“Everything is fresh from today’s market,” he said, and went on to describe the goat cheese-topped crepes, fresh burrata with Roma tomatoes, aubergine with truffle aioli, and garlic drizzled portobello mushrooms.
Orchid stopped him. “I can’t even listen to the desserts,” she laughed. “You’re making it harder, not easier.” Her stomach rumbled.
“What would you say to one of everything, hungry bird?” asked Phoenix.
“You’re spoiling me,” she said, and nodded her agreement to the waiter.
After the server left, Phoenix joshed with her. “Your payment is to write a hundred briefs on the flight.”
“Oh, the flight, don’t remind me. No business class for me this time.”
“I prefer center seats.”
She shook her head. “So you say! And by the way,” she added. “I haven’t finished packing. I still can’t believe you talked me into coming out tonight.”
“Oh, I understand,” teased Phoenix. “A microwaved burrito would’ve been preferable to this.” He waved a hand to indicate the place that was both grand and intimate.
Gratitude welled inside her as she scanned the weathered tapestries hanging around them. She returned the gaze of this man whose presence dwarfed everyone and everything around them.
A young woman arrived at their table, a dark green bottle in her hands. “Good evening. It’s lovely to have you celebrating with us tonight. Is this what you’ve ordered?”
Phoenix turned to Orchid. “Would you like this, or something else?”
She recognized the label and drew a breath. Then she tried on Mr. Princeton’s haughty tone. “I suppose Dom will do.”
Phoenix chuckled.
The cork exited with a soft pop, releasing a little of the pressure in her heart. With no assignment to bring them together, this could be their last night. She didn’t want it to be.
Liquid gold filled their slender flutes. The sommelier placed the bottle on the table and walked away.
“A toast to your talent.” Phoenix raised his glass to touch hers.
“And mentors.”
The bubbles broke bright like night stars across her tongue.
“How’s the champagne?” he asked.
She touched fingertips to her lips and set free an invisible kiss to express her pleasure. “Hen hao.”Very good.
Edward returned, pronounced the names of the two appetizers, and settled the plates between them. Orchid flashed to how they must appear to this doppelganger for her dad, the handsome couple in a suit and evening dress who arrived laughing, enjoying each other’s company. A thought flashed through her mind: Her parents would’ve loved Phoenix.
Between the exquisite champagne and cuisine, Orchid found that she couldn’t stop talking. She commented on every flavor combination, on ads she’d seen, even questions about Phoenix’s family.
When the entrees were consumed, she asked, “You’re not missing meat?” “I’m not missing a thing.” He looked into her eyes.
The bottle, now empty, was a truth serum. “Phoenix, I wish you were coming with me. To China. For all six weeks. We’d have so much fun. Like Paris.”
He paused, as if measuring the meaning in her eyes. “You’re probably teasing me, but I wish I were, too.”
“Then come. We only live once. Get a ticket and meet me there. It’ll be an adventure. I could use your Chinese skills..”
“Your Chinese has improved a lot. You’re going to be more than fine.”
Edward and the sommelier approached, but she hardly saw them. Instead, words rushed into her head, a revelation that hit her hard:We’re meant for each other.
Her heart stuttered, and then bloomed, blossoming infinite petals to envelop both of them, even the diners in this restaurant, and every living being. Unconditional love. It welled up, so abundant that it might have taken her to her knees, were she not seated. Pure joy. Enough to fill the universe.
