|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 19:33:52 GMT -5
Lyra hung on Mason and allowed him to guide her through the streets. The city was beautiful. She tried to take everything in as they walked, but she was not ignorant to Mason who seemed to be happily studying her. Her cheeks flushed when she first noticed his gaze and she made a point of admiring the flourishes on an older building as they passed.
For the briefest of moments Lyra thought Mason was playing a trick on her, stopping at a little nothing of a door, but when he drew his wand she smiled and held her breath to see what enchantments he had in store for her tonight. Mason did not disappoint. They were greeted at the entrance and followed the man through the lounge and into the restaurant. As she had before, Lyra marveled at the space around her. Crystals covered the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The wallpaper was an elegant design of gold and cream. Even the other patrons were beautiful. They were directed to a quiet table away and Lyra thanked the man as he pulled her chair out for her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 19:39:29 GMT -5
Mason could see that she was enjoying herself, that his efforts had pleased her, and it was such a contradiction to be aware of his efforts. Lyra was unique in that her pleasure was real, as was her awe. She was gracious enough however to keep her excitement contained. He also knew that she wasn't counting dollar signs or prestige when spending time with him.
The waiter came to their table and he ordered a bottle of wine for them to share.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 20:53:51 GMT -5
With the wine ordered and her astonishment contained, Lyra leaned in his direction and smiled. "Are there many places like this over in America?" For all of Lyra's experiences, she was still relatively sheltered. Her family had vacationed abroad, but Lyra didn't have many opportunities to make her own choices or explore what she found interesting. She had rebelled once, running away with a boy during a trip to Spain, but it resulted in her being chaperoned for the remainder of their family trips. Lyra had never been to America while Mason was there for a year. She wanted to hear all about it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 22:41:01 GMT -5
"There are no places like this, but there are places equal to it's splendor. All over the world there are places and people with indescribable qualities. I'll show you." he promised eager to see the way her expression changed.
Mason didn't know about Julian's relationship with Lyra, but if he had, he would understand the man's obsession.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 21, 2016 23:28:10 GMT -5
Initially she was puzzled, but only for the slightest moment before he explained that while unique, this type of establishment was not alone in things that would astonish her. Lyra's cheeks flushed but she smiled at his promise, delighted at the prospect of both seeing the world as an adult and spending more time with Mason. She bit her lower lip as she stared into his dark eyes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 21, 2016 23:38:57 GMT -5
Lyra was no stranger to flirtation or the games that men and women play, but neither was Mason. He could tell genuine delight from feigned interest, and Lyra was genuine. It warmed him inside. But her eyes as she looked at him made his chest expand with confidence. Men had lived for that kind of look from a woman, and if a woman could master that look, she could master a man.
The waiter came back for their order, and Mason gestured for Lyra to order first.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 0:04:59 GMT -5
When the waiter came back Lyra realized she hadn't properly looked over the menu. She made an apologetic face. "Oh, I um...What would you recommend?" she asked the waiter. She ordered his suggestion and handed him the menu, slightly embarrassed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 0:10:44 GMT -5
Mason hadn't opened his menu, and when Lyra asked what he recommended he smiled, "Tell Ducasse to make something special for us." he said keeping his eyes on her while talking to the waiter.
"Very good sir."
"And another bottle please." he smiled.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 0:16:10 GMT -5
Lyra grinned and waited for the waiter to leave, then she leaned forward toward Mason. "You know the chef? Do you bring a lot of dates here, Mason?" she laughed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 0:35:17 GMT -5
"I know the chef." he answered, though he didn't address the date question. No, he didn't bring a lot of girls there, Mason didn't actually date much, it was too much pressure, and he could never be himself. With Lyra, he didn't even have to try, she brought a natural ease with her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 0:53:08 GMT -5
"What other interesting things do I need to know about you?" She eyed him, trying to figure him out. He had loads of money but found it tedious, yet he obviously knew how to have a good time. Lyra enjoyed his honesty but he was still a mystery to her. A very alluring mystery.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 1:03:30 GMT -5
He laughed, "I'm devastatingly handsome, and incredibly charming." he told her with a grin. Mason found himself to be incredibly dull, though that wasn't the popular opinion, it was difficult to look at himself from the outside and see what others saw.
"Other than that, I guess you're just going to have to stick around and find out."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 1:32:32 GMT -5
Lyra certainly didn't see Mason in the same way that he saw himself. He was charming and handsome, as he said. But she could see a subtle brooding in him, though he didn't let it interfere with their evening. It was actually attractive to Lyra, who also had a tendency to look poorly on herself from time to time. Kindred spirits.
"Or..." she countered, "I could pester Sam for really good information. But your way sounds more fun."
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 1:52:42 GMT -5
He laughed, "She doesn't have the really good information." Mason assured her. Sam knew most everything about everyone, but Mason kept his own secrets and affairs his own. "But stick around long enough and she may pester you." he teased.
Mason kept up the chatter which was anything but idle until their food arrived. The waiter displayed the food with flourish and announced the dish's name as though he would announce the arrival of royalty.
When he was gone Mason smiled at Lyra, "It's beef and vegetables, really there's only so much you can do to food, but I'm sure it won't disappoint."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 2:00:48 GMT -5
Lyra laughed. "I don't know. Cooking is pretty hard. I tried it once." She smiled at him, her face explaining what a huge accomplishment this was.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 2:09:16 GMT -5
As first dates went, this one was going rather well if Mason was any judge. The scenery was beautiful, the food was excellent, and his date was charming. Mason felt as though he were speaking to an old friend rather than a potential interest. He let time slip away from him as they ate and conversed.
Midway through the meal Ducasse came to their table and Mason introduced Lyra. Ducasse compared her to an evening rose, high praise indeed. While other patrons turned to look at them, Mason didn't feel his usual irritation. Instead he watched Lyra who seemed to belong in the spotlight, it sent a warm shiver of masculine pride down his spine that she was here with him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 2:23:19 GMT -5
Lyra tried her best to be charming in front of the chef, who flattered her. She enjoyed the attention, as always, but she focused more on thinking about her words before she said them. She doubted a man like Ducasse would find her tale of her one cooking experience very entertaining. The corners of her mouth turned up as Ducasse spoke, but her eyes flitted to Mason who was watching her. Her smile widened.
The rest of the meal was spent in similar fashion, the pair exchanging stories and asking questions of each other. It was a natural conversation, and any silences that occurred were not permeated by awkwardness as would sometimes happen with people on first dates.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 2:38:42 GMT -5
At one point Ducasse leaned in and said in a loud whisper, "Elle est très belle Mason. Vous devriez la garder. "
Mason smiled and agreed.
By the end of the meal Mason motioned to the waiter. Mason had an account with the restaurant, but he intended to leave a few galleons for excellent service.
He stood then and offered his arm to her once again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lyra Newbury on Oct 22, 2016 2:52:05 GMT -5
Lyra teetered slightly after so much wine, but she simply hung to Mason and let him steady her. When they were away from the restaurant, she rested her head on his shoulder and prodded him. "I don't speak French," she said reminded him. "So you have to translate for me." She had spent half the meal wondering what Ducasse had said to Mason, but was embarrassed to ask within earshot of anyone.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mason Marlowe on Oct 22, 2016 2:56:25 GMT -5
Mason laughed. He could guess that Lyra didn't speak french, as there was no recognition of the compliment the baker had paid her.
He took her arm and steadied her as they walked out of the restaurant. He continued to walk with her until they came to a small cafe. It wasn't as grande as the restaurant they had just left, in fact the only word to describe it was quaint. But the view of the Eiffel tower was breathtaking.
|
|
