Flip Side of Love

Chapter 15

"Table for six under Steelborn please," Christopher told the lady manning the desk.

"Of course sir, right this way please." He followed the lady as she led them through the restaurant, finally stopping in front of a secluded booth. "Your table sir. Please sit down, peruse the menu and someone will come and take your order."

"Thank you." Christopher smiled as he sat down at the table. Heaving out a sigh, he adjusted himself, moving side to side on the seat in a bid to get comfortable. The chairs looked antique, absolutely beautiful. Wooden with intricate carvings, and plush, red, velvet, embroidered cushioning. They looked like they were plucked right out of a period drama. Despite their beauty, they provided nothing in terms of support, sure you sunk straight into the soft cushion but, a few minutes later you would readjusting in your, trying to lessen the strain to your lower back.

The rest of the restaurant perfectly matched the chairs. With wooden tables and wooden wall panels, mixed with extravagant drapes and intricate candle stands. Full sets of cutlery, napkins, crystal glasses, and the butlers/waitresses to match.

"Would you like to order something to drink?" The waitress asked.

"No, I'll wait for my party thank you."

"Of course. If you need anything while you wait, just wave me over." Christopher nodded to show he understood, and with that the waitress left him to his own devices. Christopher's instinct was to check his watch for the time.

"'Ristorante Stravagante'." Christopher hummed absentmindedly in response. "Fancy, I like it."

"A bit over the top don't you think?" Christopher mumbled.

"Eh," Nicky shrugged in response. "Each to their own I guess."

"I wonder why this one wasn't ticked off first. Honestly, it's the simplest one on the list and, quite literally, the easiest."

"Where's the fun in doing the easy things first?" Christopher just kept his focus on the entrance of the restaurant. "Stop doing that."

"Huh?"

"You look nervous, like you're getting stood up or something."

"I am nervous," Christopher said plainly.

"It's not like you're proposing or dumping anyone."

"Yeah but, I've kind of been a jerk."

"Then stop looking constipated and brainstorm an apology." Nicky ordered. "Oh too late."

"What?"

"In coming, six o'clock." Christopher panicked, as he watched his friends walk through the door. He was ready to dive under the table, but he caught Austin's eye before he could make a break for it.

"Hey." Taylor chirped as she sat down, not waiting for an invitation.

"Hi." Christopher greeted quietly, the rest of his friends offering their own form of salutation. An awkward silence settled over the group as they all settled down.

"Would you like to peruse the menu now?" Christopher almost let out a sigh of relief, at the return of the waitress.

There was a chorus of, "Yes, please."

"The dessert menu for me." Christopher announced.

"Uh... of course sir, I'll get that for you right away." The waitress dumped the dinner menus unceremoniously on the table, before she scurried off.

Christopher slowly turned his head in question, feeling the stares of everyone sitting around the table. "What?"

"What do you mean? You just asked for the dessert menu!" Taylor exclaimed.

"Yeah and so?" Christopher was worried if Austin's eyebrow rose any further, it'll end up in his hair.

"You don't think that's unusual?" Geoffrey wondered.

Christopher's reply was interrupted by the return of the waitress. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Taking a quick glance at the menu, he turned back to the waitress to place his order. "I'll have the triple fudge brownie, sticky toffee pudding, fried ice-cream, apple pie and the crème brulee."

"Is-is that all?" The waitress asked cautiously, she did not want to put her foot in her mouth. After receiving a nod, she buried her confusion and wrote down everything he had ordered.

"You just ordered a bunch of desserts." Taylor said, as though she were crazed.

"That I did."

"I'm gonna order a bunch of desserts." Christopher was pretty sure her eye started twitching half way through her sentence."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Geoffrey asked.

"Conscience, I respectfully order you to shut up! I'll have your top five rated desserts please." Taylor ordered.

"The rest of us are gonna have the chef special." Amelia said, before the waitress scurried off.

"Do you wanna tell me why you just ordered dessert?" Austin asked, looking straight at Christopher, who shrugged in response. "Fine then, how about if we're expecting an extra person?" Austin continued, pointing at the empty chair at the table. Christopher turned his gaze to the chair and stared at it as though he was just noticing it was there, and unoccupied.

"Are you gonna say anything?" Amelia asked.

"Bon Appetit?"

---

"That was the greatest dinner I've ever been invited to." Taylor smiled all giddy.

"Are you going to be able to sleep tonight?" Geoffrey asked worriedly, considering she was exhibiting all the signs of a sugar high.

"Are you kidding me? I'm great!" Taylor yelled.

"I'll make sure she gets home okay." Amelia said, cringing at Taylor's loud volume.

"Thanks for coming out guys. I know I haven't been the easiest to deal with lately, so I appreciate it." Christopher thanked, with his hands in his pocket.

"Of course," came Austin's response. "You'll be alright?" Austin asked.

"Yeah." Christopher reassured him. Giving his friends one last sad smile, before turning around and walking off to his car.