Bab 77: Dinner
"Let me touch base with her; she tends to have long stretches of free time once she's available. It's just the way her work goes, you know. You might not..."
Chris began to ramble on, but a single, meaningful glance from Adrian was all it took to silence him.
Adrian waited patiently while Chris made the call, unsure of who he was reaching out to or if she could even handle his request.
However, Adrian understood the significance of this situation and believed that if she agreed to arrange a meeting, she likely possessed some knowledge regarding the enigmatic tattoo gracing the center of his palm.
After wrapping up his call, Chris turned to Adrian with a relaxed demeanor and said, "She's available tomorrow, so we're all set for that. Just give me a heads up when you're free and ready."
"Are we headed somewhere different?" Adrian inquired, wanting to confirm the plan, especially since there was a child at home relying on him to ensure their groceries were taken care of during his potential prolonged absence.
Chris pondered for a moment before responding, "Well, it's a bit uncertain, but it's better to be ready just in case. Why do you ask, though? Got a special someone in your life?" He teased, only to be met with Adrian's silent dismissal as he rose from his seat and made his exit.
On his way home, Adrian made a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up essential items that Emilie might require during his potential absence.
While he was confident that Selena could look after her if needed, he preferred not to burden her. This was merely a precautionary measure, as he hoped to return the same day.
Adrian soon arrived home with a multitude of grocery bags, which piqued Emilie's curiosity as she eagerly sifted through them in search of her favorite treat—her beloved chips.
"Let me at least set them down first. You were enjoying your chips when I left," Adrian remarked as he entered the house, placing the bags in the kitchen.
Emilie tore open another bag of chips and gave Adrian a look. "You don't have to fib, you know. I was fast asleep when you left," she said, sauntering into the living room, paying no mind to his response.
Adrian shook his head with an amused smile, still unsure how to handle Emilie's antics.
"Hey, I'll be going out with Chris for a few days. If you're not comfortable here, you can always reach out to Selena; she should be able to help," he said while organizing the groceries in the cupboards.
Not receiving a response from Emilie, Adrian decided not to press the issue further, understanding that they had recently returned from the dream realm and should be taking time to rest or enjoy their days.
However, he couldn't ignore this matter any longer and felt compelled to go on this journey.
While contemplating his situation, it suddenly occurred to Adrian, and he decided to ask Emilie,
"Hey, Emilie, would you like to join me for dinner with Alan tonight? It could be a lot of fun. He has a young daughter, and you might enjoy some time with her."
He teased, fully aware that Emilie had a unique disposition and couldn't interact with ordinary humans, let alone children.
Emilie simply nodded in response, continuing to munch on her chips. Adrian could discern the improvement in her mood as her legs swung back and forth like a pendulum.
Seeing her like this, Adrian offered a small smile before heading to his room. He wanted to contact Alan in advance, understanding that adults usually prefer not to be surprised and knowing the importance of work schedules.
He intended to ensure that Alan would be home when they visited for dinner.
After receiving confirmation from Alan during their call, Adrian lay down on his bed, contemplating the direction his life was taking.
Would it return to his regular detective work, or should he consider venturing into the dream realm more frequently with Emilie? As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Adrian gradually drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
20:00
Emilie and Adrian stepped out of the cab in front of a charming, small house that exuded warmth and coziness, which felt particularly inviting in the midst of winter.
Emilie donned an enchanting outfit that highlighted her youthful elegance. Her striking silver hair and deep, entrancing blue eyes bestowed upon her an air of grace that belied her age.
Emilie wore a stunning winter ensemble that effortlessly combined warmth and style. Her outfit included a knee-length silver-gray coat crafted from plush, soft fabric, embellished with intricate, snowflake-inspired embroidery that sparkled in the gentle evening glow.
Tied at the waist with a coordinating satin sash, the coat elegantly emphasized her slender figure.
Underneath the coat, she sported a rich sapphire-blue dress that brought a regal touch to her overall look. The dress boasted a high collar, long sleeves, and intricate lace patterns gracing the bodice and cuffs, perfectly harmonizing with the captivating hue of her azure eyes.
Her choice of footwear struck the balance between practicality and style. Embracing knee-high, black leather boots, she ensured both comfort and warmth for her venture into the chilly winter night.
Her silver hair cascaded in soft waves, gracefully framing her youthful face with an air of natural elegance.
Emilie's outfit not only provided protection against the cold but also accentuated her youthful allure and the captivating aura that surrounded her at all times.
Her enchanting appearance was a testament to her maturity well beyond her years, a mysterious fusion of innocence and wisdom that rendered her a captivating presence in any environment.
In contrast, Adrian emanated a refined air of sophistication and a dash of enigmatic charm. Clad in a sleek, all-black suit, he presented a striking and distinguished figure as he readied himself for the evening ahead.
Adrian donned a meticulously tailored black suit, featuring a precisely fitted jacket and coordinating trousers. The fabric of the suit possessed a subtle sheen, lending a refined touch to his overall look.
The sharp, clean lines of the suit accentuated his physique, bestowing upon him an aura of poised and confident elegance.
Adrian's black hair was impeccably styled, and his striking eyes were a notable feature. His irises resembled deep abysses, harboring a subtle gray hue that heightened the enigmatic allure that enveloped him.
He presented an aura of sophistication and enigma, a man of intrigue and refinement. The all-black suit, combined with his distinctive eyes and impeccably groomed look, served as a testament to his poised and self-assured demeanor, making him the ideal guest for the dinner at Alan's house.
"Are we perhaps a bit too early?" Emilie inquired, feeling a touch out of her element in her formal attire, which was a departure from her usual style.
Adrian couldn't help but chuckle as he detected Emilie's nervousness in her voice. "He's practically family. You don't need to worry too much. Just be yourself and treat him as you would Selena," he reassured her with a warm smile.
With Adrian's reassuring words, they made their way to the front door, and he rang the bell, ready to be welcomed into Alan's home.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
samandridaku
samandridaku Amidst the twilight's gentle grace,
A table set, a warm embrace.
Dinner's bounty, a feast for the soul,
Where stories are shared, hearts made whole.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone