“My family lives in the north so I don’t see them as much as I’d like. I don’t know if I have hobbies per se, but I like to spend time outdoors. I hike, bike, and go to the mountains to fish.”
“And where do you live?”
“One day I’ll show you.”
“But not today?”
“No, your mother just came home, and I’m not going to keep you out all night.”
“Uh, back to my mother.”
“Sorry.”
Our dinner arrives, and two bottles of wine later, we seem to have worn out our welcome. The waiter comes over several times to ask if we need anything else, so I take Aria by the hand and tell her, “It’s time to go.”
“Where to now? Our date isn’t over, is it?” she asks.
“No, I’m not finished with you, yet. I thought we’d take a drive to the Navigli.”
“Like to a nightclub?” she sounds terrified by the thought.
“No, to the Naviglio Grande.”
“Are we going on a boat ride or something?”
“You ask a lot of questions. Have you ever been there at night?”
“No.”
“Good, then you’re in for a treat.”
We arrive and park the car just before the bridge. I get out and open Aria’s door for her.
“Let’s take a walk. Are you warm enough?”
“Yes, I’m good,” she replies.
I wrap my arm around her and lead her up onto the walkway beside the bridge. When we reach the peak, I stop and lean against the concrete railing. She looks out at all of the lights reflected on the water and says, “This is beautiful.”
“I thought you’d like it. The sky is nice tonight, too.”
She looks up at the heavens and shouts, “Look, a shooting star!”
“Aren’t you going to make a wish?” I say, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
She looks deeply into my eyes and shakes her head, “It already came true.”
Whatever control I have snaps and I pull her close, tasting her sweet lips and caressing the small of her back. We’re both out of breath when we finally part, and I still don’t want to let her go.
We stand on the bridge, watching the city lights dance on the water. There’s something about having her beside me. Even though we’re not doing anything. It’s like this is where she’s always supposed to be—in my arms, right by my side.
She tugs my collar and smiles, “Let’s go back to the car. I want to give you something.”
“Something for me?”
“Yes.”
We walk back to the car and climb inside. Before I can turn the key in the ignition, she practically leaps onto my lap.
