Chapter 13 - THE DINNER WITHOUT A THREAT
Their first date was at a small neighborhood restaurant.
Mira chose it.
The menu was handwritten.
The tables were mismatched.
And the owner greeted everyone like family.
Dante looked around.
“Interesting choice.”
Mira smiled.
“Too ordinary for you?”
He shook his head.
“Not at all.”
They ordered pasta.
Shared bread.
Talked about books.
Travel.
Childhood.
Dante told her about growing up in a family where silence was considered strength.
Mira told him about her father, a public-school teacher who had encouraged her love of languages.
She spoke about the disappointment of watching her academic career stall.
Dante listened.
Then asked:
“Do you still want to teach?”
Mira nodded.
“More than anything.”
“Then I hope you do.”
She looked at him.
“You're not going to offer to buy me a university?”
Dante laughed.
“I was considering it.”
Mira raised an eyebrow.
He smiled.
“Joking.”
She laughed.
For a while, they sat quietly.
Then Dante said:
“I owe you an apology.”
Mira looked up.
“For what?”
“For humiliating you at Vesuvio.”
Her smile faded.
He continued.
“I thought I was controlling the situation.”
“You weren't.”
“I know.”
He looked down.
“I made you feel small because I was afraid.”
Mira studied him.
“That was cruel.”
Dante nodded.
“Yes.”
She took a breath.
“Thank you for saying it.”
He looked at her.
“I don't expect you to forget.”
“Good.”
Then she smiled.
“Because I have an excellent memory.”
Dante laughed.
And the evening continued.
No threats.
No negotiations.
May you like
No hidden meanings.
Just two people learning how to trust.
