One True Love

Chapter 21

Making a sudden left hand turn, I was unsure of where we were because it was nearly impossible to see out of the tinted windows, but I assumed that we were pulling in to the restaurant. Once the car came to a stop, I heard Walter step out and make his way towards the back of the car.

Opening the door, he cleared his throat and waited patiently for us to exit. Stepping out, I noticed that it looked just like the picture from the book in the hotel, a log cabin type place with dimly lit light fixtures surrounding it.

As we walked closer, the smell radiating from the building was appetizing and I couldn't wait to step inside. Once we were inside, it was still dimly lit, there was a fireplace adorned with fall decor in the corner, and a menu hung on the wall. Looking further past the hostess desk, I saw the tables were covered with white linens, small glasses of water were at each place setting, and flower arrangements were centered neatly in the middle of each table.

Already feeling out of place and under-dressed, I turned around to look at the menu because it had not been included in the book at the hotel. As I scanned the piece of paper closed behind a wall of glass, I realized that we were definitely in the wrong place. Unable to pronounce half of the items on the menu, I finally recognized one item...Mahi Mahi...and it was the cheapest item, coming in at $36.00.

Clearing my throat, I turned around and faced the girls.... "Ummm girls, I think I've changed my mind. Can we go somewhere else?"

Lauren laughed, "I'm glad you finally said something, this doesn't look like your kind of place."

Looking towards her and then at Ashley and Scotty's sister, I turned around...."Come on, let's go. We will find something."

Walking back outside, Walter stepped forward when he saw us...."Is there a problem Miss Dugal?"

I smiled, "Well actually," I paused and looked back towards the girls, before turning back to him...."I think we have changed our mind. Do you have any suggestions?"

Opening the car door, he motioned for us to walk towards it...."Well miss, what is your favorite food? You see, you have the power to choose whatever you would like in New York."

Watching the other girls pile in the limo, I said, "Well, I really love pasta. Are there any good Italian restaurants around here?"

He smiled and nodded his head, "Yes ma'am, there is one about ten minutes away that is one of my personal favorites."

Making my way into the limo, I said, "Okay then, I will trust you if you say it's one of your personal favorites."

Within seconds, Ashley stuck her head outside of the limo...."I'm sorry Walter, but could you please tell me the name of this restaurant?"

Putting his hand on the car door to close it behind me, he said, "Of course miss, it's Bertolli," as he closed the door gently.

Wondering why Ashley cared to know the name, I thought it was strange that she asked. Watching her, I noticed as she pulled her cell phone from her pocket and began typing rapidly. What was going on with her?

***

After what seemed like sufficient time for ten minutes to have passed, I felt the car coming to a stop. Waiting patiently, Walter soon came to open the door and we all, once again, piled out, with me being last.

As I stepped out, Walter said, "I can assure you that you will be happy with this choice Miss Dugal. Please enjoy and I will be right here when you are done, please take your time."

I smiled and began to walk ahead with the girls. Feeling more comfortable now, I was pretty sure of what I could expect from an Italian restaurant. If I was being honest, I probably ate too much of it on a weekly basis, but right now all I could think of was fresh calamari.