Spencer
We pulled up to the valet in front of Zano, a very elegant restaurant. The valet opened my car door. I got out and went around to help Grace out. Wes and Riley were also in my car. Jett and Evan pulled up behind us in his sports car, Brennan arriving on his motorcycle.
“Fancy,” Riley breathed as we walked up to the doors.
“We have a lot to celebrate.” I put an arm around her. So much. Everything was finally coming together. We were coming together.
The seven of us entered the restaurant. It differed greatly from Supressa. Here, the ambience was understated and relaxed, meant to complement the food, not immerse you, yet impressive all the same. This was the type of restaurant that made wishes come true, where every night was memorable.
A woman in a suit greeted us. “Welcome to Zano. We’re excited for you to dine with us tonight. Could I please have your name?”
“Reservations for the Thanukos pack,” I stated.
“Welcome. The chef told us that it’s a special day for you, congratulations,” she replied, having a server take us to a comfortable, low-lit booth in the corner.
Brennan, Jett, Evan, and Riley sat on one side. Wes, Grace, and I on the other.
“How did you get reservations here?” Brennan asked as we looked at the cards listing the set menu.
“The chef is part of my club. We were talking yesterday, and then she called me this morning and told me that there was a cancellation and asked if we wanted it.” I’d been planning on taking us to one of the usual places, but I wasn’t about to turn this down.
“Oh, you went to the club yesterday. We… we’re not banned, right? Because of the fireworks?” Grace’s scent went worried.
“Don’t worry, I smoothed everything over,” I assured. “They were more concerned about the bouncy castle almost going into the lake than about the fireworks.” Everything was okay, not to mention that all our vendors had been tipped generously, especially the wedding planner, the string quartet, and the bouncy castle provider.
“Good, because we need to get better at tennis so we can play Kilroy and his mom, and why are there hardly any choices on this menu?” Riley frowned as she flipped the card over.
“It’s a set seasonal tasting menu. Though they accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies,” I explained. “The beverages complement the courses.”
Grace looked around. “This is beautiful. Is this the place you mentioned as an option for our party?”
“Indeed. They’re only open for dinner, so they’re often available for rentals during the daytime.” Really, I’d been considering this place for simplicity’s sake, given my injuries. It was understated and convenient.
Our party had been far more tailored to us. Many people who attended kept telling me how much fun they had.
“Welcome to Zano. Congratulations and thank you for celebrating with us. Here is some complimentary champagne and sparkling apple juice.” A server appeared with champagne flutes on a tray and handed them out. He explained the menu and took orders.
Grace squeezed my hand. “This is wonderful. Thank you.”
“It is a special day. You’re part of the pack now.” I kissed her. Officially, it would probably take a week before the forms were processed, and it populated in her file, but that was simply a technicality.
“We have something for you.” Brennan nervously took a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her.
“Always with the presents.” Grace smiled and took it from him. She opened it and sucked in a breath. “I get one?”
“Of course you do.” Wes took the pack ring out of the box and slipped it onto her pinky.
“Now we all match,” Riley said. “So, when do we get those tattoos?”
“We were thinking of waiting until you turned sixteen, then we could all go together,” Jett replied. “There’s a great tattoo artist who goes to my gym who would be perfect.”
Riley thought for a moment. “I approve of that idea.”
“Tonight’s amuse-bouche is a mascarpone and grilled peach crostini with local honey and crispy pancetta.” The server set the delicate, colorful appetizer in front of us.
The sommelier poured the wine that matched, explaining the choice to us. Someone brought Riley a non-alcoholic beverage that also paired with the dish.
Riley took a photo of her plate. “It’s so pretty.”
