Exquisite, I think, as I sit far from her. I glance at her, my heart skips a beat, then back at my food. Picking my fork, I cut into the first bite of steak. I'd never had one before. Its scent floods my mouth with saliva, my taste buds yearning for something that used to be unobtainable to me.

  I bring the fork to my mouth - then freeze. Her grayish-blue oval eyes are locked on mine. What do I do? My heart begins to race like a rabbit's. She brings her snow-white-gloved fingers to her rosy lips and blushes. I blink again, and again, before setting the fork down. Wiping my mouth with a napkin, though I haven't taken a bite, I rise from my chair.

  "Adam, where are you going?" Mother asks as I leave the table.

  I knew that to win a woman like the beautiful blonde in the blue dress, I had to act quickly - confidently. A thin layer of moisture coats my hands, and I slightly wet my lips as I rub my hands together, then, against my pants. I step beside her table, and with a side smirk, I introduce myself.

  "Hello, Miss. My name is Adam Wondersmith. Might I ask what your name is?"

  A bright smile spreads across her freckled face, her cheeks tinted rosemary pink. Her voice is warm, like a ray of sunshine singing to the flowers. "Hello, Adam Wondersmith. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is -"

  "Katherine, Mr. Healing is waiting for you," the waiter interrupts.

  She glances at him innocently, then holds up a finger. "Please tell Daddy, just a moment longer."

  He nods once and walks away.

  A soft chuckle escapes my lips as I piece her name together. "Pleasure's all mine, Miss Katherine Healing."

  She clears her throat and rises gracefully from her chair. Brushing her dress with one hand and clutching her white purse with the other, she adjusts her cascading waves that reach past her shoulders.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  I clutch my hat in my hands and fold it - a nervous tick, one of many born from high-functioning autism.

  She notices and giggles. "You're quite a nervous boy, I presume."

  "In the presence of beautiful intimidation, Miss Healing... today, I am."

  She flashes another radiant smile that warms my soul, her white teeth gleaming. The sunlight beams on her skin, and her lips, soft and heart-shaped, purse slightly as she holds my gaze. "Well," she says, tenderly, her blush deepening, "I must be off. Daddy doesn't like to wait long."

  I nod with a smile. "Good day, Miss Healing."

  She walks away, her hips swaying with elegance. But I can't let her go - not without a thread to hold.

  "Um, Miss Healing..."

  She pauses, glancing back over her shoulder. "Yes?"

  "Might I know where to find you again?"

  Turning more fully toward me, she bites the side of her bottom lip and says, "If it is fate, Mr. Adam Wondersmith... we shall see each other again."

  I smile as she walks away slipping into her father's car. I wait, and think, What just happened? My eyes grow wide and I step back with a wide grin. Yes! Lord, can you see the way she makes my heart sing? Please make a way. Returning to our table, I find Mother nearly finished with her meal.

  "My, my," she says, "she is a beauty."

  "She is, indeed,' I reply, smiling as I begin to feel them hurt. I place my napkin back in my lap and finally taste the steak. Pepper, salt, and the subtle tinge of blood flood my senses, deepening today's memories.

  "Sir," the waiter says, handing me the check.

  I take it, glance at the amount, and hand him the money from my wallet. He returns shortly with my change. Every sound, every glance, every word from the beauty in blue - I commit it all to memory.

  We arrive home. I head straight for the basement, strip off my jacket, and sit on the stool in front of Time.

  I began to move my fingers up and down recounting my steps from dining to back home. I press play. Ding. The front bell rings. Shuffle. The brush of menus. Seating.

  "What will the two of you be having today?"

  Then, there it is - her voice, Katherine's gentle, luminous, giggle.

  Paper. The check. The exchange, and the moment. I stop. Rewind. Play again. Again. Again. Each repetition unthreads the reality of that moment. The check - gone. The money - stays. My wallet swells. The waiter forgets. The councilman never tossed the bill. No one remembers what I erase - except me. That's how Time works.

  There's more to refine, more to test. But for now, I think looking out the window's night starry sky, It's exactly what I need.