Delectable Benefits

Nine

They decided to move the party to a restaurant since Anya decided it was too early to drink. They chose to dine on a circular table so they could see each other. Anya looked at Nick, she was seated between him and Pam. Ryan had made reservations in one of Santini's ever expanding branches. The chef was not aware Anya was in the premises since the branch was established after she had left the family.

"How did you ever get a reservation on such short notice?" Darwin asked clearly amazed.

"My family's always reserves this private area. I borrowed this slot from my father," Ryan explained. "We love to eat here."

Anya remained silent while the others smiled at his comment. In another life she would have loved the compliment but now, it only left her fleeting memories. She made the pretense of looking at the menu she knew everything by heart since she was the one who designed the menu for all different areas. "What will you be having, Anya?" Pam whispered.

Anya released a deep breath and looked at her friend, "Pot roast with a heavy cream on the side," she replied.

Pam frowned, her friend was looking at the desert page. "Is that the best seller?"

"In other restaurants, yes. It's Nick's favorite," Anya said.

Pam frowned, "Nick's favorite? Is there something going on with you two?"

Anya recalled that one time when he kissed her and after that, nothing. Nick kept his distance and his lips to himself, but he liked holding her hand. "Nothing deep, if that is what you are really asking."

"Has he kissed you?" she asked bluntly.

Anya's cheeks turned red and didn't reply. She didn't have to, her face did it all for her. Pam gave her friend a happy hug. "Awwww.... My little girl is growing up and now look at her, she just had her first kiss."

Nick frowned at Pam, but deep down he was flattered. He forced himself not to smile and took a drink of his wine instead.

"Have you two had sex yet?" Paul asked boldly and Nick coughed in his drink. Making his eyes water.

Anya rose and rubbed Nick's back, "Paul, I don't think this kind of conversation is welcome on a dinner table."

"Well, have you?" He prodded.

Mary was the one who answered, "Not a chance. These two sleep in separate rooms in on separate beds. Can't even figure out how they kissed without the entire building knowing about it."

Anya gave Nick her glass of water and she took her seat next to him. "All right, that's enough. Let's get you guys something to eat." She called for the waiter and ordered for everyone.

"I don't recall having those on the menu," Ryan said.

"It's a menu made for a Santini," Anya said proudly.

Everyone approved immediately of the menu. The head chef made an appearance shortly after the meal was served. "We were not informed you will be joining us today, Miss Santini," the chef said nervously.

"This is not an inspection, I am here as a guest, nothing more," Anya said with a smile.

The chef looked at her, "You're the one, aren't you?" The chef asked.

Anya frowned, "The one what?"

"The Santini Princess."

Anya made a face it was comical, making her friends laugh. "I am no princess, I am just a regular person."

"Your grandfather always said his little princess helped him reach his dream. Now it was his turn to help you reach yours. He is full of stories about you, especially whenever he made your favorite dome."