I promised myself this amazing meal. One year ago, I made the vow. I would clean up the mess my ex left behind and save enough to eat at La Femme. Distinctly feminine with a lean toward LGBTQ community, the restaurant fused French cuisine with unlikely partners from all over the world. Or, if you weren't adventuresome, purely French classics as well.

I even asked the sommelier to choose the wines, after giving her my budget for them. This meal was my gift to myself. It didn't matter to me if the cost was as much a month's rent.

The appetizers were divine. The French Menu was translated so a mere single language speaker could understand the terms. I went daring and asked for the Chef's choice. My server asked one question when I told him what I wanted.

"Why?"

I thought it rather a strange question but told him, "I'm celebrating my freedom from a huge mistake."

"I'll tell Madame. She will be happy to give you a meal worthy of your accomplishment."

I have no idea what the names of the dishes were, I just enjoyed them and the superb wines which accompanied each course. My taste buds sang the praises of each dish. The wine some how enhancing every bite I savored. For the first time in my life I didn't rush through the experience of eating. I didn't even find the portion sizes insulting.

Each dish was a work of art, and I documented it as such. I took several pictures of each of them, not realizing I was imitating the behavior of a food critic. When the chef came out to visit me at my table, I was shocked.

"I've never enjoyed a meal like I have this one. Truly a reward for surviving a miserable year," I told her.

She nodded and said, "Something I can relate to as well. What did you think of my creations?"

"I have no idea of what was in them, or what they were called, but my soul is satisfied. I've never been able to say that about a meal before."

Her smile was brilliant, and she sat down across from me.

"And that is why I create these dishes. To bring a little something more to the experience of eating."

"I cannot begin to say thank you enough for this." I knew I was gushing a little, but I never expected the chef to appear.

Her eyes sparkled in the subdued lighting. The mood in the restaurant, calm, quiet, controlled. None of the harried rush common where I normally grabbed a quick bite after work.

"What was your year of hell?" I asked, the blushed.

"Similar to yours is my guess. Seems we all have a male ex somewhere in our past. Mistaking our need for a child as need for a male to create it."

Goodness! How did she know? I felt a tug at my center as she spoke.

She waved the sommelier to my table. "A glass of the dessert wine for me as well. I'll be taking my break here. Have the pastry chef bring crème brulee for two."

"There's something about you. To have the confidence to dine alone in La Femme is extraordinary. This is a place for lovers and families to celebrate. Especially those with unconventional arrangements."

Her voice was a caressing purr and I felt like a well loved cat.

I raised the glass of wine the sommelier poured.

"Then here's to new beginnings. I am incredibly happy to meet you."

Our glasses rang, the sound faintly reminiscent of the church bells pealing the New Year. In a sense it was the start of the rest of my life, and I was going after what was right for me this time.

"Do you believe in fate?" She asked.

"Yes, some things are simply meant to be." She was absolutely perfect in her chef's whites.

"I'm glad we agree."

I took my first taste of the classic French dessert. Moaning my pleasure, I followed it with a sip of wine and said, "I'm going to need a driver tonight. I've indulged myself and it's past time I did so."

"We'll call one for you. Our treat. I hope I'll see more of you."

I blushed again. "It would be my pleasure." I didn't even care how that sounded. And from the feel of her foot stroking the back of my calf, neither did she.

"This shouldn't be an indulgence. You deserve so much more."

My throat closed up and I couldn't say a word as two tears escaped, rolling down my cheeks. "I can promise you it won't be the last time I come here."

"Only the first." She picked up her wineglass once more. "To love and possibilities."