Only for You

37: A Blessing and a Promise

The dim lighting in Komodo cast a warm glow over their table, reflecting off the sleek black marble and gold accents. The restaurant hummed with quiet chatter and soft music, the clinking of glasses and the occasional laughter from other diners filling the space.

Fatima sat comfortably next to Zac, her legs crossed beneath the table, a half-empty espresso martini in her hand. She skimmed the menu, eyes flickering over the descriptions of each dish, trying to decide between her usual favorites and something new.

"This sounds good," she mused, tapping her nail against the menu. "Lobster Dynamite. But it also sounds like it could be way too much."

Zac, however, wasn't looking at the menu at all. His beer sat in front of him, untouched for the last few minutes as his gaze wandered around the restaurant, scanning the entrance, then shifting toward the bar area.

Fatima's brow furrowed as she lifted her gaze to him. "Baby."

"Hm?" He barely turned his head.

"Who are you looking for?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

Before he could answer, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic, you know, people are Christmas shopping."

Fatima turned, surprised to see her father approaching the table, shrugging off his jacket.

"Daddy?" She blinked. "I didn't know you were coming."

Marlon gave her a knowing smirk as he pulled out the chair across from them. "That's crazy, especially since Zac invited me."

Fatima's head snapped to Zac. He was suddenly very interested in his beer, taking a slow sip as if that would make him invisible.

She narrowed her eyes. "Oh, really?"

Zac cleared his throat but said nothing.

Before she could press him further, their waitress arrived, a friendly smile on her face as she handed Marlon a menu.

"Good evening, sir. Can I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?"

"Old Fashioned," Marlon said, flipping the menu open.

"Great choice. I'll be right back with that." The waitress disappeared into the crowd, leaving them alone again.

Fatima arched a brow at Zac, still waiting for an explanation.

"So..." she drawled, drumming her fingers on the table. "Are we gonna talk about why you secretly invited my father to dinner, or are we just gonna act like that's normal?"

Zac shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "It's not not normal."

Marlon chuckled as he glanced over the menu. "I think it's sweet. Y'all know I'm a busy man—I don't get surprise dinner invites often."

"From me," Fatima stressed, pointing between them. "Not him."

Marlon gave a casual shrug. "Well, technically, you're both here, so it counts."

Fatima sighed, shaking her head as she took another sip of her drink.

The waitress returned with Marlon's Old Fashioned, setting it down in front of him. "Are we ready to order?"

"Yes," Fatima nodded, flipping her menu closed.

"Alright, what can I get for you?"

"I'll have the Chilean Sea Bass with miso," Fatima said, handing over her menu. "And a side of truffle fried rice, please."