The waiter comes by the table to deliver a platter and top off our wine glasses. My nose wrinkles at the contents on the plate.
“What the hell? This isn’t enough food for a toddler.”
“This is what you call fine dining.”
“Well, I call it a rip-off. What is it anyway?”
“Sashimi.”
“Which is?”
“Thinly sliced raw meat.”
I make a gagging sound. “I’m definitely not eating that.”
“What we have here is Wagyu beef, tuna, cuttlefish, and sea bream.”
“I’ll pass.”
“You need to get out of your comfort zone.Put some grated ginger and garlic on it, then dip it in the soy orponzu.If you want a little heat, you slather somewasabi paste on it.”
I put on my big girl panties and pick up the chopsticks.
“How do I use these things?”
“First of all, you’re holding them incorrectly.” He chuckles. “Watch me.”
I follow his lead, managing to pick up a piece of fish and successfully dip it in soy sauce.
“If I barf all over the table, it’ll be your fault,” I warn before popping the meat in my mouth. “Wow, it’s actually pretty tasty.” Maybe working for Art won’t be so bad. I’m making a decent salary and having a delicious lunch thrown in is a great perk. What more could a girl ask for?
“See, listen to me and you’ll experience great things.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Hello, Art, I thought that was you.”
I glance towards the vaguely familiar voice. Oh no, it’s the guy from the fundraiser dinner. He takes a chair from the empty table next to us and deposits it beside me before sitting.
“Leonard,” Art says scathingly.
“Cinnamon, it’s a pleasure seeing you again.” He reaches for my hand, but Art grabs his wrist and flings his arm back.
“Please, behave like adults. I prefer not to be featured onWhat’s Poppin?again,” I say in irritation.
“It’s not a crime to say hello to a friend, is it?” Leonard asks.
“You know what you’re doing,” I accuse.
“I’m here alone and was wondering if I could join you two for lunch.”
“No,” Art snaps, drawing the attention of a few patrons.
“Leonard, please go,” I beg.
“Since you asked so nicely, I’ll be on my way.” He stands, watching me with hungry eyes. “I look forward to seeing you around.”
“The next time we meet there won’t be witnesses,” Art threatens.
