The One

Lunch

Their conversation flowed easily, as if nothing had transpired; however, an unmistakable chasm separated them. They climbed into the car and journeyed to one of Christian's top restaurants, situated a thirty-minute drive from his office.

As they arrived, Christian pulled up at the entrance, where a valet sprang into action, swiftly opening the passenger door and stepping back, ready to greet them. Christian exited and made a quick dash to his mate's side, but she was already out of the car, aided by the valet, her body language signalling an invisible barrier between them.

"Welcome to CE Restaurant, ma'am," the valet said cheerfully, swinging the door wide open. His warm smile elicited a glimmer of a smile from her in return, but it only deepened Christian's scowl.

Out of the blue, she leaned closer, her brow furrowing with concern. "You okay, boy?"

The valet, taken aback, quickly replied, "Yes, ma'am, I'm fine," keeping his gaze fixed to the ground.

She stepped forward, not satisfied with his response. "You don't look okay." Her voice was firm yet gentle. "Look up."

The valet hesitated, glancing briefly at Karol and then at Christian before returning his gaze downward, as though he feared he had erred. Without a moment's thought, she grabbed his hands, her grip reassuring. "Don't look down, boy. You did nothing wrong; hold your head up high."

"But ma'am—"

"No buts. You look unwell; sit down for a moment." She guided the valet to a small podium, pulled out a chair, and effectively ushered him into it, insisting he take a much-needed break. While rummaging through her handbag, she continued, "You need to take care of yourself before you can help others. Remember, your well-being is essential. Here, eat this."

She handed him a bar of dark chocolate. "It's the best medicine when you're hungry or feeling drained. Ignore him," she gestured at Christian, "I'm the one giving this to you, so his glare doesn't matter. You're a growing boy, so eat plenty, aright?"

"Do you have mineral water?" she asked the valet, who shook his head apologetically.

Still ignoring Christian, who stood there like an awkward spare part, she turned her attention back to the valet. "Christian, do you have any mineral water in the car?"

"Let me check," he replied, his tone clipped.

"Sorry, I don't have any," he called back, returning empty-handed.

"No worries. What time do you clock out from work?" she asked, her gaze softening as she focused on the nervous valet.

"Late, ma'am."

"Don't lie to me, boy. What time do you really clock out?"

"12:30 pm, ma'am."

"It's 12:45 pm, so let's grab lunch together." her smile broke through his wall and encouraged the timid valet, who now seemed even smaller under Christian's intense scrutiny.

"Don't mind him. If he makes you uncomfortable, we can sit at another table while he sulks over there," she teased, gesturing to Christian.

"No, ma'am, I'll eat later."

"Later as in you might skip lunch and eat your dinner, or perhaps only consume breakfast later?" Karol shot back, her tone playful but direct, illuminating the guilt in the valet's eyes.

In a soft, nurturing voice, she continued, "So let's go since it's past your working hours now." The valet remained rigid, torn between his duties and her insistence.

Taking no for an answer wasn't part of Karol's plan. "I'll force you if you don't comply with this small request of mine." She adopted a sad, hurt expression, and the valet caught off guard, relented.

"Okay, I'll follow you, ma'am."

With that, the trio moved into the restaurant, drawing a mix of puzzled and inquisitive stares from onlookers.

Upon reaching their table, she gently guided the valet into a chair beside her, ignoring the whispers that surrounded them. "Don't mind them; they're just nosy. If you feed them your attention, they will drain you dry," she reassured him.

The valet nodded but kept his gaze fixed on his hands.

"Hello, welcome to CE Restaurant! My name is Cassey, and I'll be your waitress this fine afternoon," a cheerful voice chimed in.

Christian wasted no time. "I'll have the classic lamb chop set and red wine," he ordered, his eyes still fixed on his mate, who was cleverly concealing her face behind the menu.

She sensed his frustration but kept her focus on the valet, who looked lost for choice, resembling a child unsure of what to say. "What do you want?" she murmured.

"Do you want me to help you order?" she whispered, her tone gentle and encouraging. The valet nodded slowly, still fixated on his hands.

"Aright, I'll get grilled lamb shoulder with extra mushroom gravy on the side for me, and he'll have a grilled medium-rare steak with black pepper on the side."

"Any drinks, ma'am?"

"Two warm waters, a cup of red wine, and apple juice without ice," she replied.

"Okay, I'll repeat your order: one classic lamb chop set with red wine, one grilled lamb shoulder with extra mushroom gravy on the side with warm water and red wine, and a grilled medium-rare steak with black pepper on the side, along with warm water and apple juice. Is that all?" The waitress looked at the trio, her smile genuine.

Karol nodded, handing over the menu, while Christian's deep voice resonated assertively, "That's all," his attention fixed unwaveringly on his mate.

After the order was placed, she turned to his mate, resting her chin on her palm, her head tilted in curiosity. Christian's gaze was intense, almost predatory, making her pulse quicken.