𝑴𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒄𝒆 | 𝒈𝒙𝒈

𝑶𝒌𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔

We pulled over next to the valet station and the guys opened the doors for us, my girl was too stunned to speak. She looked at me with a confused look as we both got out of my car.

I tipped the valet and walked towards her then took her hand in mine, It felt like an old habit that I've been doing for years, so familiar and natural, even though it's probably the second time I've done that.

"You didn't tell me this is a fancy place" she exclaimed, her expression was unreadable and I didn't like it.

"I wouldn't say it's fancy, you sit at a table with other people" I said and we walked towards the entrance, the line was long but I wasn't the type of people who waited in it, especially not in my restaurant.

"Why are we skipping the line?" She asked confused and I smiled "We're not, we're just in a different line princess" I explained.

"Miss Carmichael it's lovely to see you" Graham, the restaurant manager, smiled and we shook hands "I told you, you can call me Alex when my parents are not here" I reminded him and he laughed.

"The usual?"

"I don't mind, wherever's free is fine" I smiled politely and looked at Em, she was still in a shocked state. I forget sometimes that my life is definitely not normal.

"You okay?" I whispered in her ear and she nodded, I squeezed her hand trying to reassure her.

Graham grabbed the menus from the station and we followed him to our table. The restaurant had a traditional yet modern Japanese decor, it had big chabudais that held around 12 people each, and essentially you sat around the table with strangers. The place was dark and the main color was charcoal grey, with splashes of red and white, also red and white orchids were placed on each table.

We were seated at the corner of the table, the rest of the seats were occupied so now the table was full.

I looked around I recognized uncle Richard, well he wasn't really my uncle, he was our family's lawyer but also my dad's best friend.

"Are you comfortable? There are also normal tables I can get us one" I asked worriedly as I saw that Emily's expression was still unreadable.

"No it's okay, I feel like we're underdressed for this, as least I am" she admitted and I shook my head. We weren't really underdressed, maybe a little, but it wasn't too extreme.

"It's okay Emi, don't worry, you look perfect" I tried to reassure her again and she shook her head.

"Why didn't you tell me this is a fancy place?" Her tone slightly firmer now, I placed my hand on her thigh but she tensed at my touch, it was usually the exact opposite.

"I forgot it's a fancy place" I wasn't lying, it wasn't a fancy place for me, it was just another one of the restaurants our company owns.

"Alex you already tipped like 70$ and we didn't even eat anything yet. This is more than a fancy place, I really can't afford that—"

"Baby you're not paying" I stated and earned an eye roll. I was aware of the difference in our financial situations and I was never gonna let her pay for anything, she worked so hard for her money and I don't want her to spend it on me.

"I'm the kind of girl who pays for herself" she argued but I couldn't help but smile.

"I'm the kind of girl who pays for her date, and since I'm more stubborn than you, I'm paying and it's final" I placed a tender kiss on her shoulder and felt her ease a little.

"We have to figure this out" she said, her tone softer this time, I think I even spotted half a smile on her lips.

"Can we do that after we have sushi's in our mouths, I haven't eaten all day" I spoke truthfully, I was afraid my stomach was gonna start making noises soon.