Chapter 16
Gina showed up at Elliot's for their date. She knew that Elliot had Topher pick up Reese the day before so the two could have some privacy. As soon as Elliot opened the door, Gina closed it and guided Elliot back upstairs.
"I thought we were going somewhere," Elliot mumbled, sleepily.
Gina giggled. "Yeah, we're going back to your bed and snuggle. I know what you want."
Elliot hummed as she crawled back into bed. "What is it that I want?"
"A good old lazy day," Gina answered, cuddling Elliot. "Rest up, El. I know a good place for lunch when we wake up."
"You're good at reading me," Elliot purred, snuggling Gina. "I miss having an adult-sized person next to me."
/ - / - /
Elliot beamed like a kid on Christmas when Gina took the blindfold off. They were at the parking lot for a ramen restaurant. Gina giggled as Elliot struggled to take off the seatbelt in her haste to get out of the car.
"Gina! Help me!" Elliot pouted, giving up.
Gina smiled as she leaned over to unclip the belt. "So impatient, El. It's not going anywhere."
Elliot huffed. "But it's ramen."
"You're such a kid," Gina laughed before kissing Elliot. "I hope it meets your expectations."
"A meal shared is the best way to get to know someone," Elliot beamed before bolting from the car to get to the driver's side.
Gina shook her head with amusement but allowed Elliot to get to the door. She took Elliot's hand when offered and didn't let go until they were seated across from each other.
"So have you been here before?" Gina asked as they looked over the menu.
"Nope," Elliot grinned. "But it has been on my list forever."
"Places to eat at," Gina teased. "Also, dont think about paying. I asked you out, I'll pay."
"Yes, dear," Elliot sighed, skimming the menu. "Oh, spicy ramen! Pork broth with miso soup. Wait, can you have miso soup?"
"Not the traditional kind," Gina answered. "That has fish shavings."
The waiter came by and they ordered the lunch combos. Gina listened as Elliot explained some sci-fi theories and contributed some herself. She didn't want the date to end after lunch but she knew Elliot would never let her stay past 5 PM until Elliot was ready to share that secret.
/ - / - /
Gina walked Elliot to the door and into the house. They went to the kitchen and sat on the stools at the little island. She beamed when Elliot leaned against her arm.
"Elliot... When you get drunk, do you remember anything after?" Gina asked when a thought popped into her mind, reminding her of what she did on a certain night.
"Nothing at all," Elliot giggled. "It's funny how the mind protects itself. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious about your drinking habits," Gina replied.
Elliot hummed. "Well, I'm mostly a social drinker. You won't see me drinking alone. What about you?"
Gina rubbed Elliot's head. "I'm the same except you won't see me drink more than one. You never know when you'll get called in."
"That sucks," Elliot yawned. "Damn, food coma is coming in fast."
"Come on," Gina laughed, standing up. "Let's get you upstairs and tucked in before I go."
"I wish you didn't but..." Elliot trailed off.
Gina pecked Elliot's cheeks. "I know and I respect your boundaries. When you're ready, I'll be here."
Elliot beamed. "You sure know how to make me swoon."
"Good," Gina puffed up. "You're the only one I want to make swoon. Up we go, El."
Elliot laughed as Gina guided her upstairs. She fell fast asleep once Gina tucked her in and gave her some goodbye kisses.