THE VIXEN

Chapter Four

The Honey Pot was the "it" restaurant in town. It was the brain child of two adventurous and entrepreneurial sisters who know a thing or two about working in the restaurant industry. Stemming from a family of restaurateurs everything from the hand placed Swarovski crystals on the walls to the never before seen in Hammersville City illuminated menus featuring their contemporary American cuisine, is a result of the endless creativity that the inseparable Standish sisters possess. Beyond the bar in the front part of the restaurant, diners will be delighted to find two breath taking eight-foot paintings depicting a pair of stunning women adorned with flowers. The restaurant features a velvet covered wall complete with hand placed Swarovski crystals, along with floor to ceiling columns that have been hand painted with a metallic crocodile pattern that helps gives the room endless sparkle. Roomy banquettes, the lush round bar and the stunning seven-foot crystal chandelier are centerpieces in the main dining room, while a roaring fireplace and another elaborate chandelier are showstoppers in the back area that can be transformed into a private dining room upon request.

As Vixen arrived at The Honey pot in her chauffer driven 2013 Mercedes Benz S class, she thought, 'I have to have my assistant send the sisters some flowers congratulating them on the success of the restaurant.' She had known the sisters for many years and could not believe that she had taken this long to think of it. As the chauffer came around to open her door, she thought, 'why are you thinking about sending flowers to a friend, when you are about to walk into this restaurant and meet the man of your dreams?

'Because you are terrified, that's why.'

She took the chauffeur's hand and stepped out of the car. "Thank you, Franklin," she said to the chauffer.

"You are most welcome, Ms. James. May I say you look lovely this evening?" he replied.

"Well, thank you so much. I appreciate that. Can you tell I am nervous?"

"Only a little, madam," he said with a sympathetic tone. "But if he does not realize what a great lady you are then he does not deserve you," he continued smiling.

"Franklin, you are so sweet and if this doesn't work out I will run away with you. You don't think Martha would mind do you?" Vixen said laughing nervously. Martha and Franklin had been married for forty years.

"Madam, after 40 years with me she may pack for us both," Franklin said jokingly.

"Well I guess I better stop stalling and get in there," Vixen said as she started to walk toward entrance of The Honey Pot.

As she walked into The Honey Pot, she saw Yvonne Standish standing at the hostess podium.

"Girl, look at you"! Yvonne said to Vixen as she approached her with her arms open.

"Hi, Yvonne" Vixen said as she embraced her friend warmly. "I was just thinking in the car I need to send you and Yancy flowers to congratulate you on the restaurant. I love it here!" Vixen gushed looking around the restaurant.

"Girl, send me a couple of those sexy teddies that I am sure you have designed for your spring line and call it a day," Yvonne said laughingly.

"Absolutely," Vixen said smiling. "I will send them over tomorrow."

"I saw you on the reservations list for a table for two," Yvonne whispered nosily as she looked around for the gentleman to arrive.

"Actually I am meeting someone as a first date," Vixen sighed nervously. Just then she looked at the bar and there he was, Daniel. She would know that man in a crowded room in the middle of a tornado. He was gorgeous. Daniel was wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana velvet dinner jacket, a deep purple button down dress shirt with sterling silver cufflinks and black dress pants. He looked distinguished and dapper and very sexy. Vixen instantly felt panic rise in her as the thoughts of 'will never really want me' came over her. He was talking to someone at the bar, laughing and smiling. Just as Vixen was about to turn and run out the door he spotted her and smiled and waved. Sighing 'God please let this man not mind my fat ass' she was thinking as Yvonne was telling her hostess to get them the secluded table set up with their best bottle of wine and stuffed mushrooms. "I will have the hostess find you at the bar and let you know when your table is ready, Vixen," Yvonne said to her under her breath smiling assuredly.