Fate

IV

When Tony repeated the proposal of a date, Liza felt idiotic for not taking him seriously earlier on.

She knew that tonight, she would have to mention his apparent addiction. Although she wasn't officially a doctor for very long, Liza knew from her previous studies and the few drug addicts she had the pleasure of treating- the way drugs rewire your entire brain.

Oddly, it was the only thing holding her back from taking Tony by the balls. His business didn't bother her, nor did his arrogance- she had become desensitized to it. But drug addiction was not good combination with his very obvious PTSD and inability to think before he acted.

Liza sighed as she passed her blush brush over her cheeks, aiming to look the part of the virtuous woman she prayed to be. Gazing at herself in her vanity mirror, she wanted to laugh at the absurdity of what she was doing. The last time she had gotten this dressed up for a man, her cousin Eduardo had set her up with a posh lawyer who didn't know how to talk about anything but himself. He took her back to his place in an attempt to seduce her, claiming that she was looking at him with lust in her eyes all night. Liza could only remember kicking him in the balls before making a run for it.

She felt nervous about tonight. No doubt it would be exhausting - but part of her thought it was worth it, otherwise she wouldn't even think about this date.

As she glanced at the clock, Liza winced as she realized she had 15 minutes left. As fast as she could, she slipped on her little black dress, exposing her calves and shoulders. Her neck was adorned by her mothers gold necklace- the accent of the piece giving the illusion that her skin was silkier than usual. Her hair was down as usual, her bangs neatly in place - making her lined eyes appeared piercing. She looked and felt sexy; but she knew it would melt away the moment she came into Tony's company.

Having done enough gazing, she grabbed her matching heels and purse before locking her door and greeting her usual chauffeur.

Oh lord, she prayed in the car. Give me strength and keep me in your heart as I step into the tiger's cage. You separated us before, but now our paths cross again and I thank you for blessing me with such a love that I may be lucky to experience it for the rest of my life.

Amen.
____________

Tony grew used to wearing suits, But this was the first time he didn't feel confident wearing one. He settled on a simple black tux, opting to leave the shirt open as usual- his neck and fingers adorned by their respective jewelry.

He felt nervous. The most uneasy he had been since he got on that boat to Miami, he reckoned. He didn't know any good spots here, so he went off Liza's opinion and rented the restaurant she chose. She didn't want anything formal, but Tony insisted. He couldn't remember when he last took a woman on a proper date.

Time rolled around and he found himself waiting at their table for her, taking a hit of snow to help his nerves. His fingers danced on the tablecloth to amuse himself, the wine red color making him feel as if he was covered in blood.

Soon enough, the doors push open and Carlito nods his way as Liza approaches, dressed in a black dress to match him. Her hair was down, combed to perfection with a matching red lipstick and clutch. Her stride was confident; trying to play off her nervousness as well. Tony was starstruck, his eyes moving up and down her body as she strutted towards him- the most beautiful smile on her face.

"Antonio." she greeted, the smile on her lips rendering him motionless as his intrigued gaze never left her body. "Look at you huh?" he finally snapped out of his daze. "You look so beautiful." he answered as he stood up, lightly straightening his shirt- feeling severely underdressed in her appearance. Slowly, Liza's arms wrapped around his shoulders as he pulled her into him by her waist, kissing her cheek in greeting. "Thank you." she finally answered, leaning back to look at his face as he refused to let her go yet.