Decadence & Danger

Chapter Two

Of course work was work. Sitting at my desk I wanted to just be out of here. I wanted go off and find adventure somewhere instead of sitting at a desk making phone calls for my boss about her dentist appointment and when her dog would be ready at the groomers. I was over this job, but I needed the money and working for Constance Thompson was going to get me somewhere at some point. I just knew it. It had to. I sighed when an email came through from Constance to make her last minute lunch reservations. I picked up the phone and dialed the restaurant that Constance wanted.

"Quince." A female voice said as they answered the phone.

"Hello I need to make a last minute reservation at 1:30 for 5 people." I said.

"I'm sorry, but we are booked up." The woman said.

"May I speak to your manager?" I asked kindly.

"I will get him." The woman said. I sat and listened to terrible hold music until a male voice answered.

"This is the manager. I hear you are having a reservation issue." The manager said.

"Yes I am making a reservation for Constance Thompson." I said her name very clearly. "She needs a table for 5 at 1:30."

"A table for Ms. Thompson of course." The manager said. I knew it would work. Everyone knew Constance and they knew it was a big deal if she wanted to eat at their restaurant.

"Thank you very much." I said sweetly before hanging up the phone. I let out a sigh. I wanted to be writing hard-hitting news not forcing restaurants to host my boss. I then looked at the clock. It was nearly 12:30 and I hadn't taken my own lunch break. I grabbed my blazer and put it on before walking to Constance's office and lightly knocking on her door.

"Yes." She answered. I opened the door. Sitting at a desk was a petite woman with brunette hair, cut into a bob.

"Ms. Thompson your lunch reservation has been made. I am going to take my own lunch break if that is okay." I said standing at attention in the doorway.

"Thank you Maya. You may go." She said dismissing me. I quickly left her office before she had another request.

I walked out into the cool San Francisco air. It was a pretty decent day. It wasn't freezing and it wasn't too windy. As I started up the street my cell phone started to ring. I pulled my phone from my purse. The number on the screen was one I didn't recognize. I then answered the call.

"Maya Curtis." I answered hoping it wasn't something for work.

"Hello Maya." A very familiar British accent said. My stomach quickly filled with butterflies, it was Daniel.

"Hello Daniel." I said sweetly as I walked.

"I was wondering if you had any plans for lunch today?" he asked.

"Well I just left my office and I was trying to figure out what to eat for lunch." I said.

"How far are you from the Parc55 Hotel?" he asked.

"A few blocks or so." I answered.

"Meet me there. We can have lunch." He then said.

"Alright." I answered. "Be there in a few." I ended the call and smiled to myself. I stopped and looked at myself in the reflection of a store window. I pulled out some lip-gloss from my purse and applied it. The slight tint from the gloss popped against my cinnamon skin. I felt a flutter in my stomach. I fluffed up my curls and then started down the street towards the hotel.