Running Wild

The Date

After having just been encouraged to not be nervous and taking a deep breath, Lila took Tobias’ offered arm and they headed up the stairs and into the Opera House. The lobby is so beautifully decorated, Lila felt like she was more at a wedding than a Gala. Of course, she had only been to weddings before, not Galas, so maybe this is just how it was.

The lobby’s rich red carpets match perfectly to the velvet drapes at each window. Ornate golden frames surrounded mirrors and portraits around the entire hall. There were lights strung across the ceilings, white curtains hung around ever pillar and dividing areas of the large lobby into more intimate areas. Great bouquets of flowers of all colors were on every available surface, gold glimmering accents within the décor and candles lit in every crystal chandelier. Lila smiled, appreciating the beauty of the venue, when Tobias’ arm slipped out of hers. She spotted the coat check and motioned to Tobias. He nodded.

“You check your coat and I'll grab us drinks. What would you like?” though their arms were no longer linked, his hand was protectively on her lower back or side. She didn’t mind the affection. This was, after all, their first date.

“Whiskey on the rocks, please,” she requested. He smiled and winked, leaning in to whisper.

“Girl after my own heart...” He slipped away into the crowd and Lila unbuttoned and shrugged her coat off, handing it to the attendant and getting her ticket. She popped it into her purse and walked back to where Tobias had left her.

“Good evening, Lila.”

Lila knew that voice and smiled as she turned to face the captain. “Hello Captain! How are you?”

“Can’t complain! I come to this charity gala every year. I am a little surprised to see you here. Did you get an invitation?”

“Not exactly...” Tobias returned, holding two whiskeys and handed one to her. “She’s here with me.” She quietly took it from him and took a sip, watching him take over the conversation. "How are you, Captain. The missus with you this year?”

“Oh hello, Mr. Schmidt. And I'm afraid I'm flying solo. She is on her annual trip visiting her sister in Florida.”

“Shame. I do enjoy her conversations,” he chuckled lightly. “Still, you’ll have plenty to do without her.”

They went on chatting about past galas and comparing it to the current one. Lila took the moment to look around and enjoy the beauty of the current one. Sipping the whiskey, the last of her nerves settle and her eyes land back on Tobias.

Feeling her gaze, he turned at once to her and smiled. They both bid the captain a good night, and made their way up the large double stairs to find a loveseat to settle down on to drink and chat.

“I must say Lila... you look absolutely beautiful in that gown.” He took a swig of his whiskey and smiled over the brim to Lila. She smiled shyly back at him.

“Thank you. You have great taste in fashion.” She appreciated the beauty of the gown as much as he did. She looked down at her lap and ran her fingers playfully over the beads and sequins. Following suit, she took a sip from her drink, finishing it, and turned suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Tobias reached out and took her hand. “Have I over-stepped a line?” She stared at their hands.

“Oh, no. It’s not you; it’s me.”

“I’m sorry?” Lila looked over and met his curious gaze.

“I’ve never been treated like this. The flowers, the dress, chauffeurs, a charity gala...?” she motioned around them. “Let alone being called beautiful... It’s just a lot to take in,” she admitted quietly. He smiled kindly at her and brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss upon the back of her fingers. Her toes curled in her shoes... How was his touch so exhilarating for her?

“I would never want to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. I want us to trust each other. You just say the word when you feel uncomfortable.”

“Thanks, Tobias,” she said quietly.

“What would it take to earn your trust?” Lila froze, raising a brow, studying him. He seemed sincere and his eyes silently begged an answer.

“I-” she stammered, “I’m not sure? Time? I have thought the same thing that you have, that there is this unspeakable draw...almost instinctual. I hope that’s not too forward...” she trailed off, feeling nervous again.

“Not at all,” he reassured.

“But this is new. Very new! We just met a week ago. Perhaps we’ll learn to trust each other on a more meaningful level. If we keep doing... this.” She gestured between the two of them, not the buzz of the gala around them. He smiled at her and set her hand back on her lap after giving it an affectionate squeeze.

“I’d like to keep doing... this,” he mimicked her. They smiled at each other and then Lila raised her glass to her lips again, realizing it was empty.

“Perhaps we grab another glass and head to the table?”

“Excellent idea.” He stood and offered a hand to her to help her up from the couch. She took his hand, linked arms with him and headed to the bar before the table.

---

He pulled out the chair for Lila and pushed it in as she sat at the table. She quietly thanked him, setting her glass and bag on the table and getting comfortable in her seat. Glancing around the table, she suddenly realized who she was sitting with.

“Excellent to see you, Mr. Mayor. How are you?” Tobias asked casually as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat next to Lila, arm draped on the back of her chair.

“Tobias, lad! How are you?” He shook hands with Tobias and then his eyes landed on Lila. “And who is your delightful guest?”

Lila stood and extended a hand to him before Tobias could respond. “Detective Lila Himmel, sir. We met at the academy graduation a few years ago.”

The Mayor smiled and shook her hand. “Well, Detective, it’s good to see you out from behind a desk! I’ve been hearing good things about you from the captain. And now, Tobias.”

“I’m glad, sir. Thank you.” They both settled back in their chairs and chat and laugh as dinner is served and wine is poured for them.

“It wasn’t until about an hour later that the auction started. Tobias leaned over and handed Lila his paddle. Lila gave him a perplexed look and he chuckled lightly.

“You can bid for me. No limit.” His thumb rubbed her bare shoulder gently, his arm around the back of her chair again. “Trust, right?” he inquired.

She gave a bright smile and took the paddle in her hand. He really did mean what he said upstairs around building trust. She laughed and then whispered back, “Probably should have given me a cap. But I'll happily spend your money for a great cause.” He let out a loud laugh and sat back in his chair, grabbing his wine and crossing his legs at the knees. He rose his glass to Lila and nodded encouragingly.

---

A couple hours go by, and Lila realized she was still bidding. Apparently, the wine and whiskey had made her decision making a bit hazy. She set the paddle down for the last time and looked over at Tobias. He was smiling giddy.

“I’m sorry, Tobias. I’m afraid I’ve lost track of how much I spent,” she confessed sheepishly. He waved a dismissive hand and leaned over to kiss her temple, lingering just a moment, but enough to send butterflies to Lila’s stomach.

“It’s never too much when it’s for a good cause. Don’t worry about it.” She nodded and secretly wished the kiss had lingered. Something about his touch felt so good, so right. She blushed, eyes widening a little as she looked to her lap to avoid having anyone see.

The host asked for those that donated to come settle their accounts and Tobias rose. He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pen and checkbook. “Care to join me, Mayor?”

“I’m afraid I didn’t get to donate much! Your date snagged up all the good items,” he laughed. He stood and tossed his napkin on the table pretending to be upset. Lila laughed in return.

“I’m afraid the wine is to blame, sir.”

“Not an issue, dear. It’s for a good cause no matter who it comes from.” He and Tobias depart from the table and head to the stairs, leading to the stage where the items were presented. Their expressions turn firm as they start to have some sort of more serious conversation. Lila wondered what it was all about, but brushed the thought away as some people from a neighboring table started talking with her about the auction.

---

“So. Did you enjoy your first charity gala, while not providing security?” Tobias had found a bench in the garden outside the Opera House for the two of them to sit on. Lila settled and set her coat and purse on the bench next to them.

“Very much so! I had a wonderful time tonight, Tobi. Thank you.”

He raised her hand to his lips again and pressed a lingering kiss atop it. Once he parted with her hand, he spoke in a hushed voice, his eyes glimmering. “The night doesn’t have to end here,” he suggested.

Lila’s stomach flipped at the idea of going home with him. She smiled weakly and looked out over the garden to settle herself. An idea, other than his bedroom, came to her. “Why don’t we go out? There’s a couple more hours before the bars close. I can’t remember the last time I closed out a bar,” she said thoughtfully, really trying to remember. He laughed loudly at her spontaneity and stood. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and loosened his tie a bit. He extended a hand to her.

“As you wish. You choose the spot.”

She grabbed his hand, stood and dug her phone out of her purse. She searched bars near them and then realized she was only a couple blocks from her old regular spot. She smiled and took his hand in hers, letting the warm feeling rush over her. “We can walk from here. I’ve gotta see how you hold up in a place I'm sure you’ve never heard of,” she winked. Her core tingled with excitement as the two began their walk there. She hadn’t been there in years and she wondered if anyone would recognize her.

The cool, Spring air felt so refreshing as they walked, hand in hand, through the city. Catching a glance of their attire in a shop window, Lila realized they were going to stick out like sore thumbs; but this was her first date in a really long time and she didn’t care. She rounded the corner and arrived at the entrance. She let go of his hand and raised her hands like she was presenting the prize on a game show.

“Ta da!”

He arched a brow and looked around. Next to them was a dimly lit staircase covered in stickers and graphiti leading down to her old favorite spot. He pointed, almost in disbelief. “Here?”

“Here,” she retorted. “You did say I got to name the place. This is my “old watering hole”. I promise you’ll like it.” She grabbed his hand again and started the decent to the entrance. He smiled, glancing at their hands and amused by her enthusiasm.

“So I did. Okay Lila: let’s go.”

Once their feet had hit the landing at the base of the stairs, Lila takes out her identification card and encouraged him to take his out. The bouncer swung open the door, smiling at Lila and checking their IDs with a blue light flashlight. She stepped in, a smoky familiar room greeting her. Along the southern wall, an old bar with a cushioned edge stood in front of hundreds of bottles of booze. Three pool tables stood within the room, dimly lit and the only things with lights on them, and towards the back stood three dart boards, pinball machines and a single stall bathroom. She grinned silly, reminiscing all the many drunken nights here with Amelia. She looked over at Tobias to see how he was holding up. He seemed to be taking in his new surroundings with some hesitation. She spotted two barstools and sat herself and Tobias down. A familiar face is working behind the bar and Lila chuckled.

“What’s a cop gotta do to get a drink around here?” The barkeep perked up and looked over at her with a smile on his face. He may be her father’s age, but he was still so handsome. He definitely aged with grace. He slid down the line, tossing a couple coasters in front of Lila and Tobias.

“Well, I'll be damned. How you doin?” he asked, grinning from ear to ear. He busied himself making Lila’s usual drink and studied Tobias for a moment. “Hm, with a date I see. Won’t bode well with the Lila Fan Club, Lil.” He set her drink down in front of her and she picked it up, sipping it through the colorful straw in a glass with fading labels around it. “Let me guess, sir...”

Lila smiled to herself as she enjoyed her drink and watched the interaction between the two. Blake leaned on the counter and studied Tobias’ face for a moment with an inquisitive stare.

“You’re both in a fancy get up, so either you have good money or good taste. You’re here with Lils, which means you have plenty of the latter...” Tobias grinned and winked at Lila. “So... I'm going to guess... an aged whiskey on the rocks.” Tobias looked at Lila and smiled again, laughing.

“I like him.”

“Told you you’d like it here! Blake’s the best. Been doing this since forever.”

“Eh! No aging me like that! I’ve got the dirt on you!” he flips a rag on his shoulder and turns to grab a top shelf whiskey bottle on the bar and grab a small glass. Tobias’ interest is pequed.

“Oh do share. I would LOVE to hear how my date really is.”

“Don’t you dare, Blake! Not on the first date!” she protested.

“Ha. I’ll respect the lady’s request, sir.” he winked at Lila before hurrying away to serve someone else.

Tobias picked up his glass and took a sip, scrunching one eyes as the liquor hits his tongue. “My god... that’s terrible.”

“Kind of the point...” Lila said nonchalantly, swirling her drink with her straw.

“Thank you for sharing this place with me. I haven’t seen you this relaxed all evening.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied. “I spent a lot of my early twenties hers. Rather, my best friend and I did. I just don't have the time to be here anymore. Especially with working nights and whatnot.” Tobias nodded and quickly finishing his drink as if to not suffer the choice of whiskey anymore. Lila giggled and felt her head start to swim. Between the drinks before the gala, the wine with dinner and the strong drink in front of her, she realized that she was starting to get drunk. She took a deep breath and pushed the drink away from herself. “Blake, a water please,” she said flagging him down. He took her three quarters full glass away and replaced it with a large glass of water. She took a sip and saw Tobias staring at her out of the corner of her eye. She turned to him. “What?”

“Should we get out of here?” Tobias asked, obviously noticing her not finishing her drink.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Lila admitted.

Tobias left some cash on the bar and helped her up. He wrapped his arm around her waist and helped her up the stairs and to the street. He knelt down in front of her and tapped her ankle, encouraging her to lift her foot. She raised it, pressing her hand against the wall for stability, and he slipped off her heels for her. She gratefully stepped to the cement with bare feel and let out a long sigh, closing her eyes. “God, I hate heels.” she said. He laughed and stood, her heels in one hand, offering her the other.

He took out his phone and asked Luke to pick them up. They waited quietly for Luke to arrive and she grabbed his arm with both of her own and leaned her head against his shoulder. He smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head. “Let’s make sure you get home safely.”

Lila giggled. “Yes. The police officer with a degree in Criminology and training in self-defense needs assisance home!” Tobias rolled his eyes.

“Let me take care of you, Lils.” he said. He had picked up her nickname from the bartender and liked it. She smiled up at him.

“You’ve done nothing but take care of me for the last week. When is it my turn?” she said, looking a little sad. He kissed her forehead.

“All in good time, my dear.”

Luke pulled up to the curb and Tobias helped Lila into the car before removing his jacket and slipping in next to her. He placed his jacket on her and she leaned back in the chair closing her eyes. He smiled to himself; there was just something wonderful about her.