A M E R I C A
I keep pacing back and forth thinking if what I am going to do is fine.
It's just dinner.
I got myself ready for my dinner with Zion which will be in thirty minutes.
I don't know why I allowed myself to have dinner with him but then I guess there's nothing wrong going out with a guy on a friendly dinner. We're just two friends going out to have something to eat. Damn, it has been making me anxious since a while ago because I have been in a relationship for four years so I was never used to having dinner alone with a man other than Charles. I usually go out in with my group of friends and coworkers but never alone with a man.
I reminded myself that it was okay to have dinner with an opposite sex because I was single and I am not stepping onto some boundaries. Also, I don't like Zion emotionally, but I guess I didn't want to be alone while having dinner tonight. I didn't really want to think that he asked me out for date because I didn't want to be awkward worrying about it tonight and I didn't really want to think it that way too.
ZION: Hi Merry. Can we just meet up at Trattola? I'm so sorry, the others have left the beach house to have dinner somewhere and my motorbike's not working right now. I've reserved a table under my name. See ya!
MERRY: Hey! No worries. I'll see you there.
Since Trattola was just nearby my hotel, I decided to walk it. When I reached the restaurant, I was led to the table under Zion's name and waited for him to arrive. Trattola was another Italian restaurant but had a very beach vibe in it. I guess live performers were a popular thing on this island since there was an acoustic guitar and a grand piano where even guests were allowed to play it.
"Merry?"
I looked up to my side and found green eyes staring at me. It was Harry, with his luscious curls down while he wears a plain white shirt just like me, gray jogging pants and black Adidas slip-ons.
"Harry." I say his name breathlessly, not expecting him to be here.
"What are you doing here?" We asked in unison to which we both laughed softly under our breaths.
He gestures his hand, "You first."
"Zion asked me to have dinner with him." I answer.
His brows creasing. "That's funny because Zion also asked me to see him here."
I looked around and felt embarrassed finding Harry here when I specifically told him that I didn't want to see Harry just yet. What the hell did Zion do? I travelled my eyes back at Harry who is now shaking his head sideways while he was staring at his phone, "We fell into Zion's trap." He tells me.
I look at him confusedly, "What do you mean?"
"He tricked you into coming here. He tricked me into coming here that I will be seeing him."
I paused as I stare at the table, "But why would he do that?"
"Because he knew something was off before we left Pacific Beach." He answers.
I pressed my lips together as I kept my head down low.
"Can I sit with you?" Harry asks.
I nod, "Of course."
Harry takes the seat right across me while the waiter comes to our table bringing menus. We started ordering dinner and I decided to stay because I was hungry and Zion did all this so Harry and I can talk. Now it makes sense, no wonder he came to my hotel earlier, because he wanted to know what was wrong. Harry ordered fettuccine with tomato sauce with parsley and a bottle of red wine while I ordered linguine with chicken strips and pesto sauce. The waiter finally left which leaves an airy gap between me and Harry.
"Zion should have told me he set up a date because I should have worn something better if I knew it was you. I can't believe I wore jogging pants on this dinner." Harry says funnily that makes me laugh.
He shakes his head, "Isn't it like a big no no when you go on a date with someone?"
I smile shyly since he think of this as a date. I remained silent as he now acts his usually jolly self but I didn't know how to approach him about what happened last night in Pacific Beach.
"Merry I'm sorry." Harry finally says before he breathes.
I look up to him and he was looking intently at my eyes, "I know I kind of pushed you away when you complimented me about my talent and I think I went a little too far when I didn't talk to you."
"You were childish."
"I know. I'm just not used to allowing people in my life. I don't really like how people used to…. think low about me because of my…" He trailed off and I know there's something he does not want people to know and I am so curious what it is.
I cocked my head to the side, "What happened to walls down and just enjoy the ride because you'll miss the fun if you're uptight? Where did that all go?"
Harry smiles. "It's different, Merry."
"It's like surfing, if you won't stand on your feet, you will never know the feeling of thrill and excitement riding the wave, big or small." I reminded him.
He didn't answer.
"If you're too scared to dip your feet into the waters, you will never know how shallow or deep it is. You will never know how warm the water feels like or how cold." I added as I look at him intently.
Harry breathes heavily as he stares at his plate.
"You don't have to tell me." I tell him and smiled as soon as he stares back into my face. "I mean, who am I to know about it? You didn't even tell your friends, what more if it's me?"
"Merry it isn't like that."
"I know. It must be something personal and I'm so sorry if I keep on insisting it."
He shakes his head, "You don't have to apologize. I am the one who is at fault. I'm sorry for treating you that way, I was just pissed because it reminded me of someone I didn't want to be."
"You hate music." I say.
He nods.
"But you don't know how talented you are." I added.
"I don't like being reminded by things that made me turn away from music." He answers.
I breathe heavily as I try to hide a smile, "I'll drop the topic if it isn't something you want to talk about. I just wish you can be more proud of your talent. I just want you to know that you can trust me because how can I trust you when I know nothing about you but just Harry who surfs."
He sighs, "You might think I am selfish."
"We all have personal things going on so I can't blame you why you're being like this."
Harry suddenly stands from his chair and walks to the small stage in front of the crowd which surprises me and the other customers. He pulled out his phone and placed it over the music sheet holder before he grabs a guitar which was attached to the speaker. He strums the guitar to check if it works and it echoed throughout the entire restaurant. Everyone's attention were on the curly haired man sitting on the tall stool while he fixes the microphone stand before turning on the mic.
"Good evening." Harry greets. He stares at me and I was left here in shock, he is not planning to sing in front of these people, is he? I didn't even know he can also play the guitar.