The Writer & The Player #Wattys2016

Chapter 2

My nails tapped anxiously on the glass reflective dinner table. Regina and I had been sitting at our table for 5 minutes now at the The Palm Court waiting for Zac and his manager to show up.

It was unusual to see Regina kept waiting when she was usually the one to do such a thing. But this guy was important. So she kept telling me for the past five minutes.

My eyes fluttered around in an attempt to drown Regina's annoying words in my head. We were sitting in the apparent best spot in The Palm Court. Directly under the large roof window that was streaming of tinted pink light from the stained window panels.

I sighed as my eyes glanced at the large green plants that made up part of the decor here at The Palm Court. I hadn't been to this restaurant before, but it was evident just how much Regina had by the response from the staff at her entrance.

We were fluttered over by 3 people, one being the owner of the place, and guided to her 'usual table'. Then with a snap of Valencio's fingers and a holler of a name in a strong foreign accent, a servant with a chiseled face, impeccable posture was before us immediately with two menu's at our disposal.

"Valencio, you know this meeting will be my biggest yet. I need nothing but the finest you have today." Regina spoke to Valencio, pushing away the Menu. I attempted to catch a glance at the Menu before it was taken off of me by the waiter Valencio had called over. I sighed. How was I meant to know what I was eating now?

With a slight tsk, and scoff, Valencio replied, "And you will get nothing but the best, my dear Regina. I'll have our top chef make whatever you and your guests desire."

Regina looked up at him with a warm smile, one that I had never seen in all my time working at Trend Magazine. I tried to hide my cringing face. The smile looked misplaced on her. Like she was borrowing it because she didn't know how to smile herself.

Valencio bowed his way out and away from our table and we were left with our own devices. 

Biting my lip, I glanced at the entrance for what felt like the millionth time in 5 minutes then back to my watch.

"Surely you don't have somewhere you need to be." Regina stated rather than questioned.

"No, no..." I spoke, not sure how to gather an answer. "I am just.. really anxious to meet him, that's all."

LIE.

She snickered. "Well don't get to anxious. I need you to be on your game for the next week."

Truth be told, I was slightly anxious to meet Zac and his manager. I mean, I didn't know the guy, and now I am expected to follow him around for a week?

I hadn't even looked at the folder or his schedule yet. I don't think I was mentally prepared too.

Valencio interrupted my thoughts with the awaited guests. My head snapped up as Valencio wavered over to our table, then engaged with another diner beside us.

Regina cleared her throat with the warm smile returning back on to her make up covered face. From the moment I looked up, it was the moment I knew this lunch was going down hill from here.

Regina stood up abruptly, then nudged my elbow. I stood up beside her and let Regina do the talking.

"Rafael! Zac!"  She exclaimed raising her hands. "So wonderful for you to join us." Her silk voice flowed as I began to wonder where the demon who rules Trend Magazine went.

"As always, the pleasure is all mine, Regina." Rafael, assumed manager of Zac replied to Regina. She clutched his shoulders giving him a kiss on both cheeks which he returned.