Chapter 57: In Your Own Unique Way.

At exactly 8 PM, Shane arrived home. As he entered the living room, he found Denise sitting all alone, engrossed in a drama on the television. “I’m not late, am I?” he announced playfully, and she quickly turned to face him.

“Just in time,” she replied with a warm smile.

“Shall we?” he asked, gesturing toward the door. Denise rose from the couch, giving Shane a full view of her. The soft fabric of her dress hugged her figure beautifully.

“Did you dress up for me?” he teased, an amused glint in his eyes.

“No,” she said, looking away as a blush crept up her cheeks. “I’m just trying out the new dress my sister gave me.”

“Thank you for dressing up for me,” Shane continued to tease, stepping out of the house.

“I told you it’s not for you!” Denise countered, as she followed him outside.

As they arrived at a quaint restaurant, the warm ambiance enveloped them—the flickering candlelight and the gentle hum of conversation created a cozy atmosphere. Shane held the door open for Denise, a small gesture that sent a flutter through her chest. She smiled back shyly, taking in the inviting space filled with laughter and clinking glasses.

“Table for two?” a hostess greeted them. Shane nodded, and they were led to a snug corner booth that offered privacy while still allowing them a view of the lively dining area.

Once seated, Shane regarded Denise with a curious expression. “So, what do you think of this place? First time here?”

Denise glanced around, admiring the rustic decor. “It’s beautiful! I had no idea you had such good taste.”

He chuckled, leaning back in his seat. “I appreciate good food and cozy places. Besides, I wanted to impress you.”

Denise felt her cheeks heat up again. “You’re making me blush,” she said, attempting to maintain her composure, but the sincerity in his gaze made it difficult.

As they browsed the menu, the conversation flowed effortlessly between them. They chatted about everything—hobbies, favorite movies, and their dreams for the future. With each shared laugh and story, the tension of the day faded, allowing Denise to finally relax.

As they waited for their food, Shane leaned back in his chair, his gaze lingering on her face with an appreciative warmth. “You’re beautiful.”

Denise flashed him a shy smile, her cheeks going pink as she tucked her hair behind her hair.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, shifting the atmosphere. They uncovered the dishes, and upon seeing Shane's meal, Denise's eyes turned glassy with tears.

Noticing her sudden change in countenance, Shane asked, "are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Just that your meal reminds me of my mom, it's her favorite meal." Denise replied, trying hard to take back her tears that forced their way down her cheeks.

"Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Shane felt sorry. Then, I'll just..." he covered the dishes, pushing aside the food.

"No, you don't have to put away your food because of me." Denise interjected.

"No, I should. You're not comfortable," he continued his action.

"Don't," she touched his hand to stop him. "Please... I can manage."

"I'm really sorry," he said again.

She gave a slight chuckle, "stop, Shane, you haven't done anything wrong."

Denise dug into her meal, but Shane didn't. His eyes never leaving her. He could see the tears that hung heavily in her eyes, even though she was trying to hide them under a calm facade. He reached across the table, gently taking her hand. "Don't cry, your mom will be fine."

"I'm not crying," she replied, her eyes avoiding his gaze.

"Good," he nodded. "Because I didn't bring you here for that."

Denise finally laughed, blinking her tears away. "Yeah, why did you bring me here?"

"What do you think?" He gave her a teasing wink.

"Hmm..." she buried a part of her face in her palm as she thought. "I can't guess," she finally answered.

"To impress you," he said, making her gobsmacked.

"Why would you try to impress me?" She laughed it off.

"What do you mean by why would I try to impress you?" He feigned a little frown. "You're a man and I'm a woman, naturally men try to impress women." He added.

"But men only try to impress women they like," she said, sipping her drink.

"So I can't like you?" Shane asked, his expression serious.

Denise was momentarily speechless as she blinked at him. Finally she cleared her throat, snapping out of the effect of his words on her. "This side dish has just the right quantity of cucumbers, helping you to cool out after this hot and spicy main dish." She changed the topic of the discussion. "Wanna try?" She offered him a scoop of the side dish.

With a silent sigh, he accepted the scoop she offered to him.

As they shared bites of each other’s dishes, playful arguments erupted over the best flavor combinations. For a few blissful moments, the outside world faded away.

After they finished their plates, Shane relaxed in his chair as he looked at Denise with eyes filled with admiration.

Denise felt his gaze on her and looked at him, "what?" she asked.

"Nothing. It's just that you're too beautiful that I can't look away." Shane said.

“Don’t tease me, please,” Denise replied, her cheeks warming with a blush.

“I’m not teasing.” Shane’s tone was sincere.

"But I can’t be compared to my sister, the goddess of beauty in our family," Denise said, her gaze drifting to the floor.

"True, Dua is undeniably beautiful," he replied gently. "But you are too, in your own unique way."

"Plus I prefer someone taller, with a round face, plump cheeks, brown hair, and yellow eyes… and a cheeky smile." he continued.

Denise bit her lip, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red as she fidgeted with her fingers. Shane grinned, caught in the warmth of her embarrassment.

"You also said a lot of guys have asked you out, so why do you underestimate yourself?" he added.

"Well, no one as mature and as handsome as you has ever praised my beauty," she admitted softly.

"Mature?" Shane chuckled, raising an eyebrow playfully. "How old do you think I am?"

Denise smirked, tilting her head slightly. "And how old do you think I am?"

Shane took a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. "Let’s see. Your sister claims to be 19..."

"She’s not claiming; it's her age. I’m 17, and Desmond is 15," she interjected, her voice firm but light-hearted, clearly proud of her place in the family dynamic.

Shane blinked, momentarily speechless. "17, wow!" he exclaimed, the surprise etched on his face. "You all look much older than your ages. It’s hard to believe you’re still in high school."

Denise shrugged, a touch of amusement lighting her eyes. "It’s courtesy of my mom's side of the family," she chuckled, brushing off the compliment.

"Oh my God... this is bad, Shane. Your heartstrings are tangled up with a teenager." Shane thought to himself, a quiet sigh escaping him.