Nell Jones (nell_jones) wrote in omega_reality, @ 2013-05-25 15:56:00 |
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Entry tags: | *complete, 2013 05, character: derek reese, character: nell jones |
RP: Nell and Derek
Who: Nell Jones and Derek Reese
Where: Auberge du Soleil restaurant
When: Saturday, May 25, 2013, 20:00
Summary: Nell takes Derek out for his birthday.
The energy surrounding the trip had changed with the events of last weekend. The air of celebration they'd hoped for when they'd planned the trip for Derek was missing. But, Nell was determined to give him a birthday that was special. She knew what he'd said about memories. But, after everything he'd done for her, she wanted to give him something special, whether he let himself appreciate it or not.
Okay, so she'd really been looking forward to the horseback riding that Derek had flat out said no to. But, she could compromise. She'd see if Alexis and Tim wanted to go riding the next day. Instead, she suggested they check out the Bale Grist Mill. There was a a tour in the morning and she had planned on picnicking in Bothe-Napa State Park already, in one of the smaller spots just an easy hike along the creek, already. They could take the trail that connected the two parks and still have the picnic under the huge Douglas firs she had planned.
After that, Nell had spoken with the hotel concierge about arranging an afternoon flight in a hot air balloon. Derek had put up the same argument about it being too dangerous that he had about the horses. But, grudgingly agreed, which constituted the real compromise: hot air balloon rides in exchange for giving up the horseback riding. It was beautiful, though, and Nell was glad he'd agreed in the end. Seeing all the vineyards and orchards laid out in a natural patchwork quilt below them was breathtaking. The balloon operator even let her pull on the gas to put more hot air in the balloon once she turned a bright smile on him.
The day was ending with dinner. Nell had made reservations at the hotel's restaurant and specifically requested a table outside on the terrace where they could look out over the whole of Napa Valley. The reservations was for seven fifteen. So, by the time they were finishing the meal and starting to think about dessert, the setting sun had cast a golden glow over everything. The restaurant had heat lamps set up, however, so even outside Nell was perfectly comfortable in the simple sleeveless dress she was wearing. And, though she hadn't told Brian of her intentions, she wanted Derek comfortable and had promptly made sure that, despite Brian dressing him up, the tie disappeared and the top buttons of his shirt were undone.
"So," she said brightly, eyes dancing over the rim of her glass before she took a sip of wine. "What are you feeling for desert now that our date's almost over, birthday boy?" She'd purposely not used that word all day. Date. Mostly, because she knew Derek would balk at building memories, especially after the shooting. But, also because it was a non-issue to her. They were two friends spending the day together for his birthday. Sure, it could be considered a date. But, it shouldn't be a big deal or uncomfortable, no matter what Brian said. Nell had never been uncomfortable on a date unless she wasn't really into the guy she was with. So, why make Derek suffer needlessly? "The sorbet trio sounds really good."