Freckles

But before the family meeting, Daniel needed to make sure his future wife passed "quality control." He was very aware that Deanna wasn't used to moving in his social circles, and although he cared little about that, he knew his family would notice the smallest detail.

So he talked to Harry and asked him to let Deanna know they'd be having dinner alone.

"Why don't you call her yourself?"

"Because I don't have her number."

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

"I didn't think it necessary. Call her for me and tell her I'll pick her up at 8."

It wasn't the first time he'd gone to dinner with a woman, nor the first time he'd picked one up at her home. However, like the day he met her, Daniel again had this strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. But this time, since they were going to a nice restaurant, he went back to his usual three-piece suit. The vest was always a must in his suits, which set him apart from other businessmen with his elegance.

Deanna had the dress Laura had advised her to wear laid out on the bed. She stared at it like someone looking at a museum painting they don't understand. She liked it a lot, but it seemed too much for dinner. Maybe Laura had misunderstood and thought they were going to the opera. Actually, the dress was simple, champagne-colored and made of light fabric. It did meet the criteria of falling below the knees. Something classic.

She waited anxiously at her building's entrance. She knew this was a preliminary test to ensure her role as future wife would be well played. What would her grandmother say if she saw her so elegant? Deanna smiled. She wore a coat and, thank God, low heels. Light makeup and her hair tied over her shoulder. Quite discreet.

Daniel parked the car and got out, surprised when he saw her. Laura had worked hard to find clothes that fit her well and were more elegant so she'd fit in with the rest. But what he saw was more than just the outfit - standing there was a woman who commanded presence.

"Deanna..."

"Hello Daniel."

"Shall we?" He approached the car and opened the door for her.

Dean had mentally prepared herself to try to endure Daniel's onslaughts with patience. She told herself it was better not to respond with sarcasm to his abrupt comments and just let them pass. In a way, it was training for the year ahead - they couldn't spend it in constant arguments and disagreements.

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

"Good, and you?"

"Good."

He didn't know what else to say; 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 in your family's business."

"That's right."

"What do you do?"

"I'm the boss..." Stating the obvious that everyone knew.

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

"I manage..."

Apparently that approach wasn't going to work. Daniel realized he was being very brief and curt, but had no idea how else to explain his job. His few words had always been direct and concise and were more than sufficient. The discomfort returned.

Deanna looked out the window, maybe she just needed to relax and let things flow naturally. She was sure they'd eventually find something to talk about or spend the rest of the night in silence staring at each other.

Finally, they arrived at the restaurant. It was definitely a place Deanna wasn't used to - very elegant, too elegant. She was getting nervous. How was she supposed to behave in a place like this? Although Laura had explained some etiquette, she was sure she'd make mistakes. She usually ate at a food stand near the university, and it was usually something you ate with your hands.

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

"Your coat, miss..." Deanna didn't understand right away.

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

"If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your table..." the maître d' said.

But when Daniel turned to follow, the first thing he saw was Deanna with her back almost bare down to her waist. The dress had a considerable opening that revealed her spine. It didn't 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 he didn't miss that more than one person stopped to look at her. Some greeted him when he caught them staring, others gave him knowing smiles. What unpleasant guys. The table was on the other side of the dining room, so practically all the diners had seen them pass.

Daniel ordered the wine list and chose for both. Deanna observed everything around her. The place was very beautiful and cozy, peaceful.

"That dress..."

"Laura bought it. Isn't it appropriate?"

"The back of that dress... it's too much." There was the first complaint.

"I'm sorry, I just followed her advice. I didn't know what to wear, I've never been to a place like this..."

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

"You're saying they looked because I'm wearing it."

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

"Ah, okay..." That made no sense.

"Anyway, you shouldn't wear that kind of dress that... shows too much..." This was very uncomfortable.

"Okay, I won't wear them anymore."

"I don't mean that, you can wear them, just don't do it when there are so many people."

When was she supposed to wear it then? 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 wouldn't find more faults with her outfit that night.

During dinner they continued with light conversation about her university studies and her plans after graduation. They also discussed some things about the upcoming family gathering, where it would be and who would attend. Daniel asked if any members of her family would attend; Deanna lied, telling him they lived too far away to come.

Fortunately, there were no more issues, until dessert arrived. He had already seen her sitting with her sister a few tables back - of course they had to run into each other here tonight. Lynda was one of his mother's friend's daughters, the one who had no problem with him having three children and was more than willing to have a relationship with Daniel, who had rejected her with all courtesy.

She couldn't resist stopping at their table on her way out.

"Hello Daniel, how have you been?"

"Lynda."

"What a coincidence running into you here."

Deanna observed the interaction; apparently Lynda wasn't interested in her presence. Daniel didn't say anything else, perhaps in an attempt to make her give up and leave. But Lynda had other ideas.