What Happens in Vegas: Doesn't stay in Vegas

Chapter 7

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Mayas POV

I walk through the door of the fanciest restaurant I have ever been to. I am still wearing my clothes from work but I look good so who cares. I did leave my glasses as I don't need them unless I'm reading or using screens. I make my way to the hostesses station. "Miss Delucas table please?" The hostess leads me to a back room with fever tables that are more private, with the exception of the wait staff. Unfortunately, since I'm the first one here, I'm pretty much alone in this intimate style, darkened room.

"Can I get you a drink miss?" One of the waiters asks.

I think for a second then smile to myself "Do you have strawberry lemonade?" The waiter nods and walks away. I don't fancy a drinking tonight, not yet anyway. I haven't had a drink since Vegas, and we all know how that turned out.

I check my watch, I'm a few minutes early but Miss Deluca is a punctual person so I know I shouldn't have to wait too long. I decided to look over the menu in the meantime. There are fancy dishes that i've never even heard of before. What catches my eyes the most is the fact that there are no prices to be seen.

"Have you been waiting long?" Carina appears sitting down in front of me.

"No, not at all. I've only ordered a drink." The waiter brings my lemonade and a drink for Carina. She must have ordered it when she walked in. Carina unbuttons her suit jacket but leaves it on. She must be feeling a bit on the colder side I guess. She pulls out the all too familiar little black box. "I would like you to wear your ring so other men and women know you are off limits." I guess that's a reasonable request. I slip it on and my hand feels noticeably heavier.

The waiter comes over to take our orders, I quickly pick up the menu again and I can feel Carina stare at me almost waiting to see what I'll get. I glance at her but all she does is give me a smirk back. I still haven't made my mind up yet but I hear "the usual" from Carina.

I place my menu down on the table and ask "What's the usual?"

She takes a sip of her wine her eyes never leaving mine. "Beef wellington with truffled mashed potatoes and garlic green beans."

"Oh that sounds fantastic, I'll have the same please." I can feel my mouth watering at the thought of my food that I'm about to devour. After the waiter leaves with our orders I thank Carina, "I want to thank you for taking care of my father."

Carina dismisses me and shakes her "It was part of the deal"

I take a sip of my lemonade before I reply to her. "No, it wasn't. Paying off the medical debt, yes, but moving him to a closer and better facility was not. So, again thank you."

"You're welcome."

The silence feels awkward, so I think of a new subject. "So uhh you must come here pretty often then?"

She raises an eyebrow at my question "What makes you say that?"

I give her a duh look. "The usual? I wonder how many other people have a 'usual'"

Carina shrugs with a smile and says "What? It's the best."

The waiter brings out our food and let me tell you it looks absolutely delicious, it's like a dish you'd see on one of those celebrity Chef cooking shows. "Aren't you going to take a picture of it?" Carina asks.

"No? Why would I take a picture of it?" That's just weird.

"So you can post it on social media." She says it like its the most normal thing a person does then puts a bite of her own into her mouth.

"I'd rather just eat it." I say as I take a bite. I feel an explosion in my mouth. It's no wonder that this is her usual. The meat is tender and juicy. I'm practically dancing in my seat, it is that good. I want to close my eyes and just focus on the food in my mouth. Before I know I know it I have already eaten half of my food. I go to take a drink of my strawberry lemonade but wince slightly as I do.

Carina must have noticed because she asked if I was alright.

I wipe my mouth before answering "Yes, I'm okay it's just my lemonade tastes funky with the food."

The brunette infront of me asks "What would you like instead?"

"I don't know. What goes well with this?" I ask as I point down to my plate with my knife and fork.

Another smirk from Carina as she lifts up her wine glass and says "Cabernet Sauvignon, it pairs exceptionally well due to its tannin structure and rich fruit flavours." Shaking my head at the know it all, I ask the waiter for a glass of the same wine that Carina has.

Our meal goes by smoothly, we chat here and there about random things. Carina is 29 and was raised by her father, who she calls papa. Her mother past away in a car accident from a drunk driver. She took over the business from her father when she was 22. I tell her about my dad. He was a lieutenant colonel in the army. He finished 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before my mother left him because of his PTSD. He was undiagnosed and was able to take another tour where he took shrapnel to his spine. He is paralysed from the waist down and one of his arms is weak. His mental health is what keeps him in the facility. The VA covers most of the medical bills but unfortunately not all of them.

"When do I get to meet him?" Carina asks.

"Whenever you want. I'm hoping he'll be able to attend my graduation ceremony next week but I have been having trouble finding and getting him a powered chair and a nurse to accompany him."

After our meal was finished and I can't eat anymore not even another bite. Carina offers the dessert menu to me. "Would you like to order dessert?"

I wave my hand in protest "No way, I am stuffed." I look at her plate. " I even ate more than you you must think I am a pig."

A small smile appears on her beautiful face. "Oh stop it, I think you just enjoyed your meal."

I nod "You were right. It is the best."

She smiles in agreement and stands up. "Shall we?" I stand up and she holds out her arm for me to take, which I do enthusiastically. She leads me out to a flashy BMW M4 in pristine condition. He opens my door like a gentlewoman. "Would you like to go to our place so you can see where you'll be living?"

Oh she is good, smooth even. "It's okay. I can wait. I need to start packing anyway." She heads off in the direction to my apartment. I don't have to give any directions, she seems to already know where I live. We arrive at my building and she parks the car.

"I'll walk you up" She steps out of the car before I can even respond. She opens my door and again offers me her arm. I live on the third floor of a six floor walk up. Carina takes me all the way up to my door and waits until I am before she leaves.

I unlock my door and turn around toward Carina. "Thank you for dinner."

Carina lift her hand and runs it through my hair and leaves it resting on the side of my face. I subtly lean toward her touch. "Good night Maya."

My lips part and I catch my breath. I anticipate a kiss from her but it doesn't come. I clear my throat "Good night, Carina"

I go to turn away but she grabs my waist and pulls me into her, resting her hands on my back. I look up to her dreamy eyes and she just stares back at me. Neither of us dare to move. After a few intense breaths Carina asks "Do I have permission to kiss my wife?"

I shake my head. "No"

To be continued...