Valentine Surprise

This is my contribution to the "VALENTINE'S DAY STORY CONTEST 2017"

It was a pleasure writing this story -- it developed while summoning the letters on my screen, and I hope you'll enjoy reading it too.

Comments are appreciated.

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No, I'm not waiting for my Valentine -- I'm involved in the set-up for my friend; I've been assigned to lure him to this place, while his girlfriend will be brought here by her sister.

Yeah, I certainly hope it will be a nice surprise -- it was her sister, Shawny, who organized the whole thing; I was quite surprised myself, actually.

No, I don't think Greg, my friend, is suspecting anything. Actually, I haven't heard him talking a lot about Kendra lately; to be honest, I'm a bit worried about it. But Shawny said they are still together, and kind of hoped this surprise could be a trigger to some new sparks.

I guess I know Greg since Kindergarten; real sports-man -- that's what got him where he is now, his winners mentality. For as long as I know, he's been the captain in his football team...

Football as in soccer...

I know, but for me it is football...

Anyway... he's always been the number one, and works hard to get there. It's the same at school; it doesn't come easy for him, but when he's made his choice, he will succeed! For sure!! Actually, he's had several offers to play as a professional, but preferred to put his study first. And still, he manages to keep up playing with the semi-professionals.

No, I'm not in his team -- I guess that's clear to see.

Well... maybe it's like complementing each other; somehow we do share many things, like our sense of humor, music preference, we both like to be challenged...

Kendra? At a different continent, she would probably be leading the cheerleaders.

Mr. and Mrs. Perfect... right...

From what I know, she used to go to ballet and gymnastics until twelve, thirteen years old? Then, apparently, she was told her body shape wasn't suitable to compete with the top, and she changed to street-dancing. Like Greg, she is very competitive. And now she is also in a band, singing and playing guitar -- yeah, she looks pretty hot, but that's not the only reason; she really knows how to play and sing! I can tell...

You think I don't know about music? Well, guess again. True, I'm pretty nerdy; skipped two classes at primary school and another class at secondary school -- languages, English and French, prevented me from skipping more classes. And my parents, of course; they worried about me being surrounded by students four to six years older than me; thought it would be a bad thing for my social development...

Anyway... because of the language and my parents, I had extra time, which I filled by learning to play music. Piano, clarinet and saxophone, a bit of guitar... I even played in Kendra's band for a couple of months, when their keyboard-player got glandular fever. Actually, we played at some pretty big festivals at that time -- pretty cool, yeah...

It wasn't really my cup of tea, though. When their keyboard-player returned, I could have stayed, playing guitar and sax, but, as you already guessed, I'm not really cut out for that kind of work -- too late, too noisy, too crowded... -- so I quit. But it was fun for the time being!

Is that your girlfriend, by the way? No? I thought she was... oh, never mind...

I talk too much, don't I? I always talk when I'm nervous -- you don't mind?

Of course I'm nervous -- they are my best friends, so I really want things to work out well...

What I'm doing now? Oh, in life, you mean... Well, being nerdy, of course. I'm doing two majors -- one in quantum physics and another in mathematical physics.

No, it's not the same; it's even given at different departments - one at the physics department, the other at mathematics. It takes a bit of improvising, but in general, the professors are supportive and so far, I managed.

Boring? No, not really! For an outsider, probably, but if you really get to the core of those equations and manage to grasp the concept, it is just as beautiful as any other type of art.

No, really -- to me, numbers are similar to colors, taste and smell, sounds; combining them can really make me emotional. I'm serious -- not like crying-in-the-classroom emotional, but... It's also the other way around -- sometimes I associate a nice piece of music with formulas and equations.

No, my pare... is that your... o, never mind....

No, my parents aren't exceptionally rich; on the contrary... But I earn some extra money by developing websites and, lately, specialized software. I like it, and it gets well paid...

Not really -- like Kendra uses to sing: "Okay, so you're a rocket scientist. That don't impress me much!!..." I'd better focus on music, if I want to score...

Where we're going to? Beau Bistro!...

Well... initially, Shawny planned...

Oh, now you also want a description of Shawny? Bostancı Escort Sure. As I already told you, she's Kendra's younger sister, and... well... what can I say...?

Yeah, she is also good looking, but different -- Kendra is sex-symbol looking good, whereas Shawny is more... natural? Beautiful, but just not that obvious... I like it more that way... I don't know...

She just started biomedical science this year -- beauty and brains, right! Kendra too, by the way... After her mother passed away from breast cancer, Shawny decided she wanted to be a cancer researcher. And she also sings and plays piano, but she's more into classical and jazz...

Phew! I'll never forget her version of 'Fever' on one of our school-parties...!!

Sometimes she would come with Kendra to the band repetitions, and during the breaks I would play some music with her -- she is magic!!

But I was telling you that Sh...

No, I don't mind talking about her; yeah, who knows, next year... but today is about Greg and Kendra. Anyway... Shawny originally planned to book a table at Lauroux, but I talked her into Beau Bistro.

No, I've never been to Lauroux, too expensive, but I've been told you'll always get many courses, small portions, and lots of time in between -- not really Greg's idea of dining, I'm afraid. For him I'm not sure if it would lead to a romantic night...

Well, I'm not Greg, of course...

Anyway, to convince her, I invited Shawny to Beau Bistro last week ...

No, I didn't mind! To be honest, we also 'checked' the quality of the movie afterwards...

No, nothing else...! The movie was crap -- by the way -- so two days later we checked another one, which was better...

Yeah, there is also an overnight stay in a hotel in these plans -- Chesnutt Barn -- and in case you want to know: no, we didn't test that one...

Which movie? Well first... I think that's your girlfriend, right? Well, good luck, and enjoy your evening!

Thanks!! Wait!!! Your colla...

***

Finally, Greg arrives -- I almost feared he wouldn't show up. Given the movie-program this evening, it was quite challenging to get him here without making him suspicious... It would be too obvious to invite him for some romantic chick flick, but going to Deadpool at half past seven doesn't make too much sense either... I still don't understand why it had to be this early... Fortunately, Greg wasn't really suspicious, or he just didn't want to ask...

While entering the bistro, I manage to discretely ask one of the waiters to delay our order until Kendra and Shawny have arrived -- They have been informed on beforehand, but just to be sure... We do get our drinks, but it takes ages before someone comes to take our next order...

We talk about football, my ongoing fight with the music store about my malfunctioning saxophone, our worries about how politics of the world are going these days, until finally Kendra and Shawny show up. Greg can't see them coming as his back is turned to the entrance, and he is sincerely shocked when Kendra covers his eyes. He doesn't hesitate, though... "Kendra!!!"

They kiss -- I've seen more passion before, but that might be due to the shock and surprise.

Shawny calls their attention and explains that she, we, have arranged a Valentine diner and some other surprises for them. She tells them to finish their diner before half past seven, and only then to open the envelope for their next directions. Tickets are inside; we already ordered and paid their diner, including several drinks, so they should be fine...

Yes! They are surprised!! Greg punches my shoulder till it hurts, telling me I'm a sneaky bastard, while Kendra showers Shawny with kisses. It takes quite some effort to brush off their ongoing pushing to know what it cost, but in the end I finally offer my place to Kendra, also get a kiss... we wish them a great evening, and leave...

Shawny offers me her arm, and we leave the restaurant... Then I realize that we -- I mean, I -- haven't really thought of what's next... Perhaps now would be a good opportunity to invite Shawny for dinner too -- even though we aren't together, it seems weird to go our own way now... Although, inviting someone for dinner at Valentines eve... suspicious, suspicious....

Apparently, Shawny doesn't see it that way; when I ask her if she fancies having dinner with me, she gives me a mysterious smile, and leads me the way, without answering my question. When I ask again, she answers: "Just follow me..."

I'm shocked when I figure out where she is leading me -- I try to change her mind -- but she replies: "I still had the reservation, dad paid for it, so it would be a waste not to use it. Unless you don't want to, of course..."

Of course I want to, but...

Now I realize how well she is dressed... I wonder if I'm properly dressed myself. Restaurant Lauroux...!! Holy Moly...!!

Apparently Shawny recognizes my doubt and assures me I don't have to worry.

Oh my... talking Anadolu Yakası Escort about a different atmosphere... At the door, Shawny informs the man in suit that we have a reservation. Two people -- one for Shawny and one for me -- help us out of our coats. I really feel underdressed here...

We are guided to a table and without asking, the waiter opens the first bottle of wine... I get to taste it first -- as if I know anything about wines -- and on my approval, he fills our glasses.

We clink and take a sip. Then I look around. Oh my... I'm definitely underdressed... And by far, we are the youngest people in this restaurant...

Shawny looks right in place... no, no; I'm not saying she looks old! But at least her dress is appropriate...

"You could have told me..." I whisper, but she smiles back.

"That would have spoiled the surprise, wouldn't it?! Don't you like it?"

"I don't know... I think I do, but... look at my clothes... I don't think I belong here!"

"We are young -- that's a difference. For our age, we are appropriately dressed; don't worry. They wouldn't have let us in if they thought we weren't; just try to enjoy, okay?"

We start with an appetizer -- a large spoon with a champignon, filled with cheese and small slices of bacon on top. Delicious, but I can't resist a smile, thinking of Greg taking it in one bite, and then looking for more... I hope he is enjoying his union soup too...

"You like it?"

"Hmmm! It's delicious! I was just thinking of Greg, and how he would handle this..."

"I see. I think you were right -- this may not be the right place for him, but I love it!"

"Me too! Thank you so much for taking me here!"

Apparently, their parents have taken Kendra and Shawny several times to this restaurant before. Shawny tells me how, in the beginning, it was a true ordeal, but it didn't take long before they learned to appreciate the culinary art they were served...

Next, we get soup too. Just not a bowl, but a small glass, with a slice of fried fish on the side...

I can't deny it is delicious, and perhaps because of the small portions, I'm really focusing on the taste -- more than I'm used to. I wouldn't consider myself a cuisine-intellectual -- far from -- and I wonder if my taste-sensations are similar to the more experienced guests, but I savor the various dishes. I think I'm showing it ...

"First time?"

"Hm-hmm! But definitely not the last! It's just fantastic! I never knew eating could be such a joy -- I mean... of course I know nice food, but this is a whole different experience...!"

"I'm glad you like it!"

Soup is followed by a salad, then different types of fish, a few asparagus rolled in bacon, some very tenderly baked slices of meat with a little bit of mashed potato and a few beans, something with cheese, prawns, a slice of lamb filet, Crème Brule, and finally coffee and tea.

Meanwhile we talk. About Greg and Kendra, of course, but also about school and what's next, music...

She laughs when I tell her, on her question if I like Gershwin, that 'Rhapsody in Blue' was the reason why I started playing clarinet. She gets shy when I confess what her 'Fever' performance had done to me...

After coffee, Shawny asks if I'm in for a drink somewhere else -- how can I possibly refuse...! But once outside of the hotel, I notice Greg and Kendra waiting for us... I'm shocked! "You're not going to the cinema? Why -- you don't like the movie? You could have chosen something else instead!"

"Nah -- we thought it would be more fun to spend the night with our sister and best friend! Get in -- I haven't taken too much wine, so I will drive!"

Upset, I look at Shawny, who only raises her shoulders. It's their night, after all, so let's just join them...

Greg gets behind the steering wheel, Kendra next to him, so Shawny and I take place in the back. I have no clue where they're driving us, until the car stops in front of the theatre...

"I'll park the car -- you two just go inside!"

I want to object -- the theatre? No way we can get in there without reservation! But Shawny has already left the car, so I can only follow her...

Once inside, Shawny goes straight to the ticket desk and tells she has a reservation... I'm totally dumb-struck... When I look around and see the advertisement-boards, finally something starts to dawn on me... 'Porky and Bess!!!'

"No way!" I stammer... "No way -- you had this all organized?"

Shawny gives me a happy grin. "Do you mind?"

"NO... no, of course not... but... But Greg... and Kendra... and their surprise...??"

"The surprise was meant for you! It was all meant for you!!" Shawny radiates with delight! "Kendra and Greg have actually taken a break in their relationship, but didn't mind getting involved; actually, it was more-or-less Greg's idea..."

"But that means... that means that you..."

"Hmm?"

"You like me too, then?"

Now, Shawny starts to laugh... "Perhaps Ataşehir Escort a little... Why else did you think that, all of a sudden, I started coming to the band repetitions with Kendra? I had never done that before -- not really my kind of music... And yes, 'Fever' was truly and exclusively meant for you -- I'm glad it delivered!!"

Wow! That was unexpected... "Can I..." Oh, my... I'm not just red -- I must be glowing; emitting light...

"Just a small one then. Quickly! On the cheek! People might see us!"

When I try to decently peck on her cheek, she suddenly moves her face, and presses her lips on mines... I wasn't prepared for that!! I move back, bump into an old man who fortunately can see the humor of it... Oh my!!!

I just can't believe it!! Shawny!!!

Shawny and me!!!

Shawny laughs at me -- I don't care...

She takes my hand --which creates a current running from my fingers to my stomach -- and she pulls me to the bar. "I guess you'd need a mineral water -- right?"

"Yeah... yeah... I guess so... yeah..." Then my senses come back just a little... "And you? What would you like?"

"Me too, please!"

Oh, my!!

Shawny!!

She pulls me inside the hall...

"Wait!! Don't we have to wait for Greg and Kendra?"

"Porky and Bess? I don't think so -- they have probably found a place more of their liking by now!"

We have the best seats!! It must have cost a fortune!!!

Oh my!!

I still can't believe it. I'm sitting next to Shawny, watching 'Porky and Bess' on the best seats available! Next to Shawny!!

I can't possibly contain myself -- I have to see her, again and again. And Shawny just sits there, with a smug grin on her face, clearly amusing herself.

I carefully stretch out my hand, checking her reactions; what would happen if I'd take her hand? Her reactions are in my favor -- she squeezes my hand, and her thumb starts stroking me...

I can barely keep my attention on the play! Every now and then, I have to check -- it's all real!! I am sitting, next to Shawny -- hand in hand -- watching 'Porky and Bess'!!!

During the brake, we take another wine. For a moment, I excuse myself -- I have to go to the bathroom. Instead of using the urinals, I sit down for a moment... Oh my, oh my. What a night!!

I quickly freshen up a bit; check myself in the mirror -- it won't get any better than this -- and return to Shawny. Carefully, I peck on her cheek. She grins. "Happy?"

"Oh my... 'Happy' doesn't even come close! I'm thrilled -- I'm literally shaking on my legs! I am... Unbelievable!! I'd never expected you to... I must be dreaming, but don't wake me up!"

I know I don't make much sense -- it isn't my best performance ever, but what can I do!!?

We go back to our seats and wait for the play to resume. I notice Shawny slowly leaning my way, and realize what is expected... I kiss her; our lips softly caress each other, and I'm lost in time and space. Relativity -- now we're talking, Einstein!!!

Shawny awakes me with a soft push against my shoulder; "They're starting again!"

I sigh...

When the play is over, we keep our seats a little longer. Most people already left -- the actors have already returned to receive their applause -- but we just bask in each other's company. It just can't get any better.

Eventually, long after all others have left, we also stand up, leave the hall, get our jackets, and step back into the cold...

...where Greg and Kendra are once more waiting for us...

Kendra takes Shawny aside, while Greg comes my way. "And, smart-ass? Figured it out yet?"

I shake my head. "I still can't believe it! Did you know it -- about Shawny, I mean?"

"It was pretty obvious, actually; but then I already knew the details, of course... But you're having fun?"

"Oh yeah! It was great -- I still can't believe it; I mean... She did all of this for me??!"

"It's a different world, bro! If you don't come to them, they will come to you! You're lucky -- be nice to her!!"

Apparently, Shawny and Kendra are done talking, and come our way. Kendra wraps her arms around me, hugs me, and then whispers in my ear "You better be nice to my little sister!"

"I will, I will!! Thank you so much! I can't believe you did this for me!"

"What are you doing with my man!" Shawny calls, playfully attempting to push Kendra away from me.

"You better show us he's yours!" Greg dares her, and Kendra starts whooping.

Slowly, a little hesitantly, Shawny bends my way. In a reflex, I quickly glance at Greg, who gives a barely visible nod. Then I look in Shawny's eyes, just before her lips find mines. At the background I hear cheering, but I'm too busy processing the taste of her tongue... I notice someone guiding my hands to her ass -- most likely Greg -- and I realize that's probably where they belong... Like Shawny's arms belong around my neck.

The lights and sounds of the street fade away in the touch, taste and smell of Shawny, until someone pushes us apart. "That's enough for now! No need to overdo it! Let's go!" With a pang of disappointment, I let her go, delaying the loss of touch for as long as possible. I hear Kendra grinning "You made your point! Let's get moving now." and finally our lips separate.