𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 - 𝑪𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑬𝑵 𝑩𝑬𝑹𝒁𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑶

1.

WHEN VERONICA AND BRITT made plans to turn Britt's quick business trip to Chicago into a week long getaway, Veronica was ecstatic, ready to get out and away from New York for a bit. But then Britt called V and told her about the dinner reservations she made for the two of them at a new dinner hot spot and her heart fell to her stomach.

"It's this new place called 'The Bear!" B beamed over the phone to Veronica, "It's got so many good reviews and has even been featured in magazine articles nationwide. As soon as I heard of it I knew we had to check it out." She explained, Veronica remained silent... not on purpose, she just didn't even know what to tell her best friend. "...V? You there?"

"You said- it's called 'The Bear?" Veronica finally spoke.

"Yeah?" Britt replied, a tad confused at Veronica's spacey tone, "You've had to have heard of it by now."

"Formally 'The Beef' by any chance?" She replied.

"Yep! Used to be a sandwich spot. I knew you'd know it."

"Right." Veronica nodded to herself.

"So, that sounds good right?" Britt reassured.

"No, yeah, awesome." She half-lied, what was she gonna do? Force her to cancel the reservation? She couldn't deny she had been wanting to check the place out herself. We won't even see him. He'll be busy, she told herself.

Britt arrived back from her meeting an hour later and the two began to get ready for their dinner. Veronica wore a satin, black midi-dress, with a pair of black pumps, and some simple to jewelry to finish the look. She left her brunette hair down, falling over her shoulders and did a soft smokey eye with a nude pink lip.

Britt wore a short black dress that had puffy sleeves and sandals. She tied half her hair up and did a soft glam. The two snapped a few selfies and then called themselves an Uber.

They arrived at The Bear and the place was already packed, "Good thing I made reservations." Britt joked with V, nudging her with her elbow as they walked into the crowded restaurant. It was a beautiful restaurant, decked with modern decor and features. It felt even more elegant and cozy than the pictures the two saw on Google.

As they reached the front they were greeted by a man in an all black suit with blue eyes, Richie, Veronica remembered, or Cousin. She recognized him though she had met him only briefly, so long ago. She hoped he wouldn't recognize her and thankfully it seemed he didn't.

"Welcome in." He smiled at the two and greeted them, "Do we have reservations tonight?" He asked, holding an iPad.

"Yes, under Britt Cooper." Britt told him.

"Table for two, yes." He was kindly professional, "We'll be seated at Table 4 tonight, you can follow me." He told them and led them to their seats, offering them water to start with as their waiter would be with them shortly.

Veronica and Britt looked over the menu and ordered drinks as they sat across from each other, next to a window.

Veronica looked up at her friend who was focused on the menu, she knew she had to tell her the truth, about herself and this place... or more so the person who owns it.

"Britt, I've got something to tell you." She spoke up.

Britt looked up from her menu and analyzed her face, "What's up, V?" she asked cautiously.

Veronica took a breath, "So, about this place..." She started, "I uh- I actually know the owner." She chuckled, "I actually kinda named the place too."

"Wait what? Really?" Britt sat up, "That Carmen guy? You know him? Oh my god, did he steal the name from you? Is that why you were so weird on the phone earlier?!" She asked her.