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I look up as I see Amer coming into the living room. He’s holding a winter coat in his hands and I stand as he helps me put it on.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You’ll need it considering how cold it is out there. A lot colder than what you’re used to.”
I zip it up and pull the hood over my head, not caring what I look like. I want to be warm. We walk outside, and he holds the door open for me. His car is running so it should be warm when we get inside. The path to the car is clear, and when I get to the vehicle, Amer opens the door for me and helps me inside. Warm air wraps around me and I’m so thankful for heated seats. I take my hood down and unzip my coat half-way.
Amer gets into the car and we drive away from the cabin. The snow shimmers in as the last of the day’s sun shines through the trees. I feel like I’m in a snow globe as the wind stirs the powdery snow around us and I’m mesmerized by the way it floats in the air as we drive.
“This is light snow. The big fluffy snowflakes are better to watch. You can catch them on your tongue and have fun building snowmen.”
“It’s just so beautiful,” I say as I glance at him and back out the window.
When he comes to a stop at the end of the main drive, he turns left instead of right. I panic a little as there’s nothing but trees and snow all around us. A few minutes pass and a clearing comes as a village comes into view. Amer slows the car down and turns into a crowded parking lot.
“I’m glad I made reservations with the owner or we might not have been able to eat here,” he says before getting out of the car. He walks around and opens the door for me. Then takes my hand in his after he closes the door.
We go into the very crowded building and walk up to the desk that’s set up as the host station.
“Sir, there’s a two hour wait,” the woman tells Amer.
“I’m a personal friend of Jia’s. I have a table reserved for two,” he states.
She puts her lips together, as if she doesn’t believe him, and she picks up the phone to call someone. “Just a moment please,” she huffs.
Amer turns to me, “Sorry it’s taking so long.”
“It’s okay. It’s Christmas.” I squeeze his hand gently.
“Amer!” a voice with a slight accent says from the other side of the station.
“Jia, it’s good to see you.”
“I’m glad you finally made it in. Sasha, take their coats.” He looks at the rude woman and we hand her our coats. “This way, please.”
The woman stares at us, unable to comprehend that Amer was telling the truth.
“So, how’s business?” Amer asks as we follow Jia.
“It’s going very well. Averaging an hour wait a night. It’s unbelievable,” he states, then stops by a door and opens it. “A private dining room for you and . . .”
“Jai, this is Mara-Lee. Mara-Lee, this is Jai. He owns this restaurant and comes to me for advice.” He grins.
“Nice to meet you, Jai.” I hold out my hand and he shakes it.
“Likewise. Let’s get you seated and we will start with your first course.” Amer holds the seat as I sit down, and he sits across from me.
“I hope you’re hungry, Stellina, because you won’t be able to stop eating . . . his food is amazing.”
“I am.” I smile and Amer grasps my hand and caresses the back of it with his thumb.
The food is served in courses and as soon as we’re almost finished with one another one comes out. I didn’t think that it would take an hour and half to eat dinner, but it did. I’m stuffed, but it was a wonderful experience.
We get into the car, and Amer drives into the village, stopping in front of a dark building.
“Well, there goes that plan,” he mumbles.
“What is it?”
