inside the vibrant space that is Variety. The walls are colored with a blend of orange, yellow and white, and waiting for us is a waitress with a beaming smile. She takes us to a small table and hands us a menu each. Upon opening it, I see the selection and ask "So I guess tapas is their specialty?"

"Yeah. We can always go with the chef's selection if there are too many choices."

"Sounds like a plan."

Seeing as Tom is my designated driver, I glance at their cocktail menu. The Painkiller sounds tropical enough, so I decide to go for that. Soon enough, our waitress takes the order, leaving us to talk.

"So, how many times have you been to this place?"

"More than I can remember to be honest." Tom chuckles after his statement.

"Well that's a good sign."

"Yeah. Figured this is the kind of thing you'd enjoy?"

"How do you figure that?"

"It's something unique and different, whilst remaining casual."

"You not bad at this, are you?" If only taking girls out to restaurants was a marketable skill.

"Well I've had plenty of practice."

"Doubt you're that honest though?"

"Yeah, but most don't see through the act like you do."

"Really being honest tonight, huh?"

"Well, I mean you are right. I've needed a wake-up call."

"Happy to help." My foot then grazes his. "And always happy to replace your blondes."

That's when the waitress serves our drinks. I take a taste of the delicious fruity-rummy blend to which Tom says "Nice?"

"Yeah." I say, right as the rum hits me.

"A bit strong?"

"Yeah... I think I'm gonna like this place."

Soon enough, we receive our food. We start with pita bread and dips, before moving on to miniature chicken tacos, soft shell crab, falafel sliders, stuffed capsicums, chorizos, and even crocodile kebabs. It's all fucking delicious and even better, Tom offers to pay for it all. Now finished, we head back to his car, where he says "Night's still young."

"Yeah, but I wanna spend it inside." I emphasize my point my touching his thigh.

"Won't argue with that."