Ry let Alex out at the front of the restaurant and then took advantage of what the valet offered—easier than searching for parking.He breathed deeply and nodded to Alex.
Finally.
The hostess greeted them with a customary smile and then shock, and then a huge grin.“Welcome to L’Argent,” she said, checking the reservation list.
Ry, from doing this so many times, smoothly said, “It’s under Nocturnal Star.”
“Ah, yes.”She gestured.“If you could follow me, please?”
They followed.The low pulse of electronic dance music vibrated through the floorboards, audible yet allowing for conversation.A crowd of sharp, dressed-to-impress individuals clustered in tight, animated groups.She guided them out to the front patio, a space that abutted the street.Warm, inviting lights spilled onto the pavement, met by a cool breeze that swept through the charming, walkable neighborhood.
The hostess seated them and wished them a great evening.
“Place is nice,” Alex said, then laughed.“Damn.”
Ry chuckled.“You’re welcome.”
He looked over his menu, humming to himself.They had a lot of really interesting items, strange combinations, but all seemed good.He leaned toward something foreign and unpronounceable.
“Anything standing out?”he asked.
Alex didn’t look up.“I don’t know, since you’re paying, though.”He laughed.
“I’m not going to tell you what you can and can’t get,” Ry said, flipping over the menu.
Alex set down the food list.“In that case,” he grinned.“Might need to get several things.”
Ry stuck out his tongue.Flirty or brotherly—?He pinched his arm to force the weight of the thought away.Sania had this under control.She’d even hired some of the photographers he liked working with.
Soon, a server came to their table and took their order.They sat in silence for a moment, watching passersby on the sidewalk and a few groups waiting outside.Ry then made a call to Lon while Alex phoned Brand, and they talked for a few minutes.Sania had tasked a few paparazzi to take photos of them while it appeared as if they were working.
“So, is this work enough?”Alex asked.
Ry laughed.“Yes, making calls about serious business.”He pulled a notepad from his vest pocket and a pen from the other.“Plus, I have backup.Lyrics that Efreet will never own and Arend will never touch.”
“Fuck yeah,” Alex said.“Mind if I take a look?”
Ry handed over the notes, his leg bouncing.He stilled his limbs and schooled his expression.
“This is nice,” Alex said, pointing to a line.He whispered, “You know how bad at pretending I am, so might as well do actual work.”
“Only if you want,” Ry said.
Alex borrowed his pen and made a few adjustments and notations.Minutes later, the air thickened with their discussion, voices rising and falling over a few disputed lines.A gentle breeze rustled through, carrying away the day's lingering heat as the sun dipped low, casting a golden glow.The familiar warmth and fading light transported Ry back to the day they'd first moved here, the same passionate debate over lyrics echoing in the quiet.
The clatter of plates broke the moment as the server placed steaming dishes before them.Ry’s burger, a towering masterpiece of beef and veggies, promised deliciousness.Alex’s ribeye, seared to a perfect char, glistened in the low light.Ry sank his teeth into his food, a moan escaping him.The savory juices rushed into his mouth, each bite a harmonious blend of smoky meat, the zest of the sauce, and the crispness of lettuce.He leaned back, eyes shut, savoring the dish.Alex, equally enthralled, lifted a forkful of steak, then a slice of potato, his appreciative groan a testament to the meal's perfection.
Over the course of the meal, Alex came up with a few melodies, and Ry countered a few of those with the harmonies he’d been developing.They traded the notepad back and forth, each man making notes and adjusting the song as the night played out around them.
Once the server had collected their plates, he brought out a decadent piece of chocolate cake.“We’d like to serve this on the house,” he said.“A few fans of yours work here.”
“Thank you,” Ry said.
“Appreciate it,” Alex said.
Alex plunged a fork into the rich dessert, the steel sinking in.Ry followed suit, the clink of his tableware against the plate announcing his eagerness.The confection itself was dark brown, almost black, hinting at its decadence.As he took a bite, the dense, moist texture filled his mouth, a luxurious, bittersweet flavor that far surpassed its simple, unfrosted appearance.The pure, intense taste of well-made chocolate.
“So good,” Ry said around a mouthful.
