Chapter 6 Freckles

But before the family meeting, Daniel needed to ensure that his future wife passed "quality control." He was very aware that Deanna was not used to moving in the same environment as him, and although he cared little, he knew that his family would notice the smallest detail.

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

"Why do you not call her yourself?"

"Because I do not have her phone number."

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

"I did not think it was necessary. Call her for me and tell her I will pick her up at 8."

It was not the first time he had gone out to dinner with a woman, nor was it the first time he had picked one up at her house. However, as on the day he met her, Daniel again had this strange sensation in the pit of his stomach. But this time, since they would be going to a good restaurant, he decided to return to his usual three-piece suit. The waistcoat could never be missing from his suits, which made him stand out from the rest of the businessmen for his elegance.

Deanna had the dress that Laura had advised her to wear laid out on the bed. She observed it like someone looking at a painting in a museum and not understanding it. She liked it a lot, but it seemed too much for a dinner. Perhaps Laura misunderstood and assumed they would be going to the opera. In reality, the dress was simple, champagne-colored, and made of a light fabric. Of course, it met the criterion of being below the knees in length. Something classic.

She waited for him at the door of her building anxiously. She knew this was a preliminary to make sure her role as future wife was well-played. What would her grandmother say if she saw her so elegant? Deanna smiled. She was wearing a coat, and, thank God, the shoes were low. Little 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 gone to great lengths to find her clothes that fit well and were more elegant so she would blend in with the rest. But what he saw was more than the wardrobe; standing there was a woman who commanded presence.

"Deanna..."

"Hello, Daniel."

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

Dean had mentally prepared herself to try to patiently endure Daniel's assaults. She told herself that the best thing was not to respond with sarcasm to his abrupt comments and just let them pass. In a way, it was training for the year ahead of her; they could not spend it constantly arguing and disagreeing.

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

"Fine, and you?"

"Fine."

He did not know what else to say to her; he was usually a man of few words, but today the silence made him uncomfortable. So Deanna took the initiative to try to break the ice.

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

"That is right."

"What do you do?"

"I am the boss..." Stating the obvious and what everyone knew.

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

"I manage..."

Apparently, that approach was not 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 were more than sufficient. The awkwardness returned.

Deanna looked out the window; perhaps she should just relax and let things flow on their own. She was sure that at some point they would find something to talk about or they would spend the rest of the night in silence looking at each other's faces.

They finally arrived at the restaurant. It was definitely a place Deanna was not 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 eaten with one's hands.

While Daniel was requesting the reserved table, a member of the staff approached Deanna discreetly and spoke to her.

"Your coat, Miss..." Deanna did not immediately understand.

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

"If you follow me, I will show you to your table..." the maître d' told them.

But when Daniel turned around 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 did not show too much skin, but enough to make him catch his breath. Freckles, she had freckles on her back.

They walked to the table, and it did not escape his notice that more than one person stared at her. Some greeted him when he caught them looking, and others gave him knowing smiles. What unpleasant types. 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 looked around. The place was very beautiful and cozy, quiet.

"That dress..."

"Laura bought it. Is it not okay?"

"The back of that dress... is too much." There was the first complaint.

"I am sorry, I just followed her advice. I did not know what I should wear, I have never been to a place like this..."

"It is fine, the dress is pretty... but everyone looked at it."

"Are you saying they looked at me because I was wearing it?"

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

"Ah, okay..." That did not make any sense.

"Anyway, you should not wear those kinds of dresses that... show too much..." This was very uncomfortable.

"It is fine, I will not wear them anymore."

"I do not mean that, you can wear them, just do not do it when there are 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 would not find any more flaws in her outfit that night.

During dinner, they continued with a light conversation about her university studies and the plans she had when she graduated. They also commented on a few things about the upcoming family meeting, where it would be, and who would go. Daniel asked her if any member of her family would attend; Deanna lied to him, 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; of all days, they had to coincide in the same place today. Lynda was one of the daughters of a friend of his mother's, the one who had no problem with him having three children and who was more than willing to have a relationship with Daniel, whom he had rejected with all courtesy.

She could not resist and stopped at their table as she was leaving.

"Hello Daniel, how have you been?"

"Lynda."

"What a coincidence to find you here."

Deanna observed the interaction; apparently, Lynda was not interested in her presence. Daniel said nothing more, perhaps in an attempt for her to give up and leave. But Lynda had other ideas.