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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 5, 2009 1:37:27 GMT -5
Hearing Drew say it once more actually made Felicity feel a little more confident, but she still was sure she'd do something wrong. After all, she wasn't known for being perfect, and she had a tendency to do things she wasn't thinking of and they turned out to be worse than at first, such as when she set herself on fire that one time... Ignoring conversation around her, and other such simple things that could be changed to save her a lot of face.
"But then likely my parents will be around," she answered with a smile, stepping through the held open door. While she didn't mind too much her parents company, she wished they'd let Drew and her alone more often, allow them to actually date rather than just once in a great while, let them take in a movie rather than only lunch. With the restrictions on their dating ability, she knew not many boys would put up with it, thankfully Drew wasn't like many other boys.
Grabbing a hold of his hand, she cast a glance around the room, hoping to spot the faces she'd seen in a few photographs.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 5, 2009 22:55:52 GMT -5
Drew wove his way to the maitre d', holding onto Felicty as he spoke to the man and explained their party was already waiting for them. A few of the other patrons didn't seem to take kindly to the two young people seemingly jumping the queue, but as they were led to the table, there wasn't much the others could do.
"She has to hold his hand?" Dolores Thornton mumbled to her husband as she saw her son and that girl approaching.
"They are dating, Lolly," Mark answered, raising a hand in greeting as he caught his son's eye. "And you promised to be nice."
"I'm always nice, dear," she answered with a smirk that said otherwise. "But really, what is that she's wearing? And her mother let her out of the house like that? Doesn't the girl even own a wrap? Or I suppose she's just expecting Drew to hand over his coat later on?"
"Lolly, nice. He likes this girl remember," her husband answered.
"And therein lies the problem, Mark," she hissed back as the two got closer. "You know how he gets. I don't want to see him taken advantage of."
Mark Thornton didn't have a chance to respond as Drew and the pretty blonde made it to the table. Mark stood and smiled at the young couple while Drew moved around the table to kiss his mother. She didn't care for the way he continued to cling onto the little trollop, but did her best to smile as well.
"Mom, Dad," Drew started and the nerves he had been feeling earlier were suddenly gone. What was there to be nervous about? He was introducing the girl he loved to his folks and there was no way they'd be able to find anything wrong with her. He wasn't nervous anymore. He was proud to have such a perfect girl there with him that night. "I'd like you to meet Felicity Hjort. Felicity, this is my mom and dad." He looked between her and his folks, a wide smile on his face and full of confidence that this was going to go well. His parents had to like Felicity. What was there not to like?
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 8, 2009 13:55:33 GMT -5
While she thought it was a bit rude to push ahead of the line, Felicity didn't say a word to Drew about it, merely gave apologetic smiles to those they moved in front of. Why they couldn't just have waited in the line with the others, wait their own turn, she wasn't sure, but she allowed Drew to lead and he led them to the front. Nerves were jumping almost as badly as the first time he asked to kiss her, knowing how important this moment would be, it determined what his family thought of her, and how he'd react to his families thoughts.
Smiling brightly as the two were led to the couple she faintly recognized as being from photographs, the blonde felt her stomach churn and flip-flop in anticipation of the near future. A dinner with the parents of her boyfriend, a boy she felt very deeply about, anything could happen; and despite what he said about her not being able to do anything wrong, she still felt very differently on the matter.
As introductions were made, Felicity's legs felt like jelly, all wiggly-wobbly about what was happening. It was a fantastic moment, in all honesty Felicity was extremely excited, but she felt out of place as well. This restaurant possibly wasn't the best of all places to have such a meeting. What if she felt suddenly ill? Where was the loo?
"It's a pleasure to be able to meet you, Mrs. Thornton," Felicity's voice pronounced, not sure how it happened she was able to form the words. Letting go of Drew, she held her hand out briefly to shake the woman's hand before turning her attention to his father. "Mr. Thornton."
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 9, 2009 0:04:08 GMT -5
Dolores Thornton took the girl's hand and gently shook it as it was offered. "Felicity. So nice to finally meet you. Drew has told us so much about you." The smile that she wore was pleasant enough, but not overly friendly. She would be polite because the girl was a guest, invited by her son, but she didn't need to like this little gold-digging hussy.
"We're glad you could join us," Mark added, taking the girl's hand warmly in both of his when it was offered to him. Maybe he didn't see what his wife saw, but from everything Drew... and Allegra even... had told him , she sounded like an okay girl. Of course there were things to be concerned about, starting with their age and how serious they sounded, but Mark was kind of hoping that getting to actually know the girl would make it easier to keep tabs on what was going on with the young couple.
So far so good, Drew thought, heaving a small but happy sigh. As Felicity said her hellos, Drew had her chair ready to seat her properly. The waiter stood to the side patiently for the foursome to seat themselves so he could present menus and take beverage orders.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 9, 2009 22:17:02 GMT -5
A faint colour tinged her cheeks when Mrs. Thornton mentioned that Drew had indeed spoken of her. Whether it was as much as she'd implied, the blonde didn't know, but didn't care, as long as she was mentioned, at least once. Though it was nice to think that he spoke of her more than just once...or twice. First off she noticed his mum's posture, she stood tall and proud, but not overly enthused. Felicity wasn't sure how to read it, if she should at all. All she really knew was how excited she was to meet them, his parents, which meant an awful lot in her mind.
When his dad took her hand, grasping it lightly with both of his, she felt that tension in her back, the one that happened when Drew did things she wasn't quite ready for. Hoping it wasn't noticeable, she quickly took in the man's movements. "Thank you for allowing me to join," she answered, smiling over at Drew with a nervous look. She wasn't sure why, but her back still felt rather tense and she could only hope neither of his parents noticed. Drew's father seemed just as proud, but perhaps more relaxed than his mum.
And as the introductions were over, she could only feel her nerves rile more, anticipation of what was left during the night to come. Smiling once more, carefully at both of his parents, she tried to seat herself as ladylike as possible at the table, failing when nearly fell into her chair, having tripped over her sandal, and then getting her hand stuck under her leg as she tried to smooth the skirt of the dress under her when she sat in the chair.
The night was off to a most wonderful start...at least hopefully her nervous giggle would let her be forgiven...and her small apology.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 10, 2009 0:06:58 GMT -5
Drew wasn't sure what happened, but she seemed to have some difficulty sitting down. Had he pushed her chair in too quickly? Not fast enough? Maybe those nerves of his had reappeared after all. He wasn't sure why, considering things seemed to be going pretty well so far.
Lolly shot her husband a meaningful glance as the girl giggled. Great Merlin, she was one of those bubble-headded girls. Lolly had been sure her son had better sense than to get mixed up with a girl like that.
Mark paid no mind to his wife's looks, more interested in finishing his hellos. Drew moved towards his own chair and paused long enough to give his dad a hug. Mr. thornton was a tall mn, only a couple inches shorter than his son, and his bright blue eyes shone with pride. "My son, the Auror!" he announced boldly.
"Mark!" Lolly hissed, but her scolding held no real threat. If the Muggles had heard the word, she doubted they'd think much of it.
"Not quite yet," Drew answered with a wide grin, taking open the seat next to Felicity. "I still have a small matter of training to get through, right?"
The patient waiter seemed satisfied that the party was settling and handed out menus before sweeping napkins across the diners' laps. whatever they had been talking about, Awers and such, was none of his business. "The sommelier will be along shortly," he announced.
"Or could you just let him know we'd like the 2008 Beaujolais?" Mark asked, looking over at the others to see if this was acceptable.
Drew gave a small shrug back, not knowing enough about wine to really know what was what. Besides, he probably wasn't going to have any. He leaned over to Felicity, wondering is she was going to stick with milk for the meal. "What did you want to drink?" he asked, doubting he'd get away with a soda, much less a butterbeer for the meal.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 10, 2009 0:40:24 GMT -5
Though it seemed neither of the males caught onto the look of Mrs. Thornton's, Felicity had seen a quick glimpse of it. Surely it wasn't a sign of 'welcome to the family'. Being careful, the blonde bit down on the inside of her cheek and kept her eyes focused on the pretty set up of the restaurant, having never been inside before. It looked like a normal restaurant, though more elegant and classy. There weren't gaggles of children crying and throwing fits, but there were diners and food and waiters. It couldn't be too bad, right?
Well, it she didn't think it could be until her attention was drawn in quickly when she felt the slightest brush against her leg. Thankfully she was able to hold in her voice, but not the jump that left her sitting on the edge of her chair. Since when couldn't she place her own napkin where she'd rather it be? And not have a stranger's hands so close to her lap? Eyes wide, she tried to focus on her breathing, praying no one else had seen her movements. Drew hadn't warned her of that being a possibility of what could happen.
When the waiter (or she assumed he was a waiter) spoke, the blonde gave a highly confused look. Why didn't he just take the order and not send another stranger? At the restaurants she was used to, there was one person you dealt with, not someone and then someone else... But her look only lasted longer when Mr. Thornton spoke and suggested something she'd never heard of before.
Thankfully Drew saved her, somewhat. "Oh, I, ummm..." what did she want to drink? Did they carry milk at a place like this? Or what would his parents think of her ordering something meant for children at such a restaurant (if they even carried it)? "Water?" she asked, her voice squeaking quietly. "...please?"
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 10, 2009 1:14:37 GMT -5
"Me too. Something still?" Drew asked the waiter, not caring much for the bubbles and hoping that was okay with Felicity as well. He glanced over at her just to make sure, though he was pretty confident about the decision. He could have thrown out a brand, but really didn't care much for labels as long as it wasn't fizzy. He was pretty sure it all just came from the tap anyway and they slapped a huge price tag on it just because people would pay for it.
The waiter nodded his understanding and left the foursome to look over the menus. Lolly hid behind hers immediately, still trying to figure out what the girl was playing at. Was the order of water a put on meant to impress? It wasn't working very well. When Lolly finally lowered the menu, she was determined to find out what this girl was up to.
"So Felicity, we're so glad you could join us," she started, sounding genuine, but knowing that the only reason she was glad the girl was there was so she could keep this blonde from trapping her son too badly. "Drew has told us so much about you, but we want to hear from you. Please, tell us a bit about yourself?" Yes, she was being nice. If she had wanted to be mean, she would have waited for the girl to have a mouth full of pasta before asking anything.
At his mother's question, Drew had to smile a little. Felicity's parents had asked him pretty much the same thing and all he remembered was babbling on and on about playing quidditch and becoming Head Boy. It was a wonder he hadn't been thrown out of the house then and there for being an idiot.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 10, 2009 1:50:44 GMT -5
When Drew asked for still water Felicity almost spoke up, ready to explain that still water wasn't water to be drunk, being as it was a breeding ground for disease and insects that carried such diseases, but before she could have half a chance, the man walked away. Maybe she could get through this without taking even one sip...maybe. Italian usually made her pretty thirsty, and if the food was steamy she'd want something to drink, but drinking still water wasn't a good idea. You wanted running water.
But as it seemed everyone else had done, Felicity buried her nose in the menu, eyes bulging at the listed prices. There was no way she could ever afford to eat at a place like this, and it was only making her more uncomfortable as she couldn't help but look at the prices as she looked at something that sounded good, but everything was far too expensive. Seriously, what was the difference between her mum's homemade fettuccine and this restaurant's? But though a salad was barely cheaper, she knew her stomach would be growling minutes after if that was what she settled on, but she couldn't possibly let his parents pay for her to eat something so expensive either.
Gasping at the price of a lasagna dish, Felicity was more than happy to set the menu down at Mrs. Thornton's question, though wasn't sure where to begin. Flashing a small smile at Drew, she wondered what to speak of. She didn't want to be Head Girl, nor Quidditch Captain, had all ready decided to give up both of her positions at the school at Quidditch Seeker and as Prefect.
"Well, I've lived here in London my whole life," she answered simply. "My parents were both raised in other areas but met at the market my dad works in and they decided to settle a family here, where they fell in love. I attended public school until the summer after I turned fifteen, and my mum cultured me with extra lessons after regular school hours and activities until then as well." What exactly was she supposed to go on about? Though the blonde had no difficulties speaking, she wasn't fond of talking about herself to others, what was the point? Couldn't they just spend time together to get to know one another? "I've played athletics nearly as long as I can remember, mostly cross country, soccer, handball, skiing, softball, and quidditch," she lowered her voice on the last of her list, not wanting eavesdropping neighbors to inquire. "When I attended public school, here in London, I was a member of the chess club, I participated in the science organization, and have been an avid church member before I could walk or talk." Did she sound like a walking advertisement now? "I was also a member of the honor society at my school," should she mention the time she was voted as court at a dance held? Except she refused to attend the dance...and she wasn't even in the proper grade to be voted in as a member of the court.
Did that tell a bit about her? Or did she merely list things she'd done? How could one know when a bit was enough? "I'm not really sure to what say, honestly. I don't want to sound like an accomplished person as I've never really done anything with my life to boast of, though I hope one day to do something worthwhile. But there really isn't much to say, I'm still attending school, trying to do everything possible to be accepted into a Kenyan Research Facility, during holidays I'm employed at a small restaurant, and my family and Drew mean more to me than anything in the world."
Was there something specific she wanted to know? Felicity thought nothing of the question, had actually been ready for it, but wasn't sure what to really say. There were so many things, yet nothing of real importance.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 11, 2009 2:06:07 GMT -5
Drew couldn't help but smile as she spoke, feeling a sense of pride over her accomplishments. Maybe she didn't think it was much, but he thought it was pretty cool, and had to dance just a tiny bit in his seat just thinking aobut how great she was. Seriously, what could his mom find wrong?
And that was a bit of a problem for Lolly. She couldn't. The girl had been part of the science club and the chess team, so she had to have some sort of a brain. She was involved in sports so she most likely wasn't one of those fluffy girls more concerned with nails and hair than anything else. Involved with her church? The girl had gotten Drew to go to mass again, so how could Lolly argue with that? The girl had goals-- goals that seemingly involved more than Drew. Lolly could have focused on that, but deep down knew that she expected both of her children to have that same kind of ambition. As much as Mrs. Thornton wanted to loathe this girl for being an air-headed, gold-digging bimbo, all the evidence pointed to the contrary. Darn.
But they were still too young to be so serious. That much was proven just by Drew's dancing at the table. Lolly shook her head, but had to bite back a smile at her son's cheekiness. Sometimes she wasn't sure what that boy of hers was thinking.
"Kenya! That's quite a ways from London," Mark said, thinking along the same lines as his wife, but hoping to approach things from a different angle. They were awfully young to be thinking of things seriously, yet they both had ambitions that would inevitably put them in two different continents. Mark thought it was a good thing she wanted to pursue her goals, but did that distance give less meaning to her claim that Drew meant more than anything to her?
"Dad, it's really not that far," Drew pointed out, toning his dancing down enough to answer. "I mean, it's like the same distance between here and home, right? Maybe closer even." He gave Felicity another smile, not wanting to get into with his parents about how they had planned it all out. Besides, they still had another year to hammer out the details.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 15, 2009 13:33:45 GMT -5
Covering her mouth, Felicity tried her hardest not to giggle at Drew's dance. If her own dad was there she knew he'd through a fit about Drew's actions, and she didn't want to encourage his behaviour if his parents didn't like the table dance. And she was a little surprised when neither of them said a word about his dancing, and was unable to help the little smile that plastered her lips.
"Yes, sir," Felicity answered, a nervous smile on her face as she turned her attention to Drew's father. Kenya was a far distance from London, but it was what she wanted, and she didn't think anything could really stop her from going. "I'm quite aware of the distance, the culture change, everything that will be different from what I know. But I've looked into other areas, facilities closer to home, and nothing has been nearly as appealing as that of Kenya's work with erumpents." Again her words hushed as she spoke of the creature not submerged in the muggle world. "They have done amazing work with them, keeping them from becoming extinct due to the poachers who are after their parts for potions and other items they contribute to. And while they are unable to save all of them, their reserve and facility dedicated solely to those particular creatures is fantastic. Not to mention the other creatures they harbour in other facilities on the land they have, and I'm extremely interested in participating in those facilities if I'm able to, but my real focus is on the erumpents. Everything I've read is almost unbelievable, but I've been working with Professor Davenport and she's given me quite a bit of insight on what to expect and what not to get hopes high on. It's just...I can't even explain how wonderful such an opportunity would be to work with creatures like them and to really be there, where they thrive, observe them in their natural habitat."
It would be a dream come true, no other way to put it, but would such a saying be thought appropriate, especially when she wasn't sure what the slight sound of concern in his voice was for.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 16, 2009 1:54:40 GMT -5
Drew's parents had given up long ago when it came to his dancing. As long as he kept from climbing up on the chairs or tables to do it, they usually didn't do more than an occasional eye roll or head shake. In this case, as inappropriate as it might be, Lolly thought it was nice to still see a glimpse of the boy she had raised. She never regretted the decision to send her children to Hogwarts, but she knew she had missed a lot having them away at school nine months out of the year.
"It's hard being so far from family," Drew's mother pointed out, having a good idea the girl had already thought of that. She had been away from her family nine months out of the year as well after all. Of course, Kenya was a bit farther than Hogwarts. "But it does sound amazing." And perhaps it would slow things down between the two. Drew was determined to get through the Academy and here was his girlfriend passionate for working in Kenya. with any luck the next three years would give them a chance to grow up a little.
The drinks arrived, with the wine steward showing the ordered bottle to Mr. Thornton, while the waiter showed Drew the label of some brand of bottled water he didn't recognize. Drew's dad brushed off the pretense of tasting the wine, but when the waiter popped open the water bottle and filled first Felicity's glass and then his, Drew took up the water goblet and swished it a bit as if checking the clarity. He then sniffed it before taking a small sip, contemplating the taste.
"Crisp without that heavy aroma one often finds. A good year I think," Drew pronounced, ignoring the slight shaking of his mother's head and the look of bewilderment the waiter was giving him. Did the lad know it just bottled water?
"Are you ready to order?" the man asked, still slightly confused.
Mark looked around the table and came to the conclusion that they most likely were. If Felicity wasn't ready, of course they'd wait, but it was clear that Drew needed to get some food in him pretty soon.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 22, 2009 5:18:05 GMT -5
"It has been so far," she answered, knowing how much she hated to be so far from the family she was insanely close to. "But it lessens the pain with letters and pictures. And I'll have some time off when I can return to visit now and then. I've all ready corresponded with the facility about such things. I know I really couldn't do it if there was little chance for me to come home every so often, but they've guaranteed me a certain amount of time off every couple of months which every employee receives. That's about what I have while attending Hogwarts, every few months, except the summer holidays are much longer. But I'm sure I can manage." An easy smile spread on her face when Mrs. Thornton agreed with her thoughts on how it sounded. And that was only coming from her, she couldn't even begin to explain the facility correctly as the brochures did and all the paperwork she'd received from the facility. It was beyond words, truly.
Felicity's attention was diverted from the conversation when the waiters appeared with their drinks, and she didn't quite understand why they'd show off a bottle of water, water was water, wasn't it? However, a giggle escaped her at Drew's antics, and she tried her best to cover her mouth, holding back more laughter that was likely inappropriate. Quietly, she apologized before lowering her gaze, knowing another glance at the boy and she wouldn't be able to hold it all in.
If the Thornton's were ready to order, she supposed she was as well, though her mind was still racing about the prices she'd glanced at. Ridiculous, and she couldn't begin to hardly believe it. Maybe tea and cake at her home wouldn't be a great idea afterward, what if they were expecting something catered? Even at the hour it'd be, her mum's cake was nothing to snuff, but it wasn't catered.
Perhaps she could just order pasta...with sauce. Simple. It'd leave her stomach yearning for more food later, but she could hold off, hopefully that wouldn't be too expensive.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Feb 22, 2009 23:38:43 GMT -5
The more the girl spoke, the harder it was for Mrs. Thornton to dislike her. Even Drew's silliness backed up the idea that Felicity was not just an ordinary girl. Her son had gotten more serious during that summer after his fifth year, and it was good to see him being same old Drew again. Seriously, how could she hate a girl who, instead of taking her son away, seemed to be bringing him back?
"No need to apologize," she told Felicity in a low voice. "He's the one who should be begging pardon... he didn't even remember to sniff the bottlecap."
If Felicity wasn't quite ready to order, Mrs. Thornton was and decided to go ahead and give the young lady a little more time. Dolores looked up at the waiter as if nothing had been said to the girl and smiled plesantly as she gave her request. "I'd like to start with the insalata di funghi and then I'll have the linguine Bolognese, please," she told the man who nodded back, but did not write it down. She never liked when they did that, but said nothing. Now if he got the order wrong...
"Lobster ravioli? And a Caesar salad, please," Drew called out, jumping the gun in his excitement over ordering one of his favorites and recieving a small kick in the shin from his dad for his rudeness at ordering before the ladies.
"Oops... sorry," he whispered, turning to Felicity with a lopsided smile on his face. He was pretty sure he'd be forgiven, but still knew he should apologize. "Are you ready?"
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Feb 24, 2009 23:59:47 GMT -5
Flashing a comfortable grin, Felicity wasn't sure why someone would sniff a bottlecap, but she assumed it was supposed to happen, even if Mr. Thornton hadn't done so himself. And a slight relief swept over her when Mrs. Thornton ordered first, though she knew she must have misheard the woman's order. Insulation of fungus? Whatever that was, it didn't sound appetizing in the least bit. At least she knew what her main course was supposed to be. And when Drew ordered, she listed to see if he'd give her any help with the ordering. Unfortunately, all she received was a smile, one that made her melt right there, but it didn't help her with ordering.
"May I have...pasta?" she asked very quietly, almost embarrassed by what she asked for. What kind of pasta? Sauce? Anything to go with it? She was sure something was coming, but she didn't really know what to actually order, and with the prices she'd paid attention to, well, she didn't feel right comfortable... "Just plain pasta, with...do have a white wine sauce?" Tomato sauce might be a tad too acidic for her nerves. If they didn't carry what she was hoping for, then she'd ask for another kind.
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