During college days, David met a lovely couple Louis and Carmen who owns a restaurant that is known for its steak, flavorful ribs and burgers in Southern part of Los Angeles.
During the pandemic, the restaurant was greatly affected and they also have encountered a huge financial crisis.
David invested a great sum of money, saving the restaurant from bankruptcy and became a business partner of the couple.
It's a bustling Friday night, with patrons enjoying delicious steaks and ribs. David walks in, unaware of the surprise party that's been organized for him.
Louis, a burly man with a jovial manner, stands behind the bar, pouring drinks. Carmen, a petite and cheerful woman, is flitting between tables, barely containing her excitement. They exchange conspiratorial glances, ready for the big surprise.
Louis wipes his hands on a towel. "Are you sure he doesn't suspect anything?"
Carmen smiles and feels excited. "Not a clue! You should've seen him when I asked him to come by tonight."
Carmella walks into the kitchen.
Louis looks at his daughter.
"How do I look?" asks Carmella.
Carmella slightly frowns. "You gotta behave yourself, Carmella."
"Oh c'mon Mama, David is single and I am too!" Carmella helps her father.
Miguel suddenly burst the kitchen door open. "David, he's almost here!"
Carmella smiles and gets the red liptick from the pocket of her micro mini denim pencil skirt.
CJ gets in the restaurant with Nicole.
Nicole looks at the restaurant. "Not bad."
Louis sees CJ and pulls Carmen and tags her along with him walking towards CJ.
"David really has a big heart," says Tobie.
After a few minutes
David has finally arrived and gets the paper bag from the back seat. He goes out of his car and makes his way to the restaurant.
David wonders why the lights are dim and gets inside the restaurant.
Everyone around erupts into applause. A banner falls from the ceiling reading "THANK YOU, DAVID!" as he stands there, bewildered.
David gets frightened and smiling. "Wow! What is all this?"
Louis steps forward and hugs David. "This is for you, my friend! We can't thank you enough for what you did for us.
Carmen walks to them tearing up slightly. "You saved our restaurant, David! We were on the brink of closing! We couldn't thank you enough."
Louis is feeling grateful. "Well, we're serving you up some gratitude tonight, my amigo!
David takes a moment, looking around at the faces of friends and loyal patrons smiling back at him.
David feels overwhelmed. "I... I don't really know what to say except thank you.
"Just enjoy the night! This steak is in the house, and I've got one of your favorites – ribs – cooking just for you!" Carmen holds David's arm.
Carmella's looking at David and biting her lower lip.
"You gave us hope when we thought we didn't have any," says Carmen.
YOU ARE READING
The Mystery of Us (You and Me Against the World)
RomanceI don't know when I start noticing you. I don't know if I should let you in. For me you're just a friend but what if I want more than that. What do I need to do so I can stop myself from falling in love with you. Am I doing the right thing? Are you...
