EXES AND OH'S

Malibu Nights

I step out of my car and slowly walk the natural graystone pathway up to the establishment, feeling all giddy and ecstatic as I look around the well-lit parking area which was lined-up with luxury cars and littered with beautiful, sophisticated people. 

I love this part of Causeway. It's a lot quieter up in here compared to Miami Beach, where all of the wild and crazy parties are. There's lots of high-rise, luxury condos around here too. The bar and restaurant I'm headed to is actually located at the heart of all these upscale buildings. This part of town is indeed a gem — trendy, vibrant and hip, but still chic compared to anywhere else in the whole of Florida.

This is already looking good, business-wise.

As soon as I reached the entrance to the restaurant, I am jovially greeted by the pretty, blonde-haired receptionist named Stella. I tell her that the reservation is under Kurt Richard Swallows, and that I'm one-half of Social Wire Media Marketing and PR Group. 

Stella immediately calls for one of the ushers to show me in and around the whole property.

A tall, ginger guy saunters towards me and flashes me his pearly whites. "Good evening, ma'am. My name is Cameron, I'll be your usher and personal waiter for tonight. Welcome to Allegro Bar and Restaurant." Cam greets, all-smiles as he leads the way towards the short dimly-lit hall. 

A smile forms on my lips and my eyes sparkle in wonder as I bask in the luxurious ambience of the whole area. My nude stiletto pumps clacks loudly against the exotic hardwood floors with each step I take, and the walls are painted in a deep maroon shade with a high gloss finish — all accentuated by gold, vintage-looking wall lamps. Crystal art-deco chandeliers hung from the vaulted high ceilings, and there's huge art-deco stained glass windows and sliding doors near the expansive balcony overlooking Miami's evening coastline. This is giving me serious Gatsby-esque, roaring 20's party vibes. I've already fallen in love with this place. 

Cameron escorts me to the VIP lounge, which had an entire wall on the east that hung large, dissimilarly-framed mirrors that were arranged in no particular rhyme or reason. It had a really Alice in Wonderland kind of magical and enchanting aesthetic to it. 

Kurt is so frickin' lucky if he gets to land a deal and successfully book with this client's opulent bar and restaurant. 

I check my reflection on one of the huge mirrors, tucking some stray hair behind my ears. I had my wavy blonde hair primped into a messy high bun, and my make-up done in neutral shades — so as to exude that cool lady-boss look. And I absolutely made the right choice by wearing this tiny, thin-strapped, white Chanel dress. My entire look is business-like, but still sexy and classy at the same time. The owner of this place probably is a billionaire and has exquisite taste, so it's good that I decided to dress up really nice tonight.

"This is your private booth, Ms. Swallows." Cameron gestures to the table near the open balcony, and from here I can taste and smell the salty ocean air. I didn't bother to correct the usher that I'm not Ms. Swallows. He probably thought I'm Kurt's date or something, and it's kinda funny. "Shall I take your orders, ma'am? Or would you want some refreshments first while waiting for your companion?" He asks, offering me the menu.

I politely shake my head. "Oh, thank you. But I think I'd want to check out the whole place and have a drink by the bar first." I smile back at Cameron and clasp my hands together. "I'm actually here to meet with the owner of the restaurant, Beth de Luca? I represent Social Wire Media, and my partner's supposed to have a meeting with her tonight but he's indisposed... so I filled in."