A Soft Touch Far Away - (Stefanielle fanfic)

PANIC

Danielle's POV :

"Reservation under Savre." I told the waiter.

"Your table is over here." He guided us in the restaurant and we all sat around the big table.

Charlotte looked like a deer caught in headlights so I motioned for her to sit next to me, Stefania on my other side and Barrett on hers.

"What are we drinking ?" Asked Jay enthusiastically.

The waitress started writing down the drinks of everyone.

"Tequila shots !" Shouted Jaina.

"A bloody Mary for me."

"Sex on the beach please !"

"I'll take red wine per favore." Demanded Stefania at no one surprise.

"Virgin mojito please." I asked.

"Come on Danielle, we are celebrating your directing debuts, have a drink !"

"And I'm driving so no thank you." I smiled back.

Charlotte was the only one who didn't order and everyone's eyes were on her.

She turned white when she realized the staring.

I whispered in her ear.

"You can have juice, or there is fruit syrup."

She nervously looked at me and opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out.

"Juice ?" I suggested, letting her the choice by nodding instead of talking.

"Apple ?"

She nodded and I ordered her drink.

Everyone was deep in conversation, including Charlotte.

Well, she was mostly listening to the crazy stories of Barrett's travels and adventures.

The waiter came back to order the dishes and before it was Charlotte's turn, I showed her the menu.

She pointed to a light avocado salad.

"That's only a side dish, you'll be hungry with just the salad."

"N- no it's okay."

"Sweetheart, is it because you're nervous or is there another reason you don't want to take anything else ?" I softly questioned.

"I- I'm not hungry."

I raised my eyebrows, knowing there was something else.

"I did- didn't take enough money for more." She said so quietly I had to prick up my ears to hear her.

"Oh sunshine..." I sighed, putting a stray of hair behind her ear.

"That's my night, I'm paying for everyone."

"Everyone ??" She asked in disbelief.

"It's nothing, I'm paying dinner for my friends because we are celebrating for me. It's normal honey."

"So please, take something a little more substantial to eat." I warned.

I decided to let her time to choose.

Everyone had ordered and the waiter was now waiting for Charlotte.

Seeing her still hesitate, I suggested her to add chicken and some peppers and she agreed.

"Thank you Danielle." She said blushing.

"It's okay Charlotte. I don't mind." I answered.

I stroked her back up and down because she was still a little tense.