But before the family reunion, Daniel needed to make sure that his future wife passed the "quality control". He was well aware that Deanna wasn't used to being in the same environment as he was, and although he didn't care, he knew that her family would notice the smallest detail.
So he spoke to Harry and asked him to let Deanna know that they would be having dinner alone.
- Why don't you call her yourself? -
- Because I don't have her number.
-You were supposed to ask her when you took her home, bro.
- I didn't think it was necessary. Call her for me and tell her I'll pick her up at 8:00 -
It wasn't the first time he had gone out to dinner with a woman, nor was it the first time he had picked one up at her house. However, like the day he met her, Daniel was again with this strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. But this time, since they were going to a nice restaurant, he decided to go back to his usual three-piece suit.
Deanna had the dress that Laura had advised her to wear on the bed. She looked at it like someone looking at a painting in a museum and not understanding it. She liked it a lot, but it seemed too much for a dinner party. Maybe Laura had misunderstood and assumed they were going to the Opera. Actually, the dress was simple, champagne-colored and made of a light fabric. It did, however, meet the criteria of being below the knees. Something classic.
She waited for him at the door of her building anxiously. She knew this was a preliminary to make sure her role as a future wife was well played. What would her grandmother say if she saw her looking so elegant? Deanna smiled. She had on a coat and, thank goodness, the shoes were low. Little makeup and her hair tied back over her shoulder. Quite discreet.
Daniel parked the car and got out, surprised to see her. Laura had gone out of her way to find her clothes that would fit and be more elegant. But what he saw was more than just the wardrobe, standing there was a woman who commanded presence.
- Deanna...
- Hello Daniel -
- Shall we go? - She walked over to the car and opened the door for her to get in.
Deanna had psyched herself up to try to endure Daniel's onslaught with patience. She told herself it was best not to respond with sarcasm to his snappy remarks and just let them pass. In a way it was training for the year ahead of her, they couldn't spend it in the midst of arguments and disagreements.
- So how have you been... - Daniel had to find a way to talk to her in a more cordial way, as Harry and Susan had recommended.
- Fine and you? -
- Fine -
He didn't know what else to say to her, he used to be a man of few words, but today the silence made him uncomfortable. So Deanna took the initiative to try to break the ice.
-Harry told me that you work for your family's company.
- That's right.
- What do you do? -
- I'm the boss... - Stating the obvious and what everyone knew.
- Yes, but I mean what specifically do you do -
- I manage...
Apparently that approach wasn't going to work. Daniel realized he was being very terse and curt, but he had no idea how else to explain his work. His few words had always been direct and concise and they were more than enough. The discomfort returned.
Deanna looked out the window, maybe she should just relax and let things flow on their own. She was sure that at some point they would find something to talk about or they would spend the rest of the night in silence staring at each other's faces.
Finally, they arrived at the restaurant. It was definitely a place Deanna wasn't used to, very fancy, too fancy. She was getting nervous. How was she supposed to behave in a place like this? Although Laura had explained some etiquette to her she was sure she would make mistakes. She dined at a food stand near the University and it was usually something she ate with her hand.
As Daniel asked for the reserved table, a member of the place discreetly approached Deanna and spoke to her.
-Your coat, Miss..." Deanna didn't understand right away.
- Oh yes, of course! Thank you - And the boy took the garment.
- If you will follow me this way I will take you to your table... - The maître d' said to them.
But when Daniel turned to follow him the first thing he saw was the image of Deanna with her back almost naked to the waist. The dress had a considerable slit that showed her spine. She didn't show too much skin, but enough to make his breath catch. Freckles, she had freckles on her back.
They walked to the table and it wasn't lost on him that more than one stood watching her. Some waved at him when he caught them staring and others smiled at him complicitly. What nasty guys. The table was on the other side of the room, so practically all the diners had seen them pass by.
Daniel asked for the wine list and chose for both of them. Deanna watched everything around her. The place was very nice and cozy, quiet.
- That dress...
- Laura bought it, isn't it suitable? -
- The back of that dress... it's too much - There was the first complaint.
- I'm sorry, I just followed her advice. I didn't know what I should wear, I've never been in a place like this before... -
- Okay, the dress is nice... but everyone looked at it -
- You mean they looked at me for wearing it -
- No, they looked at the dress - Daniel wasn't going to say yes, it was her and her freckles they were staring at.
- Ah, well... - That didn't make any sense.
- Anyway, you shouldn't wear those kind of dresses that... show too much... - This was very uncomfortable.
-It's okay, I won't wear them anymore-
- I don't mean that, you can wear them, just don't do it when there are so many people –
And when is she supposed to put it on? Daniel was being very strange by saying incoherent things. But at least he was using more words than usual and that was progress. Deanna hoped he wouldn't find any more wardrobe malfunctions that night.
During dinner they continued with light conversation about her studies at the University and the plans she had when she graduated. They also discussed some things about the upcoming family reunion, where it would be and who would be attending. Daniel asked if any of her family would be attending, Deanna lied to him that they lived too far away to come.
Fortunately, there was no further inconvenience, until dessert arrived. He had already seen her sitting with her sister a few tables back, just today they had to coincide in the same place. Lynda was one of his mother's friend's daughters, who had no problem with him having 3 children and was more than willing to have a relationship with Daniel, who rejected her with all chivalry.
She couldn't resist and stopped at her table on her way out.
- Hi Daniel, how have you been? -
- Lynda -
- What a surprise to meet you here -
Deanna watched the interaction, apparently Lynda was not interested in her presence. Daniel said nothing more, perhaps in an attempt to get her to desist and leave. But Lynda had other ideas.