Freckles

But before the family gathering, Daniel needed to make sure his future wife passed the "quality control." He was well aware that Deanna wasn't used to navigating the same environment as him, and although he didn't care much, he knew his family would notice every little detail.

So he spoke with Harry and asked him to let Deanna know they would have dinner alone.

"Why don't you call her yourself?"

"Because I don't have her phone number."

"You should have asked for it when you took her home, brother."

"I didn't think it was necessary. Call her for me and tell her I'll pick her up at 8."

It wasn't the first time he went out to dinner with a woman, nor the first time he picked one up from her house. However, just like the day he met her, Daniel was once again feeling that strange sensation in the pit of his stomach. But this time, since they were going to a fancy restaurant, he decided to go back to his usual three-piece suit. The vest was a staple in his outfits, setting him apart from other businessmen with his elegance.

Deanna had the dress Laura had advised her to wear laid out on the bed. She looked at it like someone staring at a painting in a museum they don't understand. She liked it a lot, but it seemed too much for dinner. Maybe Laura misunderstood and thought they were going to the opera. In reality, the dress was simple, champagne-colored, and made of lightweight fabric. It did meet the criterion of being knee-length. A classic choice.

She waited for him at the entrance of her building, anxious. She knew this was a preliminary test to ensure her role as a future wife was well interpreted. What would her grandmother say if she saw her so elegant? Deanna smiled. She wore a coat, and thankfully, the shoes were low-heeled. Minimal makeup and her hair tied over her shoulder. Quite discreet.

Daniel parked the car and got out. He was surprised to see her. Laura had made an effort to find her clothes that fit well and were more elegant to match the rest. But what he saw was more than the outfit; standing there was a woman who commanded presence.

"Deanna..."

"Hello, Daniel."

"Shall we?" He walked to the car and opened the door for her to get in.

Deanna had prepared herself mentally to endure Daniel's harsh comments with patience. She told herself it was best not to respond with sarcasm to his blunt remarks and just let them pass. In a way, it was training for the year ahead. They couldn't spend it in constant arguments and disagreements.

"So, how have you been?" Daniel needed to find a way to talk to her more cordially, as Harry and Susan had recommended.

"Good, and you?"

"Good."

He didn't know what else to say. He was usually a man of few words, but today the silence was uncomfortable. So Deanna took the initiative to try to break the ice.

"Harry told me you work in your family's company."

"That's right."

"What do you do?"

"I'm the boss..." stating the obvious and what everyone knew.

"Yes, but I mean what do you do specifically?"

"I manage..."

Apparently, that approach wasn't going to work. Daniel realized he was being very brief and curt, but he had no idea how else to explain his job. His few words had always been direct and concise and more than enough. The awkwardness returned.

Deanna looked out the window. Maybe she just needed to relax and let things flow on their own. She was sure that at some point they would find something to talk about or spend the rest of the night in silence, staring at each other.

Finally, they arrived at the restaurant. It was definitely a place Deanna wasn't used to: very elegant, too much so. She was getting nervous. How was she supposed to behave in a place like this? Although Laura had explained some etiquette to her, she was sure she would make mistakes. She usually dined at a food stall near the university, and it was generally something you ate with your hands.

While Daniel was asking for their reserved table, a staff member discreetly approached Deanna and spoke to her.

"Your coat, miss..."

Deanna didn't understand at first.

"Oh, yes, of course! Thank you." And the young man took the garment.

"If you'll follow me, I'll take you to your table..." the maître d' said.

But when Daniel turned to follow him, the first thing he saw was the image of Deanna with her back almost bare down to her waist. The dress had a considerable opening that revealed her spine. It didn't show too much skin, but enough to take his breath away. Freckles, she had freckles on her back.

They walked to the table, and he didn't miss that more than one person stopped to look at her. Some greeted him when they were caught staring, and others smiled conspiratorially. What unpleasant people. The table was on the other side of the room, so practically all the diners had seen them pass by.

Daniel asked for the wine list and chose for both of them. Deanna was observing everything around her. The place was very beautiful and cozy, quiet.

"That dress..."

"Did Laura buy it? Is it not okay?"

"The back of that dress... it's too much." There was the first complaint.

"I'm sorry, I just followed her advice. I didn't know what to wear, I've never been to a place like this..."

"It's fine, the dress is pretty... but everyone was looking."

"Are you saying they looked at me because of it?"

"No, they looked at the dress." Daniel wasn't going to tell her that yes, it was her and her freckles they were staring at.

"Oh, fine..." That didn't make any sense.

"Anyway, you shouldn't wear those kinds of dresses that... show too much..."

"Okay, I won't wear them anymore."

"I don't mean that. You can wear them, just not when there's so many people."

And when was she supposed to wear it? Daniel was being very strange, saying incoherent things. But at least he was using more words than usual, and that was progress. Deanna hoped he wouldn't find more faults in her outfit that night.

During dinner, they continued with light conversation about the studies she was doing at the university and her plans after graduation. They also discussed some details about the upcoming family gathering, where it would be and who would attend. Daniel asked if any of her family members would be there. Deanna lied, saying they lived too far away to come.

Fortunately, there were no more inconveniences until dessert arrived. He had already seen her sitting with her sister a few tables back, just today they had to coincide in the same place. Lynda was one of the daughters of his mother's friend, who had no problem with him having three kids and was more than willing to have a relationship with Daniel, who had rejected her with all courtesy.

He couldn't resist and stopped by her table while leaving.

"Hello, Daniel. How have you been?"

"Lynda."

"What a coincidence to meet here."

Deanna was observing the interaction. Apparently, Lynda wasn't interested in her presence. Daniel said nothing more, perhaps in an attempt to make her give up and leave. But Lynda had other ideas.