Damn, they're right when they say a little effort goes a long way! Cassie looked at her outfit in her full body mirror, gazing upon her figure. She giggled and spun a bit in the skirt she was pawned by her mother, though she didn’t like how tight her top was, she wasn’t going to change as every other top bothered her to look at. She smiled and pulled her hair up in a high ponytail.

“Oh…” She turned around and found a small black ribbon. Using that, she tied it around the base of her ponytail. She was happy with the final product and checked her phone to see the time. “I have ten minutes before I’m supposed to meet Ankara.” She let out a small sigh before finding her flats and heading out of her apartment.

Thankfully, where they were meeting was close by so Cassie didn’t have to worry about being killed in the middle of the night or something. As she left out of her apartment and shut her door, Cassie quickly got down the stairs and got onto the street. She walked along the semi-lit sidewalk; passing by couples, lone strangers and even one of her neighbors she barely saw. He stopped her and offered a big smile.

“You’re always home when I get off work, and you're dressed so fancy! Where are you headed out to? A date?”

Cassie let out a shy smile. I don’t want to call it that. “No, it’s work. My boss invited me out to celebrate something I did at work.”

“Sounds like a date to me.” He said.

Of course you still think that. “Well, then I guess it is, but to me it’s really just work.”

Her neighbor chuckled and walked past her. “No worries Cassie. Have fun, okay?”

While Cassie was unsure of why he was telling her that, she paid it no mind and just nodded as they passed each other. She kept walking and got to a semi-crowded area. Why the hell aren’t you people at home? I would if I could. Through the small crowd, she saw the restaurant she was told to show up at. Cassie walked over and stood at the entrance; she looked down trying to occupy herself with anything. Her mind wondered to the events that would eventually happen tonight. Ankara simply wanted to celebrate a seemingly mundane task.

I’ve edited much larger pieces before. Besides, that piece has been edited a bunch of times before, so why does he care so much about it? Especially now. She thought on that for a little while, but couldn’t find any reason that made much sense--she did, however, find one that was plausible. That thought caused her cheeks to turn bright red as she considered the option. Before she could think about it more, she heard her name.

She suddenly looked up and was met with Ankara waving at her, “Oh… good evening Ankara.” She said once he got to her.

“Same to you.” He suddenly chuckled, “I know you must get told this often, but I want to tell you how beautiful you look.”

Tell me something nine others also haven't told me. She smiled. “Thank you.”

He returned the smile before moving to her side.

“We should get going. Our reservation is at ten.”

He planned this ahead of time?

Cassie pondered that while Ankara spoke to the man at the door. She was somewhat distracted now, but soon they were let inside and were being taken to the far back of the restaurant. This area separated their table from the main ones and there was a huge space between them and the other rooms in the hall. Cassie was let in first and, like the gentleman Ankara was being, he pulled out her chair. She gave him a small awkward smile before sitting down.

“You know, this all seems like you spent a lot.” Cassie eventually said.

“What makes you say that?” He asked going to his seat.

Because we’re at the very back and separated from literally everything and everyone in the building. “I know reservations are typically cheaper, but I've heard this place is pretty expensive.”

Ankara chuckled before handing her a menu, “I wouldn’t want us to eat in just any old place, especially for the achievement you’ve accomplished.” Again, I don’t see why that’s so important. “As well, I know about your habit of not eating in front of people, so I didn’t want you to starve because you were nervous.”

“Really?” He nods, “oh… well thank you for being so considerate, but we really just could have gone anywhere and had my back facing everyone. That would have worked just as well.”

“Your beautiful voice would've been drowned out if I'd done that.” I sound like a man. “but, what’s done is done. We should be concerned about what to eat now. You can order whatever you want.”

Cassie wasn't going to win this argument, so her attention went to the menu. Instantly she found herself eyeing two things. “I can?” he nods, a giggle escaped her lips. “Then I’ll thank you in advance!”

Ankara was a bit puzzled by that statement, but he noticed how excited Cassie was.

"Can I take that to mean you're ready to order?" He decided to ask.

"Yeah!" She stated, "you can order first though,"

"Alright then."

…

Ankara just asked for a simple meal; a salad, bread sticks and shrimp pasta. However, Cassie gave a very specific order and a very large one at that. Ankara couldn't even pay attention as he was a little taken aback--he wasn't expecting that of her.

The waiter left them and Cassie was sitting perfectly straight in her chair, slightly wiggling in her seat. Ankara couldn't help but smile at that.

"Say, Cassie?" She looked at him, "I don't usually see you eating, so can I assume you haven't eaten today?"

"Because I ordered so much?" He nodded, "oh, no. I'm usually very hungry, I did eat today, but I still have a little room."

"Really? I didn't take you as a big eater." She looked off, "Is it because you don't like to eat in front of others?" Shyly, Cassie nodded, "well that's fine, I was just being sure you actually wanted to eat that. I did say you could order whatever you wanted."

Their eyes met and Cassie couldn't help but smile at him, which only caused a smile from Ankara as well...

As they waited for their food, they passed the time with some soft conversation. Unusually, Cassie had little to no problem with speaking to him. They went on about various topics and finally one of their conversations wasn’t about work. Eventually, their food got to them and Cassie quickly began eating. Ankara watched her for a moment before chuckling, Cassie stopped and looked up to him.

“I’m sorry if I’m not acting proper.” She said.

“No, you’re fine. I’m just a bit worried about you messing up your shirt. It is white after all.”

Cassie looked down and noticed the sauce dripping off her baby back ribs. “Oh, you’re right.” Ankara chuckled and got up before removing his jacket, he put it over her shoulders and returned to his seat. “No, I might spill on this too!”

“It’s fine Cassie,” He said, sitting back down, “my clothes get dirty too. I’ll have to clean it eventually anyways.”

She looked at her plate, “I’ll try not to get it dirty!”

He chuckled to her and began eating his pasta.

They got to talking some more and after only a few minutes, Cassie was pretty much done with her food.

Ankara had finished his and watched her as she continued to eat, “You weren’t kidding when you said you’re a big eater.”

Only when I can actually eat the food. “I think I have the stomach of my dad, he's a big eater too.”

Ankara laughed, “I’m glad I picked the right place then. I really didn’t know if food like this would cater to you. Though, I didn’t want to ask since I wanted this to be a surprise.”

“Well, if you’re still curious, I love chicken. Ribs are a close second.”

“What’s the third then?” He mused.

Cassie stopped eating and looked to the roof. After a second, she looked back at him with a big smile. “Anything sweet!”

“I figured as much," He said with an amused expression, "you always have some kind of candy or something you’re chewing on whenever I see you.” She giggled, “but since that's the case, you’ll be glad to know this place is famous for having sweets from all over the world. I honestly don’t know a better place for a sweet tooth.”

“I heard about that, but everything here is like a thousand dollars."

“That’s quite the exaggeration, but you’re right. Most items here aren't for someone on a budget, especially for one sweet item.” He paused, “but that’s why I’ve taken the liberty to bring by some samples for you to try.” As he said that a waiter entered their room with a cart, a few more followed them and now there were five of these carts inside the room. The carts had four rows of various sweet items covered by glass domes. Cassie couldn’t believe it! She looked at Ankara and saw him with his hand up. “Now don’t tell me you’re going to let my money go to waste?”

She pressed her lips together before a smile came to her face and she eagerly got up and approached the carts like a kid at a candy store...

The samples were carefully looked over by Cassie, and she picked the one she was most curious about first. After sampling just a few, she was jittery as everything she had tasted nearly had five pounds of sugar inside of it. However, she did find some sweets she wanted and they were gifted to her in medium sized boxes, wrapped decoratively. The little bit left on her plate was also put in a container for her to take home. She was given a bag to carry everything out in; which Ankara took for her as they left the restaurant.

“So, did you enjoy everything?”

She nodded with a big smile over her face, “besides me actually being able to eat, it was nice getting to talk to you about something else besides work.”

“I’m glad. It was enjoyable for me as well.”

Cassie looked forward. Through all the fancy distractions, Cassie was still curious as to why he felt he needed to do this.So, she decided to ask him. “As much as I enjoyed all this. Isn't this a lot just to celebrate some simple editing?”

“I thought we weren’t talking about work?”

“I-I know its just-”

“I’m teasing.” Mentally, Cassie sighed, "but, if I had to admit this, I would say your work really wasn’t the full reason I decided to do this.” Clearly, but what IS the reason? “I invited you out because what I said before still stands; you do very much relax me and I… honestly needed that.” He said with a sigh, “Especially with the beginning of the year having been so hectic.” He stopped walking and she stood in front of him. “I really have to thank you for allowing me to relax. Plus, it was nice to get to know you more.” Cassie stared at him, “but, I should really be getting you home. Let’s go.” He resumed walking.

Cassie stared at his back and sighed a bit. She caught up to him. “Ankara?” He stopped and looked back at her. “Thank you… for your consideration and everything you've given to me over these last few months.”

A smile grew on his features, "Of course, it's no problem at all Cassie."

Cassie couldn't help but return the smile. She walked beside him and their casual conversation picked back up as he walked her home...