A Story A Day. Story 351 of 365: Best (Part XXI).

Ismene had fallen asleep on the sofa reading a book, and all her muscles were stiff when she finally woke up. Her phone was ringing, but she didn't make it on time to pick it up, Leo had called her three times, apparently. She called him back, still yawning and cursing herself for having fallen asleep in such an awkward position.

-Good morning, sleeping beauty.- he mocked her. 

-How did you know I was sleeping? 

-Lucky guess, why else wouldn't you pick up the phone?-she yawned, confirming his theory.- Will you be ready in one hour? 

-I... What? Maybe. 

-Good. I guess you have a nice dress, don't you? Put it on, I'll pick you up in one hour. 

-What do you mean with a nice dress?- she didn't get a reply. 

Leo had done as usual and didn't even say goodbye. Ismene didn't have much time, and she didn't even know if her only nice dress was ironed, she would need to take a chance, she jumped into the shower feeling all her muscles complain. 

-Ismene, you are like an 80-year-old woman.- she told herself, massaging her shoulders under the warm water. 

The shower felt so nice that she completely forgot she had to hurry, and when she finally stepped out, she only had half an hour to get ready. She rubbed her hair dry, while looking in the closet for the dress. She had to have it somewhere, she thought while digging through all her clothes. She finally found it, examining it outside the wardrobe, she decided it wasn't that bad. The dress itself was simple, strapless, knee-long, and a deep red, but it looked awesome on her. Of course, she needed a strapless bra for it. She had bought a special set of lingerie to wear with that dress, and she knew she had put it on one of the drawers, she had seen it at some point during the week. She had to pull out half of her underwear out of the drawers before she was able to find what she was looking for. She put it on quickly, and realized she didn't know where her shoes were either. The phone rang while she was fishing for them. 

-I'm here already. 

-I'm not ready, yet. I still have to get dressed. 

-If you want we can skip dinner,...- Leo said suggestively. 

-Shut up. I'll be there in five. 

Ismene was lucky enough to find the shoes fast, and have the clutch she needed close in hand. She slipped into her dress, stuffed everything she needed inside the clutch, and headed to the door while putting on the shoes. Leo was waiting for her on the street, sitting on a black convertible. He didn't seem to do too bad. She sat by his side, kissing him on the lips. 

-You look stunning, and as if you had just rolled out of bed. You know, it's not too late to go back upstairs and stay in bed.- she punched him on the arm as a response. 

-Why are you taking me for dinner so early? Do we have a date with an old couple or something? 

-It's a surprise, but let's say we have to go a bit far to have dinner tonight. 

-Oh, no. I'm starving!- Ismene complained. 

-I suspected so, and I picked something for you to eat on the way.- he said while opening the glove compartment and handing her a bag of dried fruits and nuts.- Don't eat too much, though. 

-So, where are you taking me? 

-It's a surprise. 

-Tell me! You've made me dress fancy.- for the first time she realized he was wearing a suit and tie, and he had shaved his scruff and combed his hair.- Are you even Leo?

-I can prove it if you want.- he said while looking straight on the road. 

-You won't stop, will you? 

-I haven't said anything.  

Ismene rolled her eyes, and looked through the window. The city gave way to fields, and a few minutes later, she started smelling of sea. 

-You didn't! 

-I didn't what?- he asked with a smile. 

-Take me to the sea! 

-Shhhh, let me drive. 

When she finally saw the sea night had already fallen. The moon and the stars reflected on the water, making it look sparkly. They drove over the cliffs, up to a little lighthouse. Leo stopped the car there. 

-We have reached our destination.- he announced, stepping out of the car and opening her door.