A Baccano Love Story

First Date

Somewhere in China Town. Golden Dragon.

Charlie and Luck stood outside the restaurant. A golden dragon blazed in the sunlight above a wooden signboard that had Golden Dragon and some Chinese characters painted on it in red letters.

"I guess this is it," Charlie said.

"If it isn't, I'll eat my hat," Luck said.

They stepped inside and were greeted by a hostess in a beautiful qipao that was blue silk with gold and silver embroidery. This Chinese woman was almost as pretty as Lia, but whereas there was a childish quality to the way Lia spoke an acted, this woman was all grace and maturity.

"Follow me, please."

She said it in perfect English with a local accent as she picked up two menus, and she led them to their table, a red booth by one of the large windows in the storefront.

"Your waiter will be with you shortly."

She left them to it and returned to her post near the door to greet the next customers.

They only had a few minutes to read the menu when a young Chinese man, who was wearing a white shirt with a mandarin collar and black pants, came over to their table.

"Hello, I your waiter," he said in broken English. "What I get you?"

Charlie looked at the menu again. "I think I'll have... the chicken chow mein."

"And I'll have the Presidential Chicken," Luck said. "And can you bring me a knife and fork?"

"Very good."

The waiter took their menus, and he left to fill their orders.

"Presidential Chicken?"

"It's chicken, vegetables, and peanuts in a spicy sauce."

"Hmm. That sounds good."

"You want me to call him back?"

"No. If it's okay with you, I'll just have a little taste of yours."

"Sure. As long as you don't mind me tasting yours."

"It's a deal."

While Charlie and Luck waited for their meal they chatted about the usual things and smiled and laughed, enjoying each other's company.

"So, I was wondering... how did your brothers react to us dating?" Charlie asked after a while.

"They said, 'It's about time.'"

Charlie laughed a little, smiling at his answer.

"So there's no problem?"

"Why would there be? You've always gotten along with them. They think of you like a little sister."

"But not you?"

Luck reached across the table to hold her hand and looked her in the eye as he smiled.

"Definitely not."

Charlie tried not to blush too much, but her cheeks turned pink.

Just then, their waiter arrived with their food. Luck withdrew his hand so the waiter could put their food on the table.

"Presidential Chicken and Chicken chow mein."

The waiter said the name of each dish as he placed it in front of its owner.

"Thanks," Charlie said to the waiter.

The waiter nodded at her and continued his work by heading to the next table.