David’s eyes light up as he drinks in Iris. He’s as smitten as I am with her beauty. “It’s my pleasure,” hesays with a tip of his head. “I hope you’re comfortable at this table.”
“It’s perfect,” I tell him, because it is. I couldn’t have picked a better spot for a first date. It is romantic and private, but not too over the top.
“Your restaurant is beautiful,” Iris says to him as I ease myself back into my seat.
“Thank you. It’s been a labor of love, but I could’ve never imagined it would be as popular as it’s been.”
“He’s being modest. David’s the best chef I know.”
David chuckles. Modesty has never been his strong suit. We have that in common, along with other things. “So, this evening, I would like to prepare something special for the two of you. Is that good?”
Iris nods and I say, “Yes.”
“Great. Any food allergies?”
I shake my head as Iris replies, “No.”
“Excellent. I’ll send out the first course soon, and if you need anything, please ask Eileen to get me. She’ll be your server this evening.”
“Thank you,” I say to David, extending my hand.
“Anything for you, Brax,” he says before turning his attention toward Iris. “He’s a good guy. Sometimes his mouth gets him in trouble, but he’s a good one.”
Iris snorts. “I’ll make a mental note of that.”
“Back to the grind,” David says before leaving the table and heading toward the back of the restaurant.
“He seems nice,” Iris says when he finally disappears into the kitchen.
“He is now, but he was wild when we were in high school.”
“We all had our moments,” she replies.
I tuck that nugget away, wondering what she did in high school that she’d classify as wild. I can’t imagine her doing anything dangerous or out of the norm. She doesn’t seem the type.
“You’ve had his food before?”
I nod. “He worked at the bar while he was attending culinary school here in the city. I was sad to see him go, because the man made the best burger I’ve ever eaten in my life.”
“Good evening,” a woman says as she comes to a stop at the side of our table. “I’m Eileen, and I’ll be taking care of you. Chef has gifted you a bottle of our best champagne.” She shows me the bottle, but I wouldn’t know a good champagne from a bad one even if it hit me upside the head. “Is this to your liking?” The question is directed at me. If David says it’s good, then it has to be.
“Yes,” I tell her.
She sets down two glass flutes and goes to work filling them.
“Do you like champagne?” I ask Iris.
“Of course, but I don’t have it often because…” She smiles.
“One glass,” I tell her.
“Only one.”
“Your first course will be out shortly.”
I lift my flute, and Iris does the same. “What should we toast to?” I ask her as the flames lick the side of her face, creating a beautiful glow in her eyes.
“To new beginnings,” she says, and my insides become warmer than the fire next to us.
