“Nope. Some are too nervous to actually come inside. They’ve never indulged in their Little nature in front of anyone else. Others think it would cost a lot of money or something. There are lots of reasons. But yeah, you’re not the only one.”
She nodded, even though she doubted Kendrick could see it.
“So, Musso and Frank’s, huh?”
Samantha smiled. “Seriously, don’t worry about that. I just said the first thing that came to mind. That place is crazy expensive. And I bet you need a reservation to even get close to the door. Did you know they have a bouncer outside? Every time I walk by, there’s a big guy in a suit standing in front.”
“Yep. They probably call him the doorman. But he’s there to make sure no one gets out of line,” Kendrick confirmed. He glanced over again briefly. “If you want to go, let me see what I can do.”
“What? How?” she asked in astonishment.
He looked at the road again.
“I know some people.”
Chapter Twelve
The people Kendrick knew turned out to be movie stars, though he didn’t say which ones exactly.
But he’d made a call and Samantha pieced the conversation together enough to know that whoever he was talking to had agreed to make a call, as well.
It worked.
By the time they arrived at the swanky restaurant right off Hollywood Boulevard—sandwiched between some not-so-swanky buildings—they had a table waiting for them.
It was like a dream come true!
As if she was becoming Tonya in real life.
Once they were seated, she looked around and covered her mouth. It was even more amazing than she’d dreamed!
The booths were made of rich, dark wood and looked to be hand carved. Matching beams ran at various points across the slightly curved ceiling. The bar that lined part of one wall was the same wood.
The seats themselves were red. Part of the walls were gold, but the top part contained wallpaper that depicted tasteful, muted scenes of nature.
Every table had a pristine white tablecloth draped over it.
The sounds of soft conversations and tinkling glasses and shifting ice all melded together as Samantha looked around to see if there were any celebrities.
She didn’t spot any, but that didn’t mean there weren’t any tucked away in some of the more private spaces of the restaurant.
It was exactly the type of place where they would hang out.
Maybe Leo really was there. Of course, he wouldn’t actually ask her out. Not that she’d want him to, anyway.
She was on a date with Kendrick. And it was magical.
Better than time with any movie star.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She was embarrassed when she realized she was still covering her mouth. Lowering her hand, she said, “Yeah. I’m sorry. I just… always dreamed of being here.”
Across the table, Kendrick’s smile was warm. “Well, I’m glad I could make one of your dreams come true. We’ll see what we can do about the others.” He winked.
She giggled.
Another thought struck her, and she leaned in a little, speaking in a low tone. “Am I way underdressed?”
