"Ah, Isabelle. Sometimes we make very bad mistakes." John smiled a little wryly and left it at that.
The food they were served was just delicious, and the company even better. John found himself enamoured with Isabelle all over again. She wasn't the shy girl he'd met on that first gala night any more. She had spirit, and she was animated as she talked about the things that brought joy to her life. John felt actually kind of happy just passing the time with her, but soon the plates were empty and the wine glasses were drained, and John got to his feet with a regretful sigh.
"So. Can I insist on footing the bill?" he asked. He knew this place wasn't cheap, but Isabelle might have other ideas and he didn't want to dull that sparkle in her eyes when he was feeling a little hopeful something might blossom from this.