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“Well tonight we have Carmen,” I asserted, lifting my eyes to the young woman who looked positively distraught. “This will be fine. You can fill my glass and bring another bottle.”
She smiled appreciatively and turned to my mother offering to fill her glass. “And yours, ma’am?”
“Sure,” my mother stated with a tight smile that wasn’t exactly friendly nor rude.
Damn sure wasn’t pleasant.
“I can see if Maurly is available.”
This poor girl.
I wasn’t sure if she asked because she was anticipating a long evening serving my mother or because she was truly attempting to be accommodating but I put an end to it.
“No, we’re perfectly fine with you, Carmen. Thanks so much for this.” I offered a warm smile and she returned one, nodding as she left the room.
“So…” my mother began and elegantly lifted the glass of wine to her lips. “You’remyfuture son-in-law.”
“I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Devereaux.”
“Please, we’re practically family. Call me, Trichelle.”
Elias only nodded and my mother continued switching gears. “So, I see there’s no ring yet.”
I cringed and my eyes lowered to my bare finger before slowly lifting to meet Elias’s intense brown orbs. He spoke to my mother but his heated gaze never left me.
“I have a few in mind but of course I want to be sure what I pick is a perfect fit.”
“A perfect fit is a five carat Tiffany Truly Brilliant in a platinum setting. Not too over the top but enough of a statement piece that others take notice.” She smiled, seemingly feeling accomplished and lifting her left hand which held a Truly Brilliant Tiffany Diamond. Hers I knew for sure was seven carats. She was being modest in requiring that Elias only foot the bill for five with mine. And also making sure my ring didn’t outshine hers.
If she knew me at all, she’d know I didn’t give a damn about carrying a boulder on my finger.
“I don’t think that fits Cress, but if that’s what she wants…” His eyes left my mother and drifted to me.
“No, whatever you choose will be fine.”
“Nonsense, sweetheart. You leave it in his hands and there’s no telling what you might end up with.” She flashed Elias a smile before adding. “No offense.”
There was definitely offense.
He should be offended.
“None taken.” Elias leaned back in his seat, coolly relaxing as if unfazed. I shifted in mine, unable to hide that I was.
“My marriage, my ring. I will be perfectly fine with whatever he selects.”
Our moment was interrupted when Chef Lemont Day entered. He greeted everyone then delivered the menu for the evening. A four-course taster that Elias had called ahead for. My mother tried to argue switching to a seven-course however, Elias was firm on his selection and insisted that he had a prior obligation later that night. I wanted to inquire but wouldn’t dare do so in front of my mother. She was already doing the most with her conversation of choice throughout the evening and by the time we reached our fourth course, I’d had about all I could take from the woman.
“Thank you so much for spending the evening with us. I pray you enjoy our final selection.” Chef Day smiled brightly while Carmen placed small, white, shallow-depth bowls in front of each of us. Once they were situated he clasped his hands behind his back and motioned to the table with a jerk of his chin.
“Honey yogurt panna cotta with blood orange sauce.” His smile expanded. “It’s the perfect complement to satisfy your palate after the white bean purée, balsamic glazed lamb chops, and baby kale, green Asian pear, grapes with candied walnuts and gorgonzola salad.”
“Sounds perfect to me,” I jeered, having already thoroughly enjoyed our first three courses, I was very much looking forward to this delectable treat.
“’Preciate you, Chef,” Elias offered and my mother of course only smiled her appreciation. I was sure she had more to say of the less than positive nature but decided to err on the more socially acceptable side of caution this evening.
“Thanks again and enjoy.”
After Chef Day was gone, I immediately dipped my spoon into the dish and the minute the flavor exploded on my tongue I was in love.
