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He was going to enjoy his time in the big city. He had a whole weekend, gratis—courtesy of Wrap’d Records—and he was going to relish every second. Who knew what would happen while he was down south, not to mention who he may meet on his travels.
ChapterTen
“You’ve got to be kidding?” said Cody, gobsmacked. “Agosti’s. We’re going there?”
Quint hoped his smile would prove he wasn’t kidding. Cody had mentioned Agosti’s to him on one of their walks together when they talked about the wonderful experiences one could experience on this incredible planet. Cody had described incredible sounding food on offer, which wasMichelinquality and being a chef himself, food was Cody’s life, and to eat in a restaurant of that standard would not only give him inspiration but would be an unforgettable experience to cherish. So, Quint had enlisted the help of a seasoned Player friend of his, and he was able to reserve a table for two.
“With all due respect, as much as I’d love to eat there, I can’t afford-”
Quint hushed Cody. “Let’s just say I’ve had a good week. Besides, let’s also just say it really isn’t as expensive as you think it’s going to be. At least, not to people like us,” he said, raising of an eyebrow.
He hoped Cody understood what he meant. It was a Player thing. Already Quint was teaching Cody the perks of beingconnected. Involving yourself within this amazing community of wandering souls had given Quint the opportunity to eat in the best restaurants in town for next to nothing, get the best seats at the most exclusive gigs and generally be looked out for by people that knew and appreciated the true value of life and the experiences it offered.
The crippling loneliness that Cody had lived with every day was beginning to vanish as he started to associate with more fellow Players since Quint had hooked him up withThe Lounge. He’d been opened up to the fact that many were in the same predicament as them, searching for lost loves or friends. There were so many success stories as well, which brought about so much hope, which would undoubtedly be speeding up the attraction process.
As Quint walked Cody through the arch at the entrance of Agosti’s, a pristine-looking mâitre d’ greeted them. His aftershave had an almost other-worldly fragrance, the aroma percolating extravagance around the entrance.
This place was new to Quint as well, and he stared at the plush reception area with its twilight themed colouring, subtle twinkling lights and rustic décor that gave the place a homely and informal feel.
As they walked through to the main restaurant, the place bore more of a resemblance to a traditional Sicilian backstreet Trattoria than an exclusiveMichelinstarred restaurant, but from the way the bustling staff smiled so warmly at him, despite clearly being rushed off their feet, Quint knew this place was going to be special.
They were seated by Antonio, who had snatched the reins from the mâitre d’, personably showing them to their table.
“You have eaten here before?” asked Antonio.
Cody looked at Quint expectantly, before Quint answered.
“No, actually, but we are looking forward to it immensely. I’ve heard amazing things.”
Antonio smiled proudly. “Then we will make sure to live up to our reputation. I will bring you some aqua. Still or sparkling?”
Again Cody flicked a look at Quint, who made the decision.
“Still, please.”
“Very good, signori.”
As Antonio went to retrieve some menus, Cody whispered, “I never came anywhere like this even in my last lifetime.”
“Well, it’s about time you started living how you deserve to.” Quint quickly corrected himself. “How wealldeserve to.”
Quint opted for a taster menu, considering that to be the most comprehensive experience, so that they could sample as many dishes as possible. After Antonio had poured them both a glass of water, Quint took a sip, feeling warm inside knowing how much Cody was thrilled to be here.
He knew that they were both somewhat greenhorns when it came to the business of living as a Player. Though the difference between them was that Cody had an advantage of already being familiar with this planet and all its quirks in his past life. For Quint, everything here was brand new.
“To a great evening,” said Cody.
They clinked glasses, then sat back in their seats, soaking in the plush surroundings: the black and white photos of weathered Italian gentlemen, the olive oil receptacles cleverly strewn around the room, blending in with the tasteful sage-coloured walls, lights accentuating the most eye-catching ones.
“Did you ever have a place like this where you came from?” asked Cody.
Quint huffed out a laugh. “We never had anything like this. It was a pretty basic existence compared to Earth. Our homes were pretty lavish, but we spent more time looking after each other than anything else. We’d normally turn up at each other’s homes, feed each other with food we’d harvested from our own land and just, I dunno… watch the stars together, listen to the waves, take in nature. We never got bored, though.”
“Sounds pretty great, if you ask me. To the simple life.” Cody raised his glass for another toast.
Quint flicked his glass forward in response, the fond memories of those days: the first day he met Leo, the man passing through town that ended up helping him fix his roof, then who went on to build his dream home, a home they ended sharing until…
“What’s it like? I mean, coming to a brand-new place, where nothing is familiar to you. It’s got to be the most overwhelming thing, right?”
