The Hearts Darkness

Mysterious dinner

As the black SUV takes winding turns through opening of trees the leaves orange and red cover them and lie on the ground beneath. It’s so beautiful I think to myself. “ I know” I hear mumbled from the driver. Hmm I must have said that out loud. “ Yes I reply “Where are we going?” “We will arrive momentarily Ms” Just call me Lisa I say. “ We will arrive soon Ms Lisa”. I felt like someone important for a moment. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all.

The vehicle starts to slow down and turns down a long dirt path that’s leads on for what seems like forever around a few curves and over a hill and then across a small bridge. As we crossed the bridge just in sight some ways back sat a large Mansion that looked as if had a hundred rooms! This looks almost like a castle! I was In Awe at how beautiful everything was. Just as we were approaching the front entrance to the home it started to rain. I didn’t want to make my first impression that of a soaking wet mess. I rushed through the door holding my sweater over my head looking down the entire time only to see my feet and the steps below them. As I looked up there is a grand staircase in front of me with cherry wood and a smooth finish going up the middle of the room. There were very expensive vases sitting on pedestals and fresh flowers everywhere. There were fancy decorated carpets lying around. The floors were marble like. I was feeling a little queasy. This was all so much out of my comfort zone. Just at that moment Joe comes walking around corner in black dress pants and a white dress shirt half unbuttoned but tucked in. His muscular figure shown through his clothes. Hello Lisa, I hope the drive here was to your liking. Come let’s sit down in the parlor. Dinner will be ready soon. “Okay I stutter” I follow behind him like a lost puppy. We both sit facing each other. He hands me a glass of white champagne. I’ve never really been a drinker but I may need this to calm my nerves. So Joe what do you do for a living I ask? Trying to make small talk. “I run a business he replies. What kind of business? I ask. Mmm let’s save that for another day. How long have you been working at the diner Lisa? “About 15 years. I started sweeping floors when I was a young girl after school and just continued to work there every summer. When I graduated I just kinda stayed here and worked at the diner. I’ve never really ventured out anywhere before. “I see” replied Joe. “And you enjoy this job at the diner?” Ehhh I would really rather be an archeologist I thought to myself” I see a curious look come over his face at that moment. There was no way I said that out loud. I respond yes I enjoy it. It passes the time by. Do you enjoy the library as well? “Oh yeah I love to read about………… I pause briefly. Do I want to tell this handsome man about my infatuation? Will he think it’s weird like Brenda? ….. “History!” I reply. Enough about me let’s talk about you Joe. As I was about to ask him a question he says “ Dinners ready” we both walk through two swinging double doors. They were almost as tall as the ceilings themselves. There sat a long beautiful table set for a what seemed like 12 people. There was roasted chicken,Salad and asparagus. Out Joe said very harsh to his server. Wow I thought that was kinda harsh. Poor thing. Sit Joe demands. I sit now wondering where this calm nice man went that I had seen earlier. The beautiful brown eyes were now a golden color as he stared at me. So Joe what were you doing in our little town if you live on such a beautiful piece of land closer to the city. “ Business I told you” shocked at his answer I was a little worried to even pick the conversation back up. “I’m sorry if I seem rude I don’t mean to be” This probably wasnt a good idea to bring you to dinner. I pause and feel a lump in my throat as I swallow my food. “Whhaat do you mean by that I ask embarrassed?” Well I just mean it’s not a good night that’s all. It’s raining and I’m just not very hungry anymore. Thank you for coming. I’ll have my driver escort you home after your done. Have a good night Lisa. Thank you for your time. My mouth was gaped open. Had I done something wrong? Had I asked to many questions? Ugh nosy me always digging for more information. That’s probably why I’ve been single forever. I’m just to pushy. As I walk out of the house I take one look back and put my head down. The entire drive home I felt sad and i dont know why. I was better than that. Okay so he sent me home so what! Who was he! About that time the driver spoke up. It’s okay Ms Lisa don’t take it personal. Joe is just not used to having company of your kind. He will come around. As we pull up to my apartment he hands me joes business card. Call if you need anything this number comes directly to me. I thought okay that’s odd but whatever I took the card. I run through that parking area into my apartment. Shaking the rain off I can’t help but feel unwanted, embarrassed and my feelings are hurt. What was so bad about me? I head to my room to change my clothes and toss the card on my dresser. …… I hope I forget about this night. No more dates for me.