My Checklist!

Aubrianne Ivanov

I scrutinized Daniel for a good minute. He seemed genuine enough, and I didn't get any bad vibes or anything from him. I smile, tucking some hair behind my ear. I answered, "sure, I would love to visit and meet her sometime."

Though I was scared to trust my judgment, Ron thoroughly shattered that. But I will continue to keep a close eye on Daniel.

As a matter of fact, anyone that comes into my life from here on my guard will be up.

Now we have relaxed into friendly conversations, well, mostly me doing the questioning and Daniel answering.

Soon, we pulled into the parking lot of a picturesque diner, very modern and unique.

I glimpsed the sign as we walked into the diner, "Gloria's," stepping in, with Daniel getting the door for us, being ever the gentleman, we were welcomed by a middle age woman in her apron.

Grey eyes, hair in short dark curls, some falling in front of her forehead complementing her round face, she is short, about Five Feet Five Inches, and a bit plump.

"Good Evening, Daniel. Good to see you again. And who is this lovely young lady?" she asks cheerfully, emphasizing the words who, lovely, and lady.

"This is Ms. Aubrianne Ivanov, Ms. Gloria," Daniel introduces and gestures to me. "Aubrianne, this is Ms. Gloria, the owner of this fine establishment." He gestures towards the room and everything in it with a sweep of his hand and a massive grin.

"Aubrianne, such a lovely name, and pleasure to meet you, honey." Gloria complimented.

"Oh, so nice to meet you, thank you, and yes, indeed, Daniel," I smiled at her kind words and agreed with his assessment, glancing around.

"Would anyone ever want to leave"? I asked incredulously, "Yikes." Then I extended my hands, and she came right in for a hug as I said, smiling brightly, "this place is amazing. I love it. I simply adore it."

This place is even more captivating on the inside. I love the hidden meaning, it has a homey vibe, and I mean that literally. Each section is perfectly designed, with a couple of dining rooms and a living room area adjacent to that with comfy couches around a vast antique coffee table.

I looked over to another section. There are even kitchen counter setups with some high chairs, which are distinct. I had never seen anything like this before. I was familiar with places with refined décors, like where I used to work.

That club was tasteful and classy and did not attract low lives or scumbags, except for Ron, which was a sad disappointment, but I quelled that thought just as it came.

I had developed a habit. Whenever Ron pops into my mind, I immediately try to quash those thoughts. Any flashes of what happened that night cross my mind, and I do the same. I know eventually, I will need to deal with this, or I might explode.

Tossing it behind me, I continue with my musings.

This place is unique and different. A patio out back, I skim, almost straining my neck and slightly shifting in my stance, the tables are glass, and some I saw were dark mahogany wood, pictures hanging on the walls, I am assuming customers.

A fireplace, TV, I mean you name it, in each kitchen setup, there was a counter to the side with a flat-screen, smaller in size compared to the ones in the living area with the couch set and coffee table, and the color scheme was beige and dark mahogany,

Gloria says, "the kids never leave," and then laughs. Her laughter was full of warmth, "Oh, and please call me Gloria, "she told me while tapping Daniel on his hand, "you too, Daniel. How many times do I have to tell you?"

He fakes pain at her tap but smiles and says, "as many times as it takes."

She shook her head and harrumphed, one hand on her waist as she pointed the other at him, "Oh you....what will I do with you, eh….Come this way to one of our Settings."

I follow as Gloria leads the way, my eyes taking in everything as I go.

Every area is strategically staged, I am awed, and I am sure my excitement is evident. Sinking on one of the couches, l lean back, head resting on the little headrest.

I stretch my feet out before I cross them, my handbag clutches on my lap, and my eyes close just for a brief moment as I allow myself to relax.

I vaguely heard Gloria say, "let me get you, Dears, the menu," and scurried off.

After a minute or so, she emerged, and I was ready to place my order. "Here you go, and someone will be over to take your order." She smiled politely at us.

"OK, thank you," I said, reaching out to take the menu.

"Hope you guys enjoy the meal," Gloria beams, then leaves us to check out the menu.

Immediately, I started to peruse it while Daniel did the same to his.

At that moment, I decided on a Classic burger and fries with a soda, red soda.

Looking over at Daniel, I see he is deep in thought, eyebrows deeply furrowed, eyes slightly narrow as he studies the menu like it's an exam.

Even though I am almost sure he knew it by heart by now.

I took the time to scope out his features up close. He was indeed handsome, with thick eyebrows, a straight nose, low hair cut and marked to perfection, a little mustache, and short facial hair.

A beard trimmed neatly with not much growing out, a strong jaw, and you could get lost in those beautiful baby blue eyes.

Eventually, looking up from his intense study of the menu, he caught me staring. One eyebrow rose with a smirk on his face, and I blushed a bit at being caught but answered his unasked question, "you do know you are a handsome dude, right?"

I paused, then added, "sure, you'd make some young lady happy one day...I mean, if you are not already doing that."

With a one-sided smile, head slightly tilted, he said, "yeah? You think so?"

"Yes, I do. Although looks are not all it takes, it's a welcome bonus," I said, answering honestly.

With a determined look, he asks, "All it takes for what might I ask?"

"You know, to make some young lady happy, when checking things off a checklist, looks is hardly the only thing."

"Oh, OK, I see, so you have a checklist?" Daniel asked with interest and changed the positioning of his feet.

Oh my god, what in the world? Aubrianne, where was this conversation heading?

With a smile, I said, "OK, OK, let's not get carried away," I paused, shaking my head and palm my face in embarrassment. Well, more like feeling awkward.

I didn't want to go down that road right now with anyone. Though I do not know what Daniel's intentions are. Whether or not he was interested in my checklist for himself or he was simply making conversation.

I prayed for the latter when he said, with a knowing look like he understood maybe I did not want to talk about my potential dating checklist, "Touchy subject, huh?"

"Not really, it is just I am not even in that frame of mind right now to even think about my checklist."

His expression changes to one of understanding, and he offers a small smile.

"So, have you decided what to order yet, and where is that waiter?" I asked the latter, looking around.

"He will be here soon," Daniel answered my last question, then told me he decided to have the Triple Classic Burger, extra cheese with onion rings, and fries with a milkshake. Lovely, I am getting the Classic Burger and fries...

Soon enough, a male waiter slid in smoothly, "Good Evening, Sir," he looked at Daniel, "Miss," he then looked at me, "I am Miguel, and I am here to take your order for takeout. What will you be having?"

Pen and notepad in hand and still looking at me, he waits for my response, and I answer, telling him what I am having. Then I told him what Daniel was having before he could turn towards Daniel.

"Anything else?" He asks.

"No, that's it. Also, how long would it take?" I inquired.

"Five to ten minutes tops," Miguel replied.

"OK, wonderful, and thank you, oh, and can I have a glass of room temperature water, please?" Suddenly feeling parched.

"Sure, I will put in your orders and be right back with your drink..."

"And please bring me a beer," Daniel interjected.

Miguel nodded, "of course, Sir," spun on his heel and went towards what I believed to be the actual kitchen area where the cooking and preparation of meals occur.