A Christian Romance II

Chapter 16 - More spirituality

Despite the few progresses and many regresses in Michael's attempt to hook up with Miriam, her evolution as a Chef was notorious, steady, and successful. Two months after investing his time in training her had victoriously paid off and the best way to celebrate that victory was to throw a reopening party at his restaurant.

Anyone knew that Saturday was the perfect day to organize a reopening event at a restaurant, of course, Michael considered it just as wise. His diners would go to the restaurant, and after having too much of the delicious food that Miriam would prepare, they would drive to a nightclub nearby and enjoy the night until early morning. This wouldn't be a problem, because Sunday was a day devoted to rest and recovering from any hangover. He had done that so many times! This event could even be a chance to get Miriam stripped of her wits and he would finally get his chance with her. There was a smirk on his face simply by the thought of that.

So, without any further ado, he informed Ferdinand to inform Miriam of the event taking place on the coming Saturday.

"I thought the restaurant was closed on the weekends," Miriam replied self-controlling her desire to complain, when she heard Ferdinand telling her these news.

Ferdinand and Miriam were at the bar of the restaurant, where Brian - the bartender - not only worked but also eavesdropped.

"It is," Ferdinand replied. "But, just for the reopening, we will throw the party on the Saturday. It's just one Saturday." He tried to convince her, but unfortunately for him, he couldn't be as assertive as he should.

"I already have plans for that Saturday." Miriam insisted. It wasn't like she had plans, other than staying at home and keeping the Sabbath.

"Well, I guess you'll have to cancel them."

As Miriam was preparing to give her last blow to shut Ferdinand up without being too disrespectful, Michael arrived. Miriam noticed him right away and rolled her eyes.

Ignoring Miriam's reaction to him, Michael addressed the bartender.

"Hello Brian, get me a rosé, please? I need to loosen up." He referred to the fact that he needed to digest the disrespect that came from Miriam upon his arrival.

"Sure, Mr. Spencer," Brian replied, resuming his work.

As Michael leaned onto the counter, waiting for his rosé, he looked at Ferdinand and realized that something was up.

"Is everything alright between you two?" He asked out of sheer curiosity.

"We're just discussing how things are gonna work out in the reopening." Ferdinand tried to hide the full truth to Michael, in an attempt to avoid a scene.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have lunch to prepare," Miriam informed.

As she was about to turn her back on them, Michael decided to voice his indignation with an assertiveness that Ferdinand hadn't found to address the issue.

"Miriam, wait!" He commanded.

She immediately obeyed. At times, it felt like Michael was the owner of the restaurant rather than just a friend of the owner, that was why she always preferred to handle any situation with Ferdinand, even if he didn't know what to do most of the time.

"What, Michael?" She didn't hide her lack of patience in dealing with him. "What do you want?"

"Is there a problem with the reopening?" He asked, with narrowed eyes. "If there is, I'd like to know now." He demanded, without wavering a bit.

Miriam loved it when his assertiveness came out. Deep down that was one of the things that attracted her to him; his confidence. However, the fact that she enjoyed this trait in him so much, also enraged her, and she easily became defiant toward him.