The Promise

Chapter Ten

She simply replied, "I know."

Once in the car, Isabella put on their favorite 90s station while Tom hummed along, drumming his hands on the steering wheel. She didn't bother to ask where they were going as he was always so full of surprises. They sat in silence, but it wasn't awkward at all. They would exchange glances every so often which conveyed more than just a look. It was a companionable silence and they enjoyed every minute of it.

Tom parked the car on the street in front of a nondescript building. It looked old; not even having a neon sign to illuminate its presence.

"Where are we?" Isabella asked warily as Tom helped her out of the car.

"You'll see," he said with a mischievous grin as he circled her waist and helped her to the door.

The door opened and a rush of cold air greeted them. Isabella looked around and caught herself standing with her mouth hanging open. The building may have looked old from outside, but the inside was pure elegance. There were red curtains draped around the two-story building, complete with crystal clear chandeliers that provided soft light around each dining table. Beyond them was a beautifully polished dance floor with musicians playing big band music. It felt like they were transformed back to the '40s.

"What do you think?" Tom asked her, bracing for her reaction.

She stopped staring and looked up at him, a warm smile gracing her lips at the sight of his anxious face. She reached up to touch his cheek.

"It's amazing. This place is absolutely stunning! I love it!" She said with genuine enthusiasm and he let out a loud sigh of relief.

"Good, good, I'm glad you think so. Come on, let's take a seat," he said, ushering her over to a table by the dance floor.

She reached across the table to take one of his hands in hers. "Have you been here before?"

"Yes, I have actually," he said, his lip twitching in amusement at the way she couldn't help but touch him. He stroked her palm with his thumb.

"With friends?"

"Not exactly," he replied before sighing, a frown settling on his face. "I brought Taylor here once because I thought it would be something fun and different. She didn't quite get it, I'm afraid."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, it wasn't my place to ask," Isabella said, giving his hands a reassuring squeeze. "She's an idiot if she doesn't see the magic in this place."

His smile returned at her comment, eyes twinkling with mirth.

They ordered food while they listened to the music. Tom tapped his feet along with the rhythm the whole time. Isabella looked around and noticed that most of the other couples in there were in their golden years. She thought it was absolutely adorable.

"Can you believe it's been only a week since we met?" Isabella mused, leaning on her hand as her elbow rested on the table.

"No, I can't. I was just thinking the same thing. It seems like so much time has passed. It's incredible," he said, picking up one of her hands and kissing it.

"It is. So much has changed in such a short time. I feel like things might possibly be going my way now."

A look of hope was very apparent on her face. Tom was very happy to be on the receiving end of it.

"Yes, life does seem much sweeter now, doesn't it? Perhaps that's your influence?"

"I hope so," she said with sincerity, raising her glass into the air. "Let's toast to us and these last seven days. Here's hoping the next seven are equally if not more exciting for us!"