It had been a little out of the blue a couple of days ago when it had been brought up at Haden's last get together with Mara to go out for dinner. Something like a date. It really wasn't one however, although maybe such terms were a bit harsh, especially if spoken aloud. Thankfully, the young man was alone at the moment. But in any case, he and Mara were friends, good ones at that, but nothing like a romantic couple. He had to suppose that was nice, to just be friend's. Haden was hesitant to get romantically involved with anyone honestly, what with what happened with Lucy. That had been a couple years ago, but some of the emotions still felt raw to Haden. Part of why he hasn't acted on any recent budding feelings for that barista at the coffee shop, Kori. But, it was just going to be a nice evening out with Mara, his friend. No need to dwell on sad memories and experiences.
Haden picked out some casual, easy to throw on clothing. Dark jeans, a t-shirt with a faded art design on it, leather shoes and a matching (plus rather worn) leather jacket that he scored for 50% off once at Nordstrom's. Or was it JCPenny? In any case, nothing too high rise. Haden didn't feel particularly motivated to put on contacts either, instead just getting a pair of thinnly framed glasses that were a little dated, but he could still see fine out of them. Keys and wallet in his pockets and Haden was good to go. He left the house with a quick pace, as he heard his little brother and sister having some kind of arguement that he did not want to get involved with.
Climbing into the driver's seat of his black '67 Chervrolet Impala, Haden began to drive. Mara had suggested an Italian place that she raved about, and it really did sound lovely from the brief look Haden got of their website. There was a lamb dish he saw that sounded divine. Red wine sauce with gorgonzola crumbles, rosemary, garlic and figs, with red potatoes and spinach on the side. He had to give a smile as he recalled reading it. Haden definitely knew what he was ordering.
Parking was a pain of course. The lot in front of the restaurant was tiny and was already full. Haden drove around a bit, down some nearby neighborhood roads to find parking alongside the street. He found a spot that was only a short walk from the dining establishment. Checking the time on his phone, he found that he was a little early. Upon entry, he could see that it was a dimly lit yet pleasant looking establishment. Haden couldn't help but look around in that spaced out way he often did, staring long at details that caught his eye.
"Good evening sir, how are you?" a voice spoke up which brought his attention back down to Earth. Looking down to the smiling waitress before him, he gave a small smile back. "Oh, fine, yes. Uhh, a table for two? Please?" he asked, and she gave a smile, bidding him that it would be a fifteen minute wait and gestured to some benches for him to sit at in the mean while. He instead opted to stand. His hands were held behind his back and he quietly observed some of the other patrons of the restaurant. Some families were out, a group of friend's, then of course couples young and old. Haden could tell that this was a popular place to go to. It was early for dinner, yet the place was filling up quickly. He didn't think it would be much longer before Mara arrived.
