As the drinks arrived and the initial awkwardness slowly began to dissipate, Tom took the opportunity to steer the conversation toward lighter, more engaging topics. The gentle clinking of glasses and the soft murmur of the restaurant around them created a cozy, intimate backdrop for their conversation .
He leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with Celine first. "So, tell me about yourself, Celine. What do you like to do when you're not working in marketing or volunteering at animal shelters?"
Celine hesitated for a moment, then smiled shyly. "I enjoy reading, mostly fiction, mysteries, thrillers. And I like hiking on weekends, getting away from the city noise. How about you, Raila?"
Raila, more forward and confident at this point, laughed lightly. "I'm a graphic designer, so I spend a lot of time drawing and creating. I love music festivals, and I'm pretty passionate about environmental causes."
Tom nodded, absorbing their personalities as they revealed themselves. "Sounds like you both have creative sides," he said with an approving grin.
Tom had noticed something. At the start, Celine's manner was reserved, a bit guarded, while Raila was more outspoken, quick to share her opinions and stories. But as the red wine warmed their tongues and loosened their inhibitions, the dynamic between the two women shifted almost imperceptibly. Celine began to speak more freely, her voice growing bolder, her laughter more frequent. Raila, on the other hand, started to soften, her earlier confidence giving way to quieter, more reflective responses.
Tom noticed the change with a knowing smile. He knew that alcohol often served as a key to unlock hidden sides of people, especially in moments like these, when the night was young, and possibilities stretched out ahead.
After a while, Celine leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Tom with a newfound curiosity. "Okay, enough of the small talk. What's this leveling up thing really about?" Her tone was more direct now, a challenge mixed with genuine interest.
Tom smiled but shook his head slowly. "I can't really tell you the details," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Just… assume I've had some recent misfortune, and I'm in a bit of a pickle. But nothing I can't figure out. It's just something personal, something I need to work through."
The women exchanged glances again, intrigue evident in their eyes but no pressing for more information. Tom appreciated their discretion.
Then, almost on a whim, Tom shifted the topic. "Have either of you been with women before?" His question hung in the air, unexpected and bold.
Both women blinked, caught off guard for a moment. Celine was the first to respond, her cheeks coloring slightly. "No," she said softly.
Raila, however, smiled and nodded confidently. "Yes."
Celine looked at Raila with surprise, eyes wide. "Really? How was it?"
Raila's blush deepened, but her smile remained. "It was very enjoyable. I think only a woman can please a woman properly. There's an understanding there, something special."
Tom chuckled, shaking his head in mock disagreement. "I beg to differ. No one can please a woman quite like me," he said with a playful grin.
Both women's faces flushed a shade deeper, caught off guard by the confident boast. A flicker of laughter passed between them, breaking the last thread of tension in the air.
Just then, the waiter returned, carrying plates of food that filled the table with enticing aromas. The rich scent of grilled meats, fresh herbs, and vibrant sauces mingled with the soft hum of restaurant chatter.
Tom dug in eagerly, savoring the flavors. "This is delicious," he remarked between bites.
Celine reached over, her eyes curious. "Let me try some," she said, smiling.
Tom scooped a spoonful of the food and fed it to her carefully. She tasted it, then nodded appreciatively. "That's really good," she said, her voice warm.
Tom then offered a spoon toward Raila, who accepted with a soft smile. "It tastes good," she agreed, her tone gentle but sincere.
They ate together, the food drawing them closer in a shared moment of pleasure. As the plates emptied and the last sips of wine disappeared, Tom felt the time had come to take a risk.
He glanced between the two women, his expression earnest. "I'm staying at the hotel," he said quietly. "I have a room booked upstairs. Would you both like to join me?"
The two women looked at each other, eyes flickering with skepticism and hesitation. Neither answered immediately, as if weighing the offer carefully.
Tom smiled reassuringly, sensing their doubts. "Come on, we're having so much fun already," he said with a wink. "You don't have to worry, I promise to be on my best behavior."
After a brief pause, Celine nodded first, a small smile breaking through her reservations. Raila followed her lead.
Tom stood as well, feeling a rush of excitement and relief. The gamble had paid off once again.
Together, the three of them headed toward the elevator, the warm glow of the hotel lobby welcoming them into the night ahead.