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However, as I look around… no one seems to be phased by us popping up in the middle of the lobby. “How many?” the girl at the reception desk asks. She’s making it seem like it’s a normal occurrence for random people to just appear in the middle of the waiting area.
Levi holds up two fingers, then places his hand at the small of my back to lead me to our assigned table. “What’s going on?”
“This is what you call a date, is it not?” He holds out my chair, pushing it in after I sit before placing himself across from me.
Rolling my eyes, I look around at the decorations. Skulls, paintings of monsters, heavily tinted windows. Are we at a Halloween restaurant? There are more than you would think in New Orleans. “You’re being deliberately obtuse.”
“It’s a supernatural place. There are a few here, but this one is the best. They cater to every species. Aren’t biased about demons.” I know my eyes are growing increasingly wide with every word. Supernatural? “Granted, I would be welcome anyway, being a king.”
A tiny waitress comes to stand at the edge of our table. “Hello. My name is Rissa and I’ll be your server today. What can I get you to drink?” She’s the same height as me but a barely there wisp of a girl. Her hair is almost white, and her skin is a sickly gray. White irises lift up and lock on Envy. “Levi! It’s so good to see you! You’ve been gone for so long.”
“Hello, Clarissa. Haunting anyone lately?” My eyes flit between the two of them. Is he flirting with her or just being friendly? Am I being overdramatic already?
‘Clarissa’s’ hand slides down Envy’s as she overexaggerates a laugh. “Heavens, no! I’m still waiting on you. Your usual wine?”
“Yes, thank you.” They stare up at each other with secretive smiles. Should I make my presence known?
Rather than focusing on the fact that I am in a restaurant catered to the supernatural, I am focusing on the fact that my date, the Demon King of Envy, has barely acknowledged that I’m at the table with him. He didn’t say anything positive or negative about my dress or how I looked… I guess I shouldn’t be vain about that, but it would have been nice to have a small compliment. The tone of voice he used regarding my car was sarcastic. Am I reading too much into that as well?
But now… he’s not paying attention to me. I focus on our waitress. From his words, I can guess that she’s a ghost of some sort. Or a zombie? Am I stereotyping? Regardless, she’s still stunning. And skinny. The opposite of me. Is Envy only here for the bet?
“What would you like Brianna?” I lift my eyes to meet Levi’s, not realizing I had been looking at the table.
“Just a water please.” Alcohol would put me in my feelings, and my insecurities do not need to be broadcasted right now.
Clarissa nods her head, giving a wink to Levi before walking off. “Why only water? You don’t have to watch what you eat or how you act around me. They have fabulous drinks here.”
I didn’t plan on watching what I was going to eat. Now I feel like I should. Scanning the menu, I try to focus on the ingredients. It doesn’t look out of the ordinary. The entrees seem like normal meals that would be at an Olive Garden.
Rissa comes back, placing our drinks on the table. “Are we getting any appetizers?”
I look to Levi for an answer, who’s looking at Rissa. Beginning to feel invisible, I start to pick my nails. My brain is attacking itself, asking what I’m doing wrong. “Not for me. Brianna?”
“No, thank you.” My voice is small, and Envy hears it. His head tilts to the side, confusion in his eyes.
“Have you decided on a meal?” Rissa hasn’t even looked at me, too focused on the gorgeous man across from me. Can I blame her? His forest green button-down shirt matches his eyes perfectly. His aura radiates confidence and power. Why is he here with me?
“Brianna? Have you decided?” I shake my head, pushing out the horrible thoughts. I am better than this. “No?”
My eyes meet Levi’s across the table. He thinks I shook my head as an answer. “I’m sorry. Yes. I’ll have the seafood scampi with zoodles as a substitute for pasta.”
Handing the menu to Rissa, I take a sip of my water. From the start, Levi seemed serious. He looks like the CEO of a major corporation. Maybe I should treat this as a business meeting rather than a date. Straightening my shoulders, I lift my chin, forcing all insecurities out of my mind.
I am a bad fucking bitch! I am stronger than this!
Levi orders his food, his attention now solely focused on me. “Thank you for agreeing to join me tonight.” I don't answer because it doesn't really seem like he's wanted me here. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Oh, you've noticed?” I tried to hide my attitude, but I couldn't.
Levi's lips widen into a smirk, and he raises an eyebrow. “How could I not? You wore my color in the most sinful dress I could've imagined.” Is he happy that I have an attitude?
“Thank you? Sweetie helped me pick it out.” I’m starting to think Beelzebub was right. I should have gone to a restaurant with him. He wouldn’t focus more on the waitress than me.
“I think it’s cute you asked your son to help you get dressed.”
It takes a moment for his words to register. Oh, in the words of the goddess Taylor Swift, Karma is my boyfriend. I cross my arms on the table, emphasizing my chest. “Rellick did help me pick out an outfit, but he’s not my Sweetie.” Envy’s eyes darken as they lift from my chest. “That’s what I call Gluttony.” His smile falls to a frown. “It’s because of how sweet he is to my son. But it does help that he tastes like chocolate.”
“I’d rather you not speak of my brothers while having dinner with me.” Levi growls. His eyes darken to black in his frustration.
