To Learn To Fall (Sequel to the Other Side)

Chapter Seventeen

Was this good enough for him?

Before I could change my mind and lead him back down the stairs, Thomas asked, "Can I open my eyes now?"

"Yeah." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as his eyes fell open. It took him a second to take in the scene, but his eyes widened and the biggest smile took control of his face.

I shouldn't have worried.

"I'm not dressed for this," Thomas suddenly said.

"You look fine. What do—?"

"Hold on."

I looked back at him to find him changed. He was wearing a gray suit, simple enough but obviously perfect for the occasion. I looked down at my own clothes only to find I was wearing something different but very similar.

"This seems a little unnecessary."

"You seem a little unnecessary."

I rolled my eyes. "Are we going to argue the entire night or would you like to sit down?" I led him to the table and pulled a seat out for him. I sat down across the table, watching his lovely smile as he admired what had taken a while to put up. Divinity, if I could bottle up the memory of his perfect smile and keep it forever, I would.

What made it even better was that I knew he was smiling for me.

"This is what all Earth dates are like?"

"I thought you knew a lot about Earth?"

"Well, yeah, I guess, but not really the social aspect of it. I never mingled with humans, and I certainly never went on any dates."

"Oh, well, what are Peritum dates like?"

"I wouldn't know," he said, adding a shrug. "I've never been on many of those either."

"Really?"

"I'm not exactly in the position to choose my partner, Alexander. That's the worst part about being a lord. You don't get to decide anything for yourself."

I was quiet for a second before pointing out the obvious. "You chose me."

He smiled to himself. "Yeah. Yeah I did."

The enticing aroma of the meat rose up through the air, enough to make my mouth water. It had been so long since I had actually eaten steak. Too long.

"What's this?" Thomas asked, setting his fork down on his plate and pointing to the bottle standing between us.

"Wine," I responded after swallowing a bite.

Thomas blinked. "I've never had alcohol before."

"Really? Oh, you're missing out." I paused. "Not that I would know or anything..."

Thomas cocked an eyebrow and grinned, pouring some wine into his glass and then my own. "Well, I guess we can try it together then."

I took another bite of the savory meat and watched Thomas. The dim candlelight illuminated his face as he sipped from his wineglass and set it down. "Not bad. You went to Earth to get all this stuff, I'm assuming?"

I glanced at the two roses I had tucked in the vase and back to him. "Yeah, why?"

He shook his head. "I kinda miss Earth a little bit." He paused to take another bite of food. "I don't know. It's a little stupid."

"Don't say that!" I laughed, taking a sip of wine. I almost cringed at the unexpectedly bitter taste and set the glass down. "That's... strong."

Thomas nodded.