Armitage Avenue was a bustle of activity as Zea and her husband headed towards their destination.  It seemed that everyone in Chicago was out today.  It was an uncharacteristically warm day for November and the slight breeze made it rather pleasant to be outside.  Her stomach wrenched in nervousness – feeling the tumultuous flight of butterflies. They were off to meet a friend and his son for dinner. With each step her anticipation mounted – her eagerness doubling. She did her best to maintain the conversation about the sights with her husband, but her mind was distracted.

Rios D’Sudamerica, the restaurant that was the evening’s destination, was just a few blocks away.  Zea had insisted on walking in hopes of wearing off some of the nervousness she felt and in hopes of distracting her mind from the idea that she was about to meet her online lover for the first time… and with her husband at her side no less.  She had looked forward to this day ever since it had been agreed to.  She was nervous – hoping she looked alright in the little black dress she wore.  She had chosen it specifically knowing that Riley was a leg man and he’d get to see plenty of leg from where the skirt ended and the strap of her heels began.  The day had even warranted itself as a special occasion and Zea had taken the time to put on make-up and fix her hair.  She desired to stir a reaction in Riley even though she knew the meeting must remain casual and friendly with no hint of the underlying feelings.

Her shoes clicked lightly along the sidewalk as her heart began to beat harder in anticipation.  They were almost there.  How will he react to me? She wondered.  How will I react to him?  Will Levi pick up on the meaning of my gaze?  Oh… this could be disastrous. She swallowed back her fear and commented on the architecture of a building across the street that caught her attention.  Yet her mind continued to focus on the meeting that would take place in only moments as the two arrived at the wood framed glass doors.  The red tile wall framing the doors made the restaurant seem even more inviting.  As Levi opened the door, Zea scanned the waiting area for any sign of Riley.  When she did not see him there, her eyes scanned past the man who had started to greet them.  She blushed when she caught sight of Riley.  He was sitting with his son at a table for four near the stone walled bar. 

They were seated on the side facing the door.  I wonder if he planned that so he could watch for me walking in… I know that’s what I would have done had we gotten here first.  Just the quick glance she had taken before averting her eyes had caused her heart to beat faster. We’re in the same room… We are finally in the same room!  She focused long enough to hear the tail end of her husband explaining to the greeter that they were meeting a party.  She smiled and nodded before the man escorted them towards the table.  Her eyes had returned their gaze to Riley’s and Zea kept her eyes locked on his features – not wanting to miss a detail, not wanting to look away.  She was grateful that her feet didn’t take this opportunity to trip her up.  He was smiling and his dimpled grin made her heart skip a beat, but the thing that