To win the wounded heart (closed)

[Asa]

No it's okay. I love Japanese saki.

She smiled to him.

 

[stringersburner]

"Great, then it's a d-- I'll meet you outside after work," Steven said, catching himself from saying date. The day was excruciatingly long. The only thing keeping him from worrying was work. Quitting time finally came but before he could meet up with Lena she went to the ladies room with Brynlee right behind her. Shrugging, Steven went outside waiting by the door. He thought he saw the same car from a couple of days ago but laid it no mind. How could he worry about that when he was taking this gorgeous older woman out?

 

[Asa]

She smiled a little walking out of the employee gate and nodding to Steven.

So... Let's go.

 

[stringersburner]

Walking down the street the two talked about work and the Sinclair assignment. Steven still blown away he was talking to such beautiful woman. A couple blocks down he stopped in front of a small, inconspicuous door. A hand made sign hanging above simply reading Tokyo Nights. Music pulsating faintly behind the door.

"This is it?" Asked Lena, a bit confused.

"I'm telling you, it's a great little place," Steven said holding the door open. It was like night and day entering the resteraunt. Surprisingly big it featured a nice looking bar, several booths and a crowd surrounding a lively karaoke stage. Leading Lena by the hand to a booth he ordered a bottle of sake.

"Cheers," Steven smiled before downing the warm alcohol.

 

[Asa]

She was pleasantly surprised by the place but it seemed nice enough. The high backed booths offering some separation from the karaoke.

I like it.

She drank her saki and smiled sitting back a little relaxing. Lucky for her she had always fallen on the side of Saki not getting her drunk and found it a relaxing drink because of it.

 

[stringersburner]

"So, what's your story?" Steven asked between sips. "Surely someone as beautiful as you didn't plan on working at a shipping company," Steven said trying to sound as confident as possible.

 

[Asa]

Didn't plan on a lot of things. Working for the company is fine. It gets me away from Northshore and money of my own after as I am sure one of the two big mouths have told you a messy divorce from what turned out not to be prince charming.

She shrugged

What about you?

 

[stringersburner]

"Came to the job after dropping out of college. Had a scholarship but left after a bad breakup. Not my smartesr move and have been saving up to go back ever since," he explained. "As for your divorce, Mr. Davis says it's messy but that's about it. And I figure if your ex is dumb enough to hurt you, that's all I really need to know."

 

[Asa]

I am sure you will get back to college you seem very driven.

She looked down at the saki at the words messy and hurt

Mr Davis has a remarkable gift for understatement.

 

[stringersburner]

"I figure if you ever want to tell me you will. Last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable," Steven said trying to comfort his co-worker. Silence fell between the two for the first time since arriving at the resteraunt. Suddenly he noticed that a karaoke singer had chosen Etta James's "At Last." Any idea hit the young man.

"I love this song," Steven said trying to break the tension. Getting out of the booth he extended his hand to Lena, "I know it's corny but may I have this dance?"

 

[Asa]

She laughed.

Dance to a karaoke singer... Okay

Standing she took his hand.

 

[stringersburner]

Standing next to the booth Steven put his hands on her hips and as they swayed. The first time the two had slow danced in forever. Steven was going to go for a kiss when the two hear applause. Looking around they realized they had an audience.

"We should probably go before they ask for an encore," he said dropping off money for the tab.

 

[Asa]

Yeah... Let's go.

She was blushing realizing the attention they had drawn.

 

[stringersburner]

Walking back to the office the two laughed at what a ridiculous scene they made. Entering the parking lot they reached Lena's car first.

"Here's your stop. I hope you had a good time," he nervously said with a smile.

'Do I kiss her? How would she react? I can't screw this up Steven thought to himself.

 

[Asa]

She smiled and patted his arm.

I had fun... Though maybe no more dancing to karaoke.

 

[stringersburner]

"I'll keep that in mind next time I take you out," Steven laughed. Feeling her hand on his shoulder Steven leaned in and kissed Lena on the lips. More a quick peck than a passionate kiss he pulled back waiting to see how she reacts

 

[Asa]

She took a half step back stunned. Lips parted to speak but no words formed. Her eyes searching his for any reason why he would have kissed her.

 

[stringersburner]

"I'm so sorry," Steven said suddenly embarassed. "I just thought we were having a good time and you seemed really happy and looked as amazing as you always do and.... I shouldn't have done that," he tried to explain.

 

[Asa]

I... I.. don't know what to say...

She tried to smile.

Today was fun yes... Just not used to...

Words were escaping her and all she could do was hope he understood that he didn't do anything wrong it just startled her.

 

[stringersburner]

"Its okay. Last thing I want is for you to be uncomfortable. I'd still love to take you out again. And we can move at your pace," Steven said with a sheepish smile.

 

[Asa]

She bit her lip but nodded and smiled.

Okay... Yeah I... I would like that.

 

[stringersburner]

"Great!" Steven said ecstatically, stopping himself from overreacting and hugging Lena. "I'm ready whenever you are. We can discuss it tomorrow at lunch, or you can text me or whatever works,," he said before excitedly. Opening her door for her he waved as Lena drove away ready for whatever comes next.

 

[Asa]

The drive home she couldn't believe she had agreed to a date. Not that he wasn't sweet or attractive but she had not expected to be able to want something like that after her divorce. It was a little scary but she did want them to do this again.

 

[stringersburner]

As the week went by this two were getting noticeably closer. Lena and Steven would laugh at each other jokes a little more and focus a bit more on each other during lunch. Every now her ex husband would text Lena but Steven knew to give her some space when this happened. Time seemed to fly by and their next date came quicker than ever.

 

[Asa]

She tried not letting his texts scare her but sometimes they did seem a little threatening but she never let on about them and enjoyed the calm and happiness with Steven.