Bad neighbor

Violets Bar And Grill

"Hello, party of 4 please." Calix's voice boomed out to the hostess. His voice was deep and dripped with authority, making the workers look at him with fear and awe.

"R-right away Mr.Schulz!" The blonde hostess scurried to grab 4 menus and led us through the crowd to our table.

As we followed her, I tapped his arm. He turned his head and shot me a questioning glance as he strode through the crowded path, my parents following behind us. "How did she know your name?"

"Im the owner of this place." I looked at him astonished, as he casually continued walking. "No way!" We made our way to the V.I.P lounge and took a seat at one of the black booths. It had a nice view, with a large window overlooking the city.

"Yes way, I thought you knew?" I knew that he'd had many businesses. Legit and illegal. He was a crime lord, and a legit businessman all in one.

I knew he ran C.S enterprises and practically half of New York, but it didn't really come to mind that this restaurant might've been his too. I should've known though, this restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants at the heart of New York.

All the tourists and New Yorkers came to this place on a daily basis so I figured there'd be a good reason why, which led us here, having dinner with my parents at a bar and grill.

I could tell by the look on their faces that they were less than impressed with the place I chose. It was far from their usual expensive and fancy French cuisine that they'd get at l'oursin petit, but it was regardless a nice place with its own charm.

It was a large restaurant, but the busy crowds in the place made it seem smaller. The lights were dim and purple, giving off a calm nighttime vibe.

I watched them look at their menus, a purple hue flashing on their face. I leaned over to Calix, slighting raising out of my seat to reach his ear. "When should we tell them?"

He leaned closer to me, grazing his lips over my ear causing me to shiver. "Whenever you're ready." I nodded my head and picked up the black menu, searching for something that looked good.

I watched as a pale waitress with red hair came back over with 4 drinks and a pen and notebook in hand. "Hello! I'm Mindy and I'll be your server today! What can I get you all started with? Drinks? Appetizers?"

Noticing that everyone was engulfed in their menus, I decided to answer first. "Um, can i get a lavender lemonade, and the rigatoni bolognese. Calix, What about you? He looked up from the menu and set it down, making eye contact with the waitress.

"I'll take the grilled filet mignon with a lavender lemonade." The waitress nodded, writing down our order. "And for you two?" My parents simultaneously put down their menus and gave their order.

"I'll have a surf and turf with your best Pinot noir." She wrote down his order and turned to my mom. "And for you ma'am?"

"I'll have the grilled chicken and asparagus fettuccine with your best Pinot Gris." She wrote down her order and grabbed the menus. "Alright sounds great, I'll be back with your orders shortly."

The waitress left and an awkward silence fell over the table. As I fiddled with my hands in my lap, I felt a large hand intertwining it's fingers around mine.

I looked up to see Calix giving me a reassuring smile. I returned the smile and started up the conversation. "So, mom, dad, Calix is actually the owner of this place!"

My dad perked up an eyebrow as he looked at Calix. "Is that so young man? Is that how you were able to afford such a house?"

Calix took a sip of his water before answering. "It's one of the many. I own several business and have my own company, S.C enterprises, you might've heard of it."

I could practically see my mother and fathers eyes flash with dollar signs, as they looked upon Calix with a greedy approval. "S.C enterprises? Why I'll be damned, you're the young and hidden CEO that's always being mentioned."

Calix let out a small chuckle. "Yes, that would be me." A smile rose on my parents face as they glanced over at him. "You know Bernard, I think he's not as bad as we thought he was."

"I think you just might be right."

After pleasant conversation, the waitress, Mindy, came back with our food. As we dug in, I figured now would be as good as a time than ever to break the big news.

"Mom, dad, we have some big news to tell you." They set down their forks and gave me their attention. "What is it sweetie?" My mother said with excited eyes.

I brought up my hand and wiggled my fingers, showing off my large diamond ring. They both gave me large smiles as the stared at the large ring. "Wow! Congratulations you two!" My father said, showing his pearly white teeth.

My mother grabbed my hand, analyzing the ring with a big smile, her white teeth contrasting with her ruby red lipstick. "Wow, look at that ring! I'm so happy for you two. I will admit, me and your father were very doubtful and worried about your relationship, but I can say without a shadow of a doubt our worries have passed."

Calix looked over to me, a face that had 'I told you everything would be okay' written all over it. "Well, that's not the only news we have."

"Oh? More good news?" I nodded my head as my mother let go of my hand. "Well what is it dear?" My father brought his wine up to his lips, taking a sip as a spoke.

"I'm pregnant." My father choked on his wine and my mother immediately patted his back, looking at us in shock.

"Pregnant!"I nodded my head and looked over to Calix who held a face of amusement. "Yep, 1 month so far."

I watched as my mother helped my father get over his coughing fit. "Are you okay?" He nodded his head, simultaneously clearing his throat. "Yes Im fine."

"Eleanor, you're our daughter and we love and treasure you very much, even though it might not seem so. We just want the best for you, and if you're happy, we're happy, so congratulations sweetheart."

My heart swelled with joy as my mother spoke. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Not only did they finally accept Calix, but they were actually happy for us, although I'm sure a big reason why they were happy was because of Calix's apparent wealth.

After they finished their meal, we said our goodbyes to them and they left, heading to the airport to catch their flight back to Arizona, their rental car was already packed with their luggage.

Once me and Calix finished our meal, we paid for our food and headed out of the restaurant, hand in hand through the lively crowd.

As soon as we stepped outside, we were met with a cold breeze, and the drowning sound of cars zooming by. Calix let out a humorless chuckle as he gripped my hand tighter.

"Don't do anything stupid. Trust me, and do what I say. Do you promise me?" I turned my head to look at him, a confused look etched on my face.

"What? But wh-" His deep and authoritative voice interrupted me. "Eleanor, Just fucking promise me. Please." His voice came out desperate as he yelled at me In a hushed voice.

Suddenly, i felt two bodies come up behind us, but before i could turn around, I felt a wet rag cover my mouth.

Soon, I blacked out in their arms.