Merle

The afternoon sun spread its warmth on Honey's face and arms as it started to die down in the West. The light's reflection shimmered down her sleek black dress in a elegantly formal attire that she only ever dreamed of wearing once long ago. The dress she wore complimented her heels and bright red lipstick, her golden hair held up in diamond pins to match her earrings. The lightheaded feelings she was experiencing did not ease the butterflies in her stomach when she took a step forth onto her front porch to meet her date.

It was a beautiful day and will soon be an even more beautiful night as Honey was as prepped as she'll ever be for her first date with Dhar. Dhar Acharya was the most romantic infantryman that Honey Smith ever met in the Army. Honey was a medic, and a "damn good one" was what Dhar had said the first time they met- in the medical tent when he had broken his arm. That was about three months ago. Now, his arm was fully functional and out of a sling; holding open the front passenger door of a silver 350Z.

A smile played on his lips with a mischievous twinkle in his eye before a compliment on her looks. "Hello, beautiful, you look lovely." Dhar was just as handsome in a pair of slacks, white shirt, matching jacket and tie as he was in uniform. His black hair curled up in moist ringlets, adding to his charm. "Thank you, handsome," Honey replied in earnest and confidence. She sat down and noticed a single red rose on the dashboard.

She picked up the rose for a smell as Dhar himself was coming around to drive them to dinner. "This is beautiful, is it for me?"

"It is. Of course, nothing is as beautiful as you, though." Honey blushed and looked out her window to see the summer green. Dhar wouldn't tell her where they were headed. It was a surprise. Honey hated surprises, but she trusted her date just this once.

A half an hour later, Dhar pulled up to one of the most expensive restaurants Honey has ever been. Water fountains, tiled floors and glass doors boasted its luxury. A reservation was set at least three months prior- meaning Dhar had to plan well in advance- which made Honey even more surprised.

The maître d seated them upon arrival and started them off with a bottle of wine. "Merlot from Pride Mountain, 2018. Tonight's special is Mongolian beef with green onions, Grecian salad as a starter with simple carrot-ginger soup. For dessert we have Amaretto gelato with dark chocolate."

"Oh, all of that sounds lovely," Honey smiled and waited for Dhar's opinion. As if reading her mind Dhar looked up to the waiter and ordered all of the recommendations. Glasses were poured with the shade of the deepest red. One sip and Honey could definitely taste the richest flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. "If you like the wine I can order another bottle," Dhar offered wholeheartedly.

"Of course, but I wouldn't want to be full on wine before everything else."

"I want to take you somewhere else after this," Dhar took a sip of his own merlot nonchalantly. As if this whole date wasn't enough for the both of them already. Honey was indeed curious about what could possibly happen after this, and agreed once the meals arrived.

The food was ABSOLUTELY delicious. The salad was tossed extremely well; the soup so warm and creamy; the beef cooked to perfection. Whatever Dhar spent was well worth the wallet and the wait. Honey offered to cover the tip but Dhar refused for her to pay anything above a penny. After the bill was paid (Dhar refused to tell her how much or if he needed any assistance), the two left for the "other surprise."

A shorter drive took them up a hill and as Dhar placed the car in park, Honey noticed that they could see the whole city skyline. "Oh wow..." was all she could muster. The sun had disappeared less than an hour ago and the lights were coming on throughout in small sections. The two stayed silent for a long while as the whole city finally lit up in its golden glory against the pale dark blue of the night. Dhar left his car on for the air conditioning and Honey would catch glimpses of him. They would continue to glance at each others way and smile when they finally locked eyes. It was a game they both played ever since they met that fateful day.

The silence they had wasn't ever awkward. It was a language they were familiar with and knew very well. Dhar leaned towards his center console to get comfortable on his arm. Honey shrugged and ended up leaning on him, resting her head on his shoulder. The city glistened and flickered- like multiple stars from the night sky had swarmed and congregated in a single spot on Earth. A few more hours had passed until Honey knew it was starting to get late. She didn't want to ruin any moment but plans were made the next day to see her sister for brunch. Dhar drove her home at this request.

When the car was parked at the front of the house again, Dhar made sure to turn off the car and open the passenger door for Honey. He walked her right where he found her. "Tonight was absolutely wonderful, Dhar. Thank you so very much." Honey took a house key hidden in the knot of her hair. Dhar held her rose and waited for the click of an unlock. "It was likewise a pleasure. I hope we can do this again. Sometime real soon?"

"You know where to find me." Honey took back the rose and held it close. The moment she was waiting for felt like hours, but would only last a few seconds. Dhar was turning to leave when she placed a quick hand on his shoulder. The kiss caught him by surprise as he didn't know if he should lean back or forward. Honey's porch had stairs. The taste of Merlot wine still lingered on her breath. When the kiss was over Honey gave him the sweetest smile and shut the door. The air turned a bit chillier than Dhar had expected. She was there, then she was gone.

Confounded, Dhar couldn't help but smile like a goofball. He walked to his car with a gait as slow as his thought processes. He had no idea Honey was watching him from the living room window, not even believing the response of her own actions. The two couldn't wait until next time, and maybe the next time after next.