Weight of The Untold

Chapter 27

"Thank you for taking me to this place, Ky. I really enjoyed that massage."

Her words were barely out before my giggle filled the car, light and uncontrollable, the kind that comes from a day that feels like it's unfolding exactly the way it's supposed to.

"You're most welcome," I said, fastening my seatbelt before turning the engine on. "Now you get to choose where we have lunch."

She turned toward me slowly, eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. "Really? You'll eat wherever I choose?"

I nodded without hesitation.

"Okay then," she said, smiling as she buckled up. "Turn right by that salon."

I glanced at her. "You're directing me? That means I don't know the place."

Her smile widened, unmistakably mischievous. "No, it just means I want to surprise you."

Oh.

"Well... okay," I said, easing the car into motion. "Let's go then."

Lord, I hope she's not taking me somewhere I'll regret.

...

"Le Bernardin?" I read aloud, stepping out of the car and staring up at the elegant lettering stretched across the front.

She laughed softly beside me, slipping her bag over her shoulder. "You're surprised, aren't you?"

"I mean-yes," I said honestly. "I was absolutely not expecting seafood. Are you sure you want us to eat here?" I scrunched my nose without thinking.

That only made her laugh harder.

"You're so funny, Kyla," she said, linking her arm through mine. "Come on. You'll love it, I promise. It's not only seafood."

The moment we stepped inside, the scent of fresh fish wrapped around me like a wave.

"Welcome to Le Bernardin," the hostess greeted warmly.

"Hi," Rose said easily. "A booth or table for two, please."

"This way," the woman replied, guiding us toward the left.

We slid into a booth by the window, facing each other, and almost immediately a blonde waitress appeared with the brightest smile.

"Good afternoon, ladies. Welcome to Le Bernardin," she said, handing us our menus.

"Thank you," we replied together, perfectly in sync.

"Let me know once you've decided," she said before leaving us alone.

I turned to Rose. "So... what are you thinking of eating?"

She frowned slightly at her menu. "Honestly? I don't know if I'll like anything. You know how I feel about crabs and oysters. Yuck."

I laughed at her dramatic expression.

"I know," she continued, leaning closer. "But there's a fried section. I know you'll find something. That's actually why I chose this place."

We both giggled, and I flipped open my menu, scanning eagerly.

"Fried oysters?" I groaned. "Absolutely not."

Rose laughed and gently took the menu from me. "Leave everything to me."

She caught the waitress's attention with a small wave.

"Ready to order, ladies?" the waitress asked, pen poised.

"Yes," Rose said confidently. "We'll have the seafood turtle pasta, bouillabaisse, and carpaccio with bread."