Estelle

10 | Dinner

It has been a week since I patched my boss up in my apartment. He has not questioned me about the guns I own and it is as if he has forgotten. I know Adonis well enough that he definitely hasn't and just isn't questioning me. It confuses me, wouldn't you question anyone about their broken door or hidden guns? 

It has become clear to me that I really don't know very much about Adonis and his past. Is he not questioning me because of how little he knows me too?

I have not noticed any men watching me at night anymore. It could have been the change in location but I feel hope blossom in my chest. Maybe Accelius has moved on and forgotten me. If he has, I can stay in Italy.

This place has begun to feel like a real home to me. In America, I was tormented by my father but here I am free.

Adonis got me a new place on the top floor of a beautiful apartment building. He got it for me that night and a few strange men came to my old apartment to clean up the mess and move my things. Anytime I try to ask him about the men and the fact that he could secure a place so suddenly, he would stop speaking. I can't help but feel as if he is protecting me.

It worries me.

A few times, I have tried to give Adonis money for rent. He has been paying for my rent and even tried to pay for my food. I refused and he goes quiet every time I try to talk about taking over the rent.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I glance down at it. Adonis.

"Hello?"

"Let's meet. I want to talk to you about the meeting." There is an important meeting coming up in a week with a special client.

"Of course, when?" I walk across my apartment and pull out the folder in my bag with information about this important meeting.

"Tonight for dinner. I'll come pick you up and we will go to Terra & Mare." Before I open the folder I pause.

"That is a very nice restaurant for a meeting."

"I find it calming for focus."

"Okay, what time?"

"I'll be over in an hour."

The phone call ends. A professional meeting outside of work? We have never done that before. I frown and place the phone on the counter. This is all so sudden and I'm not sure how to act.

I go into my room and to my closet, pulling out nice but professional clothing. I pull out a long pencil skirt and a nice black tank to tuck into the waistband of the skirt. My shoes are two inch slingback heels.

Even if it is very sudden, there must be a good reason. Maybe he has something important he has to get out about the client?

After an hour, I hear a knock at my door and I answer it. Adonis stands there in his usual work attire.

"You could have just stayed in the car and let me know you were here." I smile at him as I grab a light coat, my purse, and the folder.

He shrugs in response and we head to his car. The car ride is silent but not awkward as Adonis drives through the small town. The sun is already setting and the streets are lit up by the sunlight, an occasional building blocking the light. I have begun to notice that we can just exist in silence together without being uncomfortable.

The restaurant  stands by itself in the middle of town. The outside looks like a normal restaurant but once we enter, I understand where the name came from. On one side are wisteria vines growing up archways and earth toned furniture. The other half of the restaurant is painted with blue waves and the furniture is white and blue.