Perfect was all she could see. No flaws were shown and even if anyone was to approach her, they would have thought she had it all together, which was all a lie.
The night was hers, and she would have to make sure she got what she wanted.
Jessie Walker arrived at the Marcellus restaurant around 8:00 pm. She was welcomed by the waiter as she was taken to the seat she had reserved. Jessie was this type of woman who loved beautiful views and things. She had picked a table near the window on the top floor. From the review she read about the restaurant, it was beautiful to watch the streets at night.
She couldn't stop smiling. She imagines different types of scenarios in her head about how Mark would react when she tells him what she wants. She had hoped he would accept her for who she was and agree to support her dreams too. "Never be afraid to lose a man." Those words of Taylor's kept ringing in her head.
She felt suffocated. What if Mark changed his mind about marrying her if she spilled those words out? She can't back down now. She had to be her own woman just the way Taylor was. She opened her purse and picked out her red lipstick. She removed the small mirror and flipped it open to reapply her lipstick. She jammed her lips together slowly as she looked in the mirror to check if it was perfect. She placed both elegant kits inside her purse.
Jessie adjusted herself in the chair and presented herself politely as she saw Mark walking toward her. She worked up a smile that showed all her white teeth.
"Sorry, I'm late. I was caught up with work." Mark took his seat.
"It's all right," Jessie said, still smiling.
Mark noticed she looked different from other days. "Is that a new dress? I have never seen you wear those before."
Jessie nodded slowly. "It was meant for my singing on Friday."
"You look beautiful tonight. No... Don't get me wrong. You have always looked beautiful, but tonight, you look Perfect." Just a word Jessie was waiting for him to say, and he said it.
"Thank you, Hun. Should I order it for you?" Jessie looked at the menu in front of her.
Mark picked up his menu and looked at the food that was exhibited there.
Jessie watched as he traced his hands on them. She couldn't spoil the dinner. It was meant to be a happy day for both of them. She would have to pop the question when they are done eating. What she had learned about being perfect was to stay perfect, and that included eating. No talking while you eat. That was one of "THE PERFECT." rules. Eat elegantly so people will notice the way you do your things. Walk elegantly without slouching so bigger people would approach you and, lastly, never show your flaws. Always make them stay hidden because that is where they belong when you are perfect!
Mark waved to the waiter standing two feet behind them. "I will take this and this." He pointed.
"Is that all?" The waiter asked, and he nodded. Jessie placed her order too and watched the waiter walk away from them. Mark adjusted his tie and sat elegantly on the chair. He used his eyes to search around the room. "You picked a nice place," he said.
"I saw in the review that this place is the best place to sit. I know you don't like the height thing. That is why I picked this chair. Near the window. Isn't it perfect?" She asked as she showed her teeth again. Mark nodded.
"Perfect indeed, soon to be Mrs. Anderson." Jessie blushed when he said those words. Mrs. Anderson sounded right in her ears. Imagine people calling her that. A girl who grew up in a slum finally has to be treated like someone who matters.
"Thank you, Mr. Anderson." She blushed again as she looked at him. He smiled back, and both of them could feel the spark that went around them. It was unavoidable.
Silence.
Mark cleared his throat as the waiter gently dropped his food on the table. Jessie thanked the waiter and watched him walk away. She adjusted the napkin on her lap and smiled at Mark again. She glared at his food. He had ordered a tuna poke bowl and a balsamic chicken with a spinach salad. She ordered a sausage and shrimp gumbo, creamy chard, and mushroom stroganoff.
She wanted to talk when she saw the tuna on his plate, but kept quiet instead. She has to be perfect while she eats. Mark doesn't like tuna. He had never liked tuna, but what changed today? He was eating them.
"Won't you eat?" Mark broke her thoughts. He met her gaze and realised she was staring at him.
"Uh?" It looked like her mind was gone again.
"You haven't touched your food, Jess. It looks good to me." She gave a small smile and then focused on her food. She picked up her spoon and attacked the creamy chard first, then later went to the mushroom stroganoff. Mark used a fork to eat his tuna. That would be a question to ask after they are done eating.