Moving Forward

Chapter Twenty-Four

The menu rests against the table as I flick through the pages. I read through the different gourmet meals until my eyes land on a classic prime piece of steak paired with a creamy mushroom sauce and a side of roast vegetables.

"What are you having?" I ask.

"Roast beef and veg," he replies. "You?"

"Steak." I grin.

The waiter eventually returns with our wine order. He places the glasses on the table and then fishes out his electronic device to take our orders.

"Are you ready to order?" he questions.

"Sure." Blake nods.

Blake orders our food while I pleasantly sip on my wine. The sweet refreshing liquid is delightfully pleasant. When I get to the halfway point, I push the glass away and smile.

When the waiter leaves, Blake grabs my hand from across the table and laces his fingers through mine. I squeeze his hand and smile.

"I was thinking," he begins to say.

"Yes?" I nervously ask.

"Have you thought about moving back in? Even if it's just part-time? You could leave a toothbrush at my house."

"Uh." I frown.

"Maybe you could think about it?" He awkwardly chuckles.

The waiter eventually returns with our meals and then places them in front of us. He shoots us a brief smile before moving to attend a waiting table. I take a long sip of my wine before grabbing my knife and fork.

I stab the prime piece of steak with my fork and then start hacking away at the tender slab of meat. I eventually cut off a small section and dip it into the same gravy boat. I cautiously inspect the food before taking a bite. The delicious flavours explode in my mouth, but of course, nothing beats Blake's cooking.

Blake shakes his head and says, "Just forget about the idea, Ava, and enjoy your meal."

"I'm sorry," I whisper.

We eat in a semi-awkward silence with the occasional glance. When the meal ends, we decline desert and then pay for the meal. I imagined it would go smoother, but hey, life has a way of never working out how you like it.

Despite the quick departure, I'm happy to settle into the car and take the golden belt off. It feels like I can finally breathe again!

"Did you at least enjoy the meal?" he asks.

"Yes, I really did." I smile.

"Okay!" He takes a breath of relief.

I grab Blake's hand and softly kiss his knuckles. I keep a hold of his hand as I find the words I need. It's hard to find the right ones, so I go with the ones that come to mind first.

"I just want to say, I've enjoyed the time we've spending together-"

"But?" Blake nervously laughs.

"No." I shake my head. "Just meant I think I should stay at mine for the moment."

Blake nods his head and tugs on a smile. My heart flutters uncontrollably but I ignore it and focus on the situation unfolding in front of me.

"I think we're heading in the right direction, though."

"Okay then, I'm glad to hear that." Blake smiles. "I want to take you on another date."

"No," I firmly disagree. "I'm going to take you out."

He's flinches back until he grasps what I'm saying. A wide smile appears as he nods happily. Blake squeezes my hand and then kisses my fingers.

"Really?" He cheekily grins. "That sounds exciting."

"You better get excited, Blake, because I'm going to plan something amazing."

"I bet you will," he agrees.

Blake leans across the console and cups my face with his hand. My stomach flutters as I lean in to rub my nose against his. His hot breath fans across my cheek and then his moist lips meet mine. I cup his cheek and deepen the kiss which sends chills of excitement throbbing through my body.

Our kiss is different – perhaps it's my taking the reins approach?

Whatever it is, I'm beginning to think that if you fall hard enough, you eventually learn that taking control of your life is the only way to fix it. Yes, I shattered from the fall, but it's crazy enough to be the perfect way to piece myself together. This time around, I'm breaking the mold and creating my own thing.

Blake and I will never be the same people we were before Ivan, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. As they say, everything happen for a reason, I just have to figure out the reasoning to it.

Whatever it is, I'm going to get to the bottom of it.

What do you think they'll do? What would you like to see happen?

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