* * *
The restaurant we go to is in downtown L.A., which takes almost two hours from Malibu to reach. The traffic’s pretty awful, especially around this time.
Still, the place is worth the long drive. The entryway has gorgeous flower arrangements, although it’s sort of weird to call them that, since they don’t have flowers, just pale branches. But they’re designed to look like coral formations, especially when the blue-green lights are on them.
Grant gets out and gives his keys to a uniformed valet. A staff member comes over and opens my door for me.
Just as I’m about to step out of the Mercedes, Grant comes around and holds out a hand. I place mine in it, let his long, strong fingers wrap around me and feel my heart flutter like a newly blossoming flower.
He doesn’t let go as we make our way to the entrance. I’m in the Givenchy and the nude stilettos from earlier. In addition to the necklace I’m wearing, a pair of diamond earrings dangle away from my hair, which I put up in a loose bun with some strands framing my face. I don’t think I’ve ever looked this pretty in my life, not even for my prom. I feel like a princess about to attend her first ball.
Grant has changed into a crisp white shirt, charcoal jacket and black pants. He hasn’t bothered with a tie, but on his wrist is a new watch—the one Marketta brought. I also note platinum and onyx cuff links with his initials. Although we’re both too young to drink, he exudes the confidence and sophistication of a far older man. He could probably order a drink and no bartender would think to ask for an ID.
I don’t know if I can match his self-assurance and attitude, but I’m happy to be in the fancy dress and shoes. They make me feel like I belong, although I’m probably a bit overdressed.
The hostess stands in front of a huge aquarium full of colorful tropical fish. She’s in a gorgeous blue dress, and she smiles winsomely, flashing white teeth. “Welcome to La Mer. Do you have a reservation?”
“Party of two, Grant Lasker.”
She checks her tablet. “This way.”
We’re led into the restaurant, and I can’t stop myself from looking around like a small-town girl who’s never been to a big city before. All the partitions and walls are actually aquariums with fish, sand and miniature coral inside. I’m not sure if the coral is real or fake, but it looks authentic.
I also get to see the guests already seated, and I realize it’s a good thing we didn’t try to drive all the way to my grandparents’ house for my black dress. It’s a nice enough outfit, but it wouldn’t work here. Even to my ignorant eye, what people are wearing looks priceless and exquisite, like the racks and racks of clothes Marketta brought for me.
As a matter of fact, I could’ve gone fancier and I’d fit in just fine. And it’s the same for Grant as well.
Our table is in a private section, almost entirely enclosed by the aquarium walls. In the center is a candle with a miniature wreath made with tiny white flowers.
“I love this.” I smile. “Thank you.”
Grant grins. “I’m glad. I wasn’t sure about the place.”
“How come?”
“It’s my first time here too. I had to trust that the publicity and buzz were true.”
“Isn’t it normally? Or at least, don’t you know somebody who could give you an honest opinion?”
He shrugs. “Not always, not when the restaurant owner poured the kind of money into it that this one did.”
“I don’t know how much he spent, but it was worth it.” I look at the bright orange fish swishing away. “It’s amazing.”
Andyouare amazing,I think as I look across the table. The warm glow from the candle brings out his sharp cheekbones and strong chin. His full lips are smiling, and I swear, he has the most stunning mouth I’ve ever seen on any human being—soft and kissable.
Probably the only soft thing on his body.Despite the A/C blowing, I feel overly warm. I reach for my ice water to cool myself.
Just then, our server appears. He’s impeccably dressed, like the hostess, and ridiculously good-looking. It’s like being attractive is a job requirement here.
We order drinks—a pink lemonade for me and a Coke for Grant. The menu only has two options: five-course or seven-course. We opt for the latter. According to our waiter, it’s the most sought-after choice at the moment and highly recommended, especially since it’ll only be available during the opening month.
The drink is fabulous—the best pink lemonade I’ve ever had. As each course comes, I see the portions aren’t huge, but are delightfully arranged and presented. I’ve never had anything this elegant or tasty. My experience with seafood is limited to shrimp fajitas, fried shrimp and fish sticks—maybe sushi if I want to get super fancy.
“I feel like a fairytale princess,” I say after our waiter clears away the fourth course.
“Cinderella?” Grant says.
I shake my head. “Belle.”
