RC.

Ch7 . A

Ryan shows me to the restaurant but I am worried. Jake is parking the Limousine while we walk.

T:"Ryan ... Is someone trying to hurt you ...?"

R:"Don't worry about that... "

 A few minutes ago we were being followed. Of course, I'm worried!

T:"Would it have anything to do with the sabotage in Congo by any chance ... Was it meant as a warning? You seemed to know them?"

Ryan turns to me holding both my shoulders in his hands. I stare at him, feeling nervous.

R:"I don't want you to worry about me. When you're successful you make enemies, that's the way it is."

I pout at him dubiously, ... worried.

T:"To the point of being followed when you leave the office ...?"

He looks at me softly, almost tenderly.

R:"I have everything under control, now, please ... promise me just to enjoy this evening."

His eyes are so confident and reassuring that I manage to relax a little. Plus, Jake's not far.

R:"No doubt you know ...?"

Ryan smiles at me, inviting me to look at what he's pointing at.

I recognise the sign in a flash and I can't help but look at Ryan with a big smile on my lips.

We're standing outside the restaurant of the Michelin star chef, Michel Garbot, undoubtedly one of the most famous chefs in the world!

T:"Noooo way ...?!"

My voice is shrill, as I gaze wide-eyed, looking at him then at the sign several times.

Of course, I know! How could I not know?!

I try to refrain from hopping up and down on the spot like a little girl in front of Carter, but I'm just dying to throw myself into his arms!

T:"Really ...? You've booked a table here ...? But it's simply impossible to get a reservation without phoning weeks in advance! ..."
 
He smiles at me looking satisfied.

(Yes, I had forgotten all about the Carter effect.)

Being French, this 3-star chef moved to New York to open his gourmet restaurant, which he very simply named, "Michel", in the Upper East Side.

I've been a fan of his for a long time! His cooking is a family thing that's lasted over three generations.

And you can feel all the love and passion that he puts in his endless quest for new favours. His creations are simply unmissable, his cuisine is just the height of good taste!

I must say that the episode in the car is quickly put into the background when I religiously tread on the soil of this temple of gastronomy!

I can feel Ryan observing me, as I examine the place in detail bright-eyed, holding a hand on my chest.

(I tell him he's crazy!)

T:"Ryan ... You're crazy ..."

I whispered this without ceasing to look at the place.

(I thank him!)

T:"It's unbelievable ...You can't imagine the pleasure you're giving me by bringing me here!"

He puts a hand around my waist, inviting me to walk forwards.

I don't know if it's the endless waiting, the beauty of the place or his mere presence, but my body electrifies at his touch and my heart races.

A young man wearing a suit gives us a warm welcome. He bends over slightly, one hand on his waist holding the other behind his back.

Clerk:"Madam, sir ... Welcome to Michel's. Can I take your coats?"

I feel like I'm floating two thousands meters above the ground, as I hand him my jacket.

Clerk:"Shall I take your bag, miss?"

T:"Uh yes ... Here you are."

I rather give it all to him. It's out of the question that I lose a second of my time here with a call or a text. My bag and my phone will stay far away from me!

He puts our belongings away in an elegant wooden wardrobe, before inviting us to follow him.

Clerk:"Mr. Carter, we have saved our best table for you."

He beckons us to follow. We cross a sumptuously decorated room. Both designer and chic.

Neither too much nor too little. Nothing is left to chance. It's the key to any grand restaurant. Everything is there to sublime the guest's sensations; No false note.

(Quite like my handsome CEO.)

It's difficult not to compare things to Ryan ... It's the kind of place that is made to his measure.

The young man takes me out of my reverie as he invites me to sit down on the seat he's just pulled out for me.

I don't know where to rest my eyes so much the place is beautiful, and so much I can't get over it.

If one day I'd been told that I would dine alone with the town's sexiest multi-billionaire businessman in the city's most extraordinary restaurant, I think I would have burst out laughing.

(Say, Tayla ... Is your life finally becoming exhilarating?)

(My life is great!)

A very neatly dressed waiter approaches us with a magnificent silver tray carrying two flutes of champagne. He delicately places the crystal glasses on our table.

He discreetly disappears, leaving us alone in the alcove.