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Charlie’s eyebrows raised at the familiarity between the two of us.
“Well, we’re so glad you and your friend decided to join us.” He gestured for us to follow him. “Right this way.”
I put my hand on the small of Charlie’s back and gently pushed her in front of me. I tried to ignore the sparks jolting through my fingertips at the simple touch.
“Wow,” she whispered as we walked through the double doors and into the main dining room. It was surrounded on all sides by floor-to-ceiling windows. The tables, crafted entirely from solid wood, remained unadorned, devoid of the stuffiness associated with white tablecloths. Lamplight dimly lit the entire space, allowing you to clearly see out to the illuminated city.
Charlie took it all in with a twinkle of awe in her eyes. “This view is stunning,” she said.
Ralph led us to a corner table and pulled out Charlie’s seat. We both sat down and he departed.
“This place is incredible.” She leaned in, still whispering. “And they like, really know you.”
I shrugged. “I used to come here a lot.”
She tilted her head. “How often?”
“A few times a week.”
“A few times aweek?” She looked shocked. “I can’t even imagine what it would be like to eat here a few times ayear. I’d have to use all my savings.”
She winced at her comment. “Sorry, I always seem to lose my tact in front of you.”
A smile took over my face. Yes, she didn’t seem to have any filter with me, and I preferred it that way. Perhaps it was the reason I felt so drawn to her. I always felt like she was being genuine with me. I felt like she actually enjoyed my company as opposed to just fulfilling some sort of obligation.
“Nathan,” the waiter greeted us. “We’re delighted you’re dining with us tonight. And welcome to your beautiful companion…”
“Charlie,” she said.
“Charlie. Welcome.” The waiter smiled. “Will the chef’s tasting menu satisfy you for the evening? It’s three courses with a dessert.”
“Um, yes?” Charlie looked to me for confirmation.
“That would be great,” I said. “And a bottle of, Cabernet?” I looked at Charlie.
She nodded. “Definitely.”
The waiter left our table and brought back the bottle almost immediately, opening it and letting Charlie have the first taste.
“Um, it’s great?” she said to his expectant face. It came out as a question and I chuckled.
Once he was gone, she leaned in. “Hey, don’t laugh at me. I never know what to say when they’re looking at me like that—like I’m assessing the wine in front of them.”
My grin widened. “You’re supposed to ensure that it’s adequate.”
“How am I supposed to know?” She looked flustered, sitting back and taking a sip. “Besides, let’s be honest, this wine could have turned and I’d still accept it.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Can you imagine sending it back? That would be so embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing for us?” I asked, smiling at her apprehensive energy.
“Obviously,” she said, taking another large sip.
She seemed nervous. A bit of satisfaction sunk in at the thought that I could potentially have that kind of effect on her.
“Did you take a lot of women here?”
