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The following evening....

"So where are we going?" Maria asked anxiously.
"It's a surprise," Bryan replied with a big grin.
"Well what should I wear?"
"Something nice."
"How nice? Like a blouse or a fancy dress with heels?"
"Uh...."
Maria grabbed Bryan's hand and led him to her closet. "Pick something."
Bryan was stunned. I thought women don't allow this... He paused for a moment and stared at her. "Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"Uh...okay..." He looked the closet. He moved each hanger aside until he found a black knee-length dress. "This will do. And with those heels," he said pointing to the black strap ones on the ground.
"As you wish." She smiled at him as he left.

While Maria was changing in her room, Bryan was changing in his. He put on black slacks, a blue business shirt, and black shoes. He combed his hair and put a little cologne on.

They met in the hallway. "Wow..." Bryan whispered. Maria blushed. "You look...incredible..."
She blushed some more and looked him over. "Thank you. You look very handsome Bryan."
He smiled back. "Thank you. Ready to go milady?" He held his arm out and she took it. They headed out for his car.

~~~~~~~

"Bryan! This place is so fancy! Great job on the clothing choice!"
They were just seated at a table for two at Commander's Palace, one of the best restaurants of New Orleans. The room was dimly lit but felt warm and cozy. There were only tables in the restaurant. Each was set with intricately carved wooden chairs, a white table cloth, a candle in the center. The silver wear and wine glasses were polished and shiny. A large fire at the far end of the room added to the elegance along with the very detailed, elaborate paintings that hung on the walls.
Maria set her gold purse on her lap and rested her arms on the table, her silver bracelet falling down closer to her elbow. "What a wonderful surprise. Thank you Bryan."
"Ah, no need to thank me. I wanted to treat you to the finer things of New Orleans."
"Aww. You're so sweet!" Maria opened the menu and gasped at the prices. "You sure this place isn't too expensive?"
"Nah, it's fine. Get whatever you want. I insist."
"Well...okay." She smiled at him and he smiled back, then they turned their attention to their menus.
Thank you David for making me book the only available restaurant for tonight...The most expensive one... He looked up at Maria and saw how happy she was. She's worth it.

"Hello. My name is Paul, I will be your waiter this evening. What can I get for you two tonight?" He looked at Maria first.
"I'll have a water and the steak dinner please, with fresh vegetables."
Paul wrote down her order. "And for you sir?"
"I'll have the same please." Paul scribbled a "2" next to her order then collected the menus and walked away.

"So what made you choose this place?" she asked.
"Well a classy woman such as yourself deserves to eat fine food."
"Oh Bryan, you're making me blush. You're too kind. You didn't have to do all this."
"I wanted to."
"You really are a great guy." She squeezed his hand on the table and he squeezed back. They were the same hands that touched back in the hospital. The waiter returned with their drinks and left quickly.
Maria took the lemon wedge out of her glass and stuck it in front of her teeth, showing a lemon smile. Bryan couldn't help but laugh. He did the same and Maria joined the laughter.

Until their food arrived they discussed their favorite movies. Bryan learned that Maria loved comedy movies the best and she learned that he loved action movies best.
"Ma'am...Sir..." Paul said as he set their plates down. "Enjoy."
"Looks good." She cut a piece of her steak and popped it in her mouth. "Oh my god! This is amazing!!"
Bryan was very pleased that she was so elated. The two barely spoke all through dinner because they were too busy enjoying it!

"Wow...that--was--de--licious! Thanks again Bryan. Such juicy, tender, flavorful steak and fresh, crisp vegetables. Best restaurant I've ever been to."
"You're very welcome Maria. You want any dessert?"
"No I'm too full," she said, patting her stomach.
Bryan chuckled. "Check please," he said to Paul when he came around. He handed Bryan the bill and Bryan gave him his debit card. Paul returned shortly and Bryan signed the receipt. "Thank you both. We hope to see you again. Have a wonderful night."
They said goodnight and left the restaurant.

~~~

Bryan pulled out of the parking lot. "Ready to head back and watch some TV?"
"Sounds good to me."
They drove off into the night, back to his apartment.