The Art of Attraction

Chapter 14

"Shit!"  Roger grumbles as he checks yet another restaurant website and finds no reservations are available.  He closes the tab and sighs as a pop up reminder about a meeting appears on his monitor.

After dialing into the call and placing himself on mute, he searches for other restaurants and checks their websites.  Half listening to the weekly compliance call and looking for somewhere he could take Brian for dinner.  He pauses his search to provide the update for his department and answer some questions and then glances at the map of London he pulled up to remind him of other restaurant options he might have forgot.

Roger hangs up from the call and gets up.  Glancing at the fragrant flowers on the corner of his desk as he heads to the restroom.  A new determination fills him as he goes to the toilet.  Wanting to do something to show Brian his appreciation for him.  For his thoughtfulness and for being romantic as well.  He hated that it was late in the game to do anything planned for today.  Restaurants were full up for dinner that evening and he imagined the flower and gift shops were picked over.  It was too late to have anything delivered anyway.

"Roger."  Reva called out as Roger came towards her desk.  "Did you get that email from Grady about the conference next month?"  she inquired.  

"I did ."  Roger replied as he stood by her desk.   "I'm waiting to hear how many people we are allowed to send before I decide who all is going."  he advised as Reva nodded understanding.

"Okay.  Keep me posted."  she requested.  Roger always appreciated how organized Reva was about the departmental activities.  She was also good at managing things that came up last minute. He decided to ask her advice about a gift.

"Hey.   Do you have any suggestions about something to get someone for Valentine's this late in the game?"  he inquired.  Reva appeared curious.

"I take it you were surprised by those flowers."  Reva remarked.  Roger smiled.

"I was."  he confirmed.  "And to be honest I forgot today was Valentine's Day."  he admitted.  "I've had a lot on my mind as you know."  he said as Reva smiled at him.

"Are you wanting something that is reflecting friendship or romance?"  Reva asked him discreetly.  Showing she wasn't going to pry but needed some information.   "If you've met someone I promise I won't say anything to anyone."  she assured him.   Roger knew Reva was trustworthy.  

"Romance to be honest."  Roger divulged.  Reva made a slight sound of delight.  

"That is fantastic!"  Reva declared as she formed an excited smile and opened a new window on her computer screen.    Typing quickly as she looked something up.  "I know this great little bistro you could go to in Mayfair..."  she says as she forms a frown.  "Oh no!"  she says with disappointment as she turns and looks at Roger.  "They've permanently closed."  she states as she appears downtrodden at the news.  "I guess they didn't survive Covid."  she remarks as Roger also grows disappointed.  

"That's a shame."  he replies sincerely as Reva begins searching for something else.  He waited and watched as she checked numerous websites.  A frown forming on her face as she finished.

"I'm afraid the places I know might have an opening are already booked."  Reva stated as Roger's face fell.  "Sorry."  she said as he sighed.

"It's my fault for not thinking ahead."  Roger pointed out.  Reva gave him a sympathetic look.

"You know you could always just pop into the shops and get some wine and snack type food and have a little picnic in front of a fire."  Reva suggested.  Roger's face lit up at the idea.  Remembering how cozy Brian's front room is.