The Fortune Cookie

The Warning

I cleared my throat, "You can stop here."

The yellow car pulled over to the curb, I threw him a hundred, "Keep the change," and got out of the cab flicking my long coppery hair behind me.

I quickly rushed into the restaurant, the Fortune Cookie I strutted up to the counter keeping my shoulders back "Um, Excuse me can't you see that I'm standing right here" I said snapping my fingers in her face.

" Sorry, ma'am. I'll be right with you let me seat these two customers first."

"No. Do you even know who my father is? Ellis Colton? Does that ring a bell? The owner of Colton Enterprises, world famous company." I stomp my foot.

Her eyes widened in recognition, "Uh, I'll be right back."

"No! Bring me to my spot or I will have you fired."

The girl looked over at the couple in distress."You know what," the woman from the pair spoke up, "She can go ahead of us, we've been here hundreds of times."

The girl nodded and glanced in my direction. "Follow me"

I took a seat and said, "I'll take a Merlot."

I smoothed out my dress from Gucci and checked my Louboutins for any smudges. I looked around in disgust. WhatGs a dump. Why couldn't he have picked a better place?I look up to see the waitress standing there, "Yes?"

"Are you ready to order Ms.Colton."

"No. I'm waiting for someone, so you can go now."

My phone rang, I fished it out of my purse and answered. "Hey, Daddy."

"Hello, Gabriella."

Oh great. I thought. What did I do now? He never uses my full name.

"Well, sweetie. I decided I'm not going to let you use quite as much of our money."

"What exactly do you mean?"

"You are going to have to get a job."

"What!" Everyone one in the restaurant turned to look at me. "You must be crazy if you think I'm going to get a job."

"Gabi my dear. You've turned into a bit of a brat. Well, actually, a bit may be an understatement."

"You can't do this to me. God, I hate you" I ended the call angrily and took a sip of my wine.

I looked around for my date that I was supposed to meet and saw a tall Italian man walk up to me. I got up and smiled flirtatiously, you must be Wyatt." "That I am. You must be Gabriella," He said rolling the 'r' "You are more beautiful than your picture."

I laugh and slap his arm, "Thank you."

I gesture my arm towards the table, he walks over to my chair and pulls it out for me. I take a seat. I then proceed to bring the waitress over. "Yes, well I'll take the Chicken Lo Mein." I look over to Wyatt.

"I'll take the same as the lady." He leans forward, "So, detectiveGabriella Colton tell me about yourself."

I mimic him leaning forwDetectiveWyatt Ellsworth tell me about yourself."

We spent the dinner getting to know each other. The waitress came out with a tray that had two fortune cookies on it. I cracked mine open and popped a piece into my mouth and looked down to read what it said. My smile slowly faded as I read what it said. Gabriella Colton, you must leave the city now or bad things will come to you. Do Not tell anyone. I smiled nervously and quickly read it again and again and again. "Wyatt, I've had a lovely night but I really must go." I quickly pushed back my chair and threw a couple hundreds on the table, rushed out into the cold New York air and hailed a cab. I sat there anxiously ready to get home and lock the doors. I ran out of the cab into the building where my penthouse suite was at. I got into the elevator completely out of breath and worried. Ding. I got out of the elevator and entered the apartment. I took off my scarf and was just hanging it up when the doorbell rang. I walked over to the door, "Hello."