Chapter 7. Dinner

I stand in the dining room and turn slowly, trying to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I have two candles on the table, lit. I have wine ready to pour, and the meal is complete. I made my specialty: Mississippi pot roast, roasted asparagus, potatoes au gratin, and white rice. I didn’t bother with dessert because I hope this evening turns out well. If not, well, I’m sure I can find some ice cream somewhere.

I feel the butterflies in my stomach, which only increases when the doorbell rings. She’s here, and I’m not sure that I’m ready. I take a deep breath and walk to the door. I place my hand on the handle, take one last deep breath, and open the door. I swear my jaw hit the floor. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I really can’t breathe. If I thought Nikki was beautiful before, nothing could have prepared me for what I’m looking at now. She is absolutely stunning. She’s wearing a black halter dress. It fits her body like a glove and stops mid-thigh. The wind