Hacking The Relationship Code

Chapter 29: Adrian and Red Wine

I had worn a dark blue full sleeved dress to suit the weather, with a broad rectangular neckline. A staff attendant directed us to our table and I put my coat down on the extra chair. He bought us the menus once we perched down and left us to decide.

"What would you like to have?"

I scanned the menu for vegetarian options before settling for Butternut-Kale lasagna and Adrian ordered Vegetable Paella for himself. I noted that he preferred to order a vegetarian dish. He really was trying hard. He even added two glasses of red wine to our order. I was thrilled.

"Since when did you start drinking?", I asked with a sense of surprise evident in my tone.

"I don't. Just making an exception for special occasions.", he replied sheepishly.

"And which special occasion are we celebrating today?"

"The new year and us getting back together. This could be our little celebration. Just don't get used to this"

"Yes sir. Besides, I have resolved to be a responsible drinker this year."

"You make me proud.", he smiled feigning the pride.

"That's not all. I bought you something for Christmas." I laid the paper bag I was carrying in front of him.

He also came up with a box of his own and we exchanged our gifts. I opened mine to be delighted by twenty something different flavors of coffee all procured from different parts of the world curated in a box. Along with that there was a YSL lipstick stuck artificially on the side. I couldn't believe he was paying attention while I was gushing about a certain shade I had longed for a while now. Coffee and lipstick- my two favorite things in the world that Adrian hadn't failed to deliver.

My eyes lit up with a spark which only came when I was happily surprised.

"This is wonderful Adrian. It couldn't have been better.", I spoke effusively while checking out the different flavors. "Now open yours."

He untied the ribbon knot I had added for decorative purpose and unpacked his gift. His eyes got transfixed at the present held in his hand and he sucked in a breath. He seemed touched by the gift. I couldn't read his exact expression. It wasn't toothy like mine but I knew him enough that he appreciated it more than he expressed.

"I don't know what to say. I have never received a gift in my life. More so, nothing this personal.", he said truthfully.

"You told me once that your mom's favorite chef was Mario Batali. I couldn't think of any better gift than his recipe book. I thought it might make you feel closer to her since she isn't around."

"How did you figure out she's dead?"

"Çause you speak so highly of her and no sane mother would abandon you to a pathetic excuse of a father."

Adrian sucked in a breath at the observation. If it offended him, he didn't show it and let the silence end the topic. I didn't push it. Everything would come out at its own pace.

"I guess this is more like a gift to you than to me. You knew I was going to try these recipes on you first, didn't you", he joked to break the tension and we laughed the seriousness off.

"Haha... you caught me."

We cleared the table to make place for the dishes. The food was really good and we moaned at the portions of bliss in our mouth. Even the red wine enhanced the entire dining experience. We cleared our plates quickly but decided to relish on the wine slowly. It isn't everyday that Adrian agrees to drink with me.

"So do you want to talk about us now?", he approached the subject we were here to talk about.

"Only if you are in the mood for heavier topics, I don't want to spoil such a great night."