Disclaimer: I do not or never will for that matter, own any of the characters of LKH. Nor do I own, or own stock in any of the establishments about to be mentioned.

A Night of Surprises

By Elijah

At 7:00pm,a white stretch limo pulled up outside the Lair. Sitting in the back behind the tinted glass, I watched as Zane paced back and forth at the top of the steps. He was waiting to escort Maggie to the limo.

 

She finally appeared at 7:05.Right on time. She stood making small talk with Zane. I signaled the driver and he got out, walked around to the rear passenger door and opened it. As I got out I caught site of what Maggie was wearing and I caught my breath.

Her dress was oriental style with a Mandarin collar. Her shoulders and arms were bare. It looked to be a dark navy color. I looked her up and down, finally taking in her face and hair. She didn't wear much makeup, but then she didn't need to. Her hair was done so that her face was framed by blonde curls.

 

She smiled at me and Zane had this grin on his face like the proverbial 'cat that ate the canary'. He offered Maggie his arm and she took it walking down the steps in high heeled
black sandals that looked like one missed step and she'd fall. They had straps that crisscrossed her feet and wrapped around her ankles. They did not look comfortable at all, but then I wasn't wearing them.

When the two reached the limo I noticed Maggie's eyes looked bluer than I remembered. Maybe it was the dress. I took her hand, thanked Zane and we got into the limo. The driver shut the door, walked around and got in behind the wheel. A few seconds later, we were off.

I asked her if she'd eaten. She said that Zane said she shouldn't. Then
she looked confused and asked, "Should I have? Luna hates when I don't
eat."

 

I knew all to well how Maggie got so enthralled in her work that she forgot to eat. I said, "Don't worry. That's our first stop. I hope you don't mind that I ordered ahead. It'll be ready when we get there." She smiled, said she didn't mind.

The limo took us to Market Street and pulled up outside Tony's Restaurant. The dining area was softly lit and there were candles at individual tables. Everything had been arranged in advance. We had a table in a private corner. I knew Maggie didn't like crowds. So this was perfect. We made small talk about the lab. Friends. Conor's
arrival. It wasn't long before our meal was served.

It was an Italian dinner for two, the main course being Swordfish Fia Diablo, tenderloin Marsala served with Italian spinach.Capellini Primevera and Eno Friulia, Pinot Grigio. This was all followed by Felsina Chiante Classico, a raspberry Torte for dessert and espresso. We finished off with a bottle of Amarone Classico. I figured since
neither of us had to drive...why not?

We sat and drank the wine and just talked. This time about what she wanted to do with her life, some about her past, but not much. I don't think she was ready to open up that much.

We left the restaurant at nine thirty and headed for the next surprise. Stop number two. St. Louis' Union Station. The Have a Nice Day Cafe. We entered to a mix of 70's and 80's music, her kind of music. Me I'd rather it had been hard rock. But this was Maggie's night.

 

We sat near the center. It was a small place, lots of people. So Maggie stayed close by. I had asked them to play some Rick Springfield and watched as her eyes lit up when it finally came on. I grabbed her hand and got her out on the dance floor. Hoping she wouldn't twist an ankle in those heels.

We stayed at the Cafe until midnight. Then left for our final stop, the Hard Rock Cafe. Where we spent most of our time checking out the displays and just listening to the music, staying til closing. Having a few more drinks.

 

She wanted to walk for a while. So I told the driver to meet us a couple of blocks east. It was a quiet walk, lots of things going through my mind. There were so many things I wanted to do for her, to do with her. But she was Noah's, not mine.

 

I needed to back off, but something just wouldn't let me. She stopped suddenly. I
turned to look down at her.

"Why so quiet? What are you thinking about?" I hoped she couldn't see the redness spreading across my face. I was glad she was human.

 

I leaned in and kissed her lips, then pulled back. " Just you. And what
might have been."

 

She looked at me sadly, reached up to trace a finger over my mouth, and smiled.  She shivered slightly, and I pulled her close. "We need to go. I promised Luna I'd get you home early."

Looking at my watch, it read five am. Well it was early.

We met up with the limo and drove Maggie home first. When I was back at the hotel and finally slept, they were the best dreams I'd ever had.