Chapter 22: D-Day

"It's a date."

Fudge.

You know that "date" that I carelessly told Gideon? It is this incoming saturday.

Two days ago an envelope delivered by Teddy was given to me. Inside is a crisp white card and the only thing that is written is

"Ella. Saturday 7pm

Dress whatever you like"

So that's what I did. I wear my dark blue shirt, blue jeans and black flats. I tie my hair into ponytail. At these times I wish I have a mother to ask what is the appropriate etiquette in a date.

Scarlet is still not home. I tried asking Mark and Eric and they just interogated me who am I going out with. I can't divulge any information. It will be a disaster so I just give up and hope for the best.

At exactly 7pm someone knocked on my door. I opened it and saw Gideon holding a flower bouquet with different flowers that I don't know what is the name but they are beautiful. He hands me the flowers and I shakily accepts them because I am so nervous.

I am so underdressed. You know why? Because he is wearing a dark blue three piece suit and here I am dressed like I am going to the supermarket.

"Come inside. I'll just put these gorgeous unnamed flowers in a vase and I'll change my outfit."

"Yes to the vase but no to the change of outfit Ella."

"Why?" I ask

"We match. See- "he touch my shirt "We are wearing the same shade of blue. So we match."

I look at him puzzled if there is something wrong with his brain but probably it is the opposite. I shrugged my shoulders and went inside the apartment.

Now see I know that we don't have any vases because Scarlet is not the type who likes flowers so I just grab an empty water pitcher and placed the bouquet inside.

Satisfied with my work I put the pitcher on the dining table for everyone to see. Assuming I have visitors.

Gideon is amused when he saw my creation.

"Only you Ella. Only you."

He ushered me to the front door because he told me we might be late to our reservations.

Yes. Reservations. As in plural

We went out of my apartment and saw a very sleek car that I don't know what kind it is.

I entered the car and the interior was in all black.

I might gawked for at least five minutes when I heard Gideon says.

"It is a tesla"

"What? Who is tesla?"

He chuckled "The car it is a Tesla. New model I believe. Do you like it?"

I nodded. "I don't know anything about cars but I like this one."

"If you want it. It is yours"

I laughed because his jokes are getting better. I slap his arm and told him.

"That's a good one."

He started the car and went to a secluded area. There is no light at all. He stopped the car and went out to open my side.

"You know Gideon if you plan to kill me you don't need to guise it as a date."

He just laugh.

He guides me through the dark and I don't even know where he is taking me.

After walking for 5 min in complete darkness and uneven road we stop.

He claps his hand and the next thing that happened is hands down one of the best moment of my life.

There are fairy lights everywhere and it lights up the whole place.

I don't even know that we are in a forest. In one side there is a table set up with silver domes in it. And on the other side there is a path that leads to I don't know where but it is still lit up with fairy lights. Seriously I am in awe.

He leads me to the table and let me sit on the chair first.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

I am too speechless I just nodded frantically.

He gestured for me to open the silver domes on the table so I did.

There is so many food I can't even think what will I eat first.

There are (I will just repeat what Gideon says) baby back ribs with mashed potato, creme brulee, creamy carbonara, fillet mignon whatever that is, buffalo wings and a whole blueberry pie with a standby vanilla ice cream if I "desire" to put it on top according to him.

Water, sweet tea and wine is also available but I choose the sweet tea.

I swear my cheeks are hurting because I can't stop smiling.

"Is this what a date is because I want it everyday."

"If you so desire my love we will do it everyday"

I just laugh because I know for the Nth time he is just joking.

I ask him various questions and he replied immediately.

I even ask him invasive questions to make him uncomfortable but he just answered those questions in a stride. In the end I am the one who became flustered. For example I ask him.

"Boxers or brief?"

"None"

"Nevermind!!"

See? Who the fudge answers like that? I see Gideon in a different light now.

After that embarassing question we move on from another topic. Deep topics.

"What are your plans Ella? Your dreams?"

"For now I want to continue to work to save more money to buy my own house. I want to continue volunteering and donating at the soup kitchen and maybe at the local pet sanctuary in my free time."

"You are a very admirable person Ella. And I am honored that I met you."

I blush.

We finish eating our dinner and Gideon guides me to another location. It is still in the same area.

Fairy lights still illuminated the way to our next destination. When we reach the place I am speechless.

In front of me there is a big couch bigger than a bed with pillows that is spread out all over it. There is also a side table with various snack. Is that a popcorn machine?

There is a projector machine illuminating a white tarp.

"Welcome to our outside cinema love."

He guided me to sit on the couch, helps me remove my shoes and place a blanket on my lap. He fluff a pillow to put on my back for godsake!

He hands me a tablet and told me to choose whatever movie I like.

Of course I can not operate that thing so I ask him to help me choose.

There is so much movie to choose from. All the genres are available.

I chose the Despicable me. Childish? Yes. But this the first time I will watch it. Dramas are not my thing my life is so much drama already I don't need to add more.

From the start up to end of the movie I can't stop laughing. I even hear Gideon let out a giggle or two.

While he was focus on the movie I can't help but let out the creepy side of me. I stare at him. He looks younger when he is happy. The stern CEO is gone for now. I realize that I have another dream. I want to be the one who will always put a smile on his face. I want to be the reason why he is happy.

And I think that I am truly in love with this man.