“I think you’re really going to like it here; this is one of my favorite restaurants,” David said as he held the door open for Mickey. Something about the place already screamed expensive and fancy, she could tell that right off the bat. Thankfully, she had worn a nice dress that could pass off as semiformal, as it was evident to her this was a classy place and underdressed was the last place she wanted to be. Another plus was that David had brought them just in time for the crunch between lunch and dinner, which made getting a table a breeze. Within moments, the two of them were seated and smiling at one another from across the table.
“Have I told you how incredible you look?” David asked, smiling widely as he winked at her. Mickey hated it when he did this, and frowned slightly.
“David, we agreed, just friends. Remember?” she asked in a low tone.
“Yes, we did, but even a friend can pay a friend a compliment. Right?”
“Can I get you two started with something to drink?” A young waiter approached, smiling widely as he glanced at the two of them.
“Yes, actually. Can you get me a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon? I think a nice red would be great for a starter. Then, I think we both need to browse the menu for just a few moments. Isn’t that so, Mickey?” he asked.
“Yes, please.” The waiter disappeared and David piped up instantly.
“The shrimp scampi is excellent, if you like seafood. Their steaks, however, are the best in town, and Ihighlyrecommend them if that’s your sort of thing.”
“Well, I do love me a good steak.” She smiled, closing her menu. “I think that will be perfect, actually.”
“So, are the meetings always that easy?” David asked.
“Sarai’s work speaks for itself. Clients tend to be agreeable with proven formulas and performance. It’s simple, really.”
“Yeah, but this isn’t going to be Sarai’s work, this will be yours,” he said.
“Yes, but they are Sarai’s designs. I’m just executing them,” she stated matter-of-factly.
“You don’t give yourself nearly enough credit,” he said with a frown. Mickey frowned back, unsure of what to think of that statement. Then there was the matter of his tone, which she didn’t like at all.
“Are you and Alistair having a poker night?” Mickey asked, realizing it was time for a change in the subject matter – real quick like.
“Alistair is a father now; he doesn’t have time for poker. In fact, I haven’t seen him around the gym much at all. He still owns the place, but I think he stopped training all together. It’s why I needed to find a new job, and franchising Sarai’s flower shop was just the project I needed.”
“We’re both very grateful to you,” Mickey reassured him.
“I’m the one who is grateful. I get to work with two beautiful women, and you two make my job easy. Like you said, the product sells itself, so marketing is a breeze.” David laughed. Mickey blushed and shook her head. The compliments always bordered on flirting, and sometimes she didn’t know what to think of it. But she still loved spending time with David and valued his creative abilities.
After they finished, they headed back to their car. David now drove with Mickey in the passenger seat. Remembering that she had promised to call Sarai, she pulled her cellphone out and hit her speed dial number. Sarai’s voice filled her ears instantly,
“So, the meeting went well, right? Let’s hear all the great details?” she asked. On the opposite end of the line, Mickey could hear her little one fussing a bit.
“Are you putting them down now? Sounds like someone doesn’t want a nap.”
“Yeah, I know, but we’ve got work to discuss,” Sarai replied. Mickey chuckled.
“Okay, so this is the deal - we have six months to complete this project. It’s in the Maldives. All exotic island style. We are the only ones who are supposed to know anything about it; you, me, and David. It’s totally top secret. Major hush-hush,” she explained.
“Wow, really? Okay, so no pressure. I know you can totally handle this, Mickey. You’ve been my right hand for years now, and it’s finally your turn. To tell you the truth, I’m so proud of you!” Sarai gushed.
“Thanks,” Mickey said. “I promise you I will do my very best.”
“I have zero doubts. You’ve got my full faith, honey. Absolutely, full faith.” Mickey smiled. Just hearing those words from her best friend made itallworthwhile.
Chapter 3
Six months later…
Mickey sipped her coffee while working on her laptop. She was going over the workflow one final time as they were leaving for the wedding event next day.
Perfect. Everything is just perfect,Mickey thought to herself.
