SOUL TIES (The Sánchez Brothers Series, Book 1)

CHAPTER 17 : DEBBIE

We walked into the posh restaurant together. Even though we weren't holding hands, we were so close that they brushed against each other with every step we took. Our table was by the window and I appreciated the view of the elegant street the restaurant was situated in. La Grande Brasserie was in the middle of Grand Street so as expected, a lot of fancy cars were parked everywhere. The people inside the ritzy restaurant were all dressed similar- designer clothes with jewelries that looked like they could pay my salary for a whole fucking year. If it weren't for the awestruck look Andre had on his face when he picked me up, my confidence would have been a little shaken.

I had opted for a graphic bodycon dress which clinged perfectly to my hourglass figure, I actually swooned when I looked myself in the mirror close to my dresser. Andre seemed to have a hard time keeping his eyes on the road and I chuckled inwardly while revelling in the comfortable silence during the drive.

Andre beckoned on the preppy waiter and my eyes zeroed on his hand that performed that simple action. The voice of the waiter made me blink out of my reverie.

"Hello, welcome to La Grande Brasserie. My name is Albert and I'll be serving you today. Would you like to start off with a drink before we get to ordering?" I resisted the urge to laugh at his name. Albert was kind of a terrible name but mine wasn't any better so that shut me up.

"I'd like a glass of water."

The waiter wrote that down in the pad and looked at me. "Ma'am, would you also like a glass of water? Or a glass of rosé? We also have amazing choices of white wine."

"I want a glass of Jack."

I almost scowled at the surprised look on his face because of my 'masculine' drink choice. "A glass of Jack and coke?"

"Straight whiskey, no coke." No way on Earth some silly waiter with a fake French accent was going to intimidate me so I rivalled his judgemental expression with an eye roll. When my eyes landed on Andre, he had an amused expression on his face and for a split second, I wondered what he thought of me.

"I'd also get a glass of Jack." The waiter nodded at Andre's request wordlessly and left. "I actually pegged you a vodka person."

"I'm a vodka person too. It just depends on who's in company and how much liquid confidence I need."

He drew his head a little closer. "Liquid confidence? Do I make you nervous?"

"Not necessarily nervous. Just...." I paused a few seconds to think of an appropriate word. "I can't think of a suitable adjective right now."

He chuckled softly under his breath and leaned back in his seat. "Let's settle for different?" I thought for a second and shrugged in acceptance. "Alright then. I make you feel different. I can take that."

Albert the waiter saved me from thinking of a response by arriving with the drinks and two menu sheets which he handed to both of us. Andre gestured to me to order first so I skimmed through the menu as quickly as I could.

"Uhmm, I'd like Zucchini fritters, candied carrots with honey, cumin and paprika." It was a five course meal so I had a lot of selections to make. "Chopped Thai salad with peanut dressing." My mouth watered as I looked at the main course options. "Deep fried turkey with a honey bourbon glaze and lemon creme brulee for dessert." I actually let out a deep breath as I finished, it felt like a mouth workout. Tilting my head towards Andre, I signaled for him to make his own order.

"I'll take what she's taking. Plus a bottle of Jack." He waited for the waiter to leave before jerking his head at the glasses of whiskey on the table. "Bottoms up at the count of 3?"