"I shouldn't be playing all my cards from the start, you know."
Cassie chuckled at Dane's response and nodded affirmatively.
Nonetheless, she was surprised that Dane would bring her to his third favourite place and not his favourite.
She couldn't help but wonder what Dane hoped to achieve by this.
He didn't think her worthy enough, or he was just taking baby steps?
Cassie smiled and pushed the thoughts at the back of her mind, not allowing it to destroy the moment.
Indeed, what Dane did was a double-edged sword.
It was either it worked or it didn't.
He hoped it was the former.
Dane had no intentions of looking down on Cassie whatsoever but he simply believed that if he started from the best for just a first date... what else would be left to show her at the second, third and fourth date if they get there?
Cassie removed her helmet and handed it back to Dane, who locked it on the handle of his bike next to his.
Dane gave her his hand and she took it as he led into the place.
They entered and Cassie observed the scenery.
It was not bad but it wasn't the best either.
She had been to far better places than this.
However, she didn't mind.
After all, she wanted to spend time with the person who brought her here and not the place.
Regardless, it was a shame that Cassie did not get to visit him as they planned.
She didn't mind though if it were to happen later.
Dane picked out a seat at one corner of the place, pulling the chair back for Cassie to sit down and then moving around her to sit beside her.
Before that, Dane had signalled one of the waitresses on duty to come over.
Cassie took out her phone and scanned the code on the object that the waitress had only just dropped at the centre of their table.
It was the menu code.
In an instant, the menu of the place unfurled on her screen and she simply scrolled, looking to see what she could pick.
Some of the things they offered, Cassie recognised them.
Some others, she had never had before.
She didn't want to get her hopes up and expect the best from them when she obviously knew that they wouldn't meet the standard she was familiar with.
After giving it a thought, Cassie decided to try out an entirely new thing that she hadn't had in the past.
She clicked on it and filled in the necessary things she wanted on her plate before hitting send.
"Thank you," Cassie said.
The waitress smiled at her. "You are welcome."
Dane merely gave her a nod and then she left them to be.
Instead of the generic opposite seat, Dane decided to sit beside Cassie.
As they waited for their orders to come, they talked and made jokes, laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Dane kept the conversation rather casual and superficial at this moment.
He was not desperate to go deep but Cassie, on the other hand, wanted to know more things about her date than he did her.
Dane was still careful to reveal little to almost nothing of significance to her.
No matter how much she might like him, she was still a Grey.
Dane could not afford to trust her and let his guard down.
As far as he was concerned, getting with Cassie was only a means to an end for him.
If she could get to Cassie and then to Layla, she could finally punish the Greys for what they did to him.
If only Cassie knew the thought processes of Dane Morgans, she would have left the place immediately.
Unfortunately, her infatuation wouldn't allow her to see through it.
She was all smiles as they chatted and soon, their orders arrived.
They ate and talked less, even exchanging delicacies at one point because Cassie was curious about what Dane ordered.
It looked more beautiful and tastier than hers and she believed Dane knew the best things on the menu since this place was his spot.
Dane didn't mind sharing his with hers.
Time passed by quickly and soon it was some minutes past 5 o'clock in the evening.
Cassie didn't realise this until Dane spoke up.
"Where would you want me to drop you off?" he asked.
This question came as a shock to Cassie and it was then that she glanced at her watch.
"Shoot! It's past 5 already!"
She couldn't believe it, and her face was slightly saddened since it meant that their little fun time was at its end.
Cassie then clicked her phone for a bit before answering Dane.
"At the office. I already told the driver to pick me up there."
Dane nodded and took a sip from his wine.
"You wish is my command," he joked, placing his hand on his chest and lowering his head like knights did in the past before their kings and queens.
Dane waved at the waitress from earlier and she came quickly, holding the payment machine in her hands.
Per her job, she already knew why she was summoned.
The bills had been calculated digitally and she had access to it just like Dane and Cassie did.
"Here, sir," she said, handing the machine over to Dane.
Dane gave the machine a brief examination as if making a prayer in his heart.
Only he understood the conflict he was facing right now and he hoped it turned out favourably.
If it didn't and the odds were against him, Dane was going to be broke for the entire month.
He slotted his card in, and in an instant, the payment was made.
The total bill cost about $400 with some little fractions.
The waitress curtsied, thanked them for their patronage and wished them a happy evening.
Dane, on the other hand, received nothing but the debit alert from the transfer.
He was officially broke now, having only $600 to his name.
He hid his frustration for Cassie to not notice as the two of them left the place.
Dane hoped and prayed but yet, the miracle he prayed for was not happening.