Lost and Found

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Dinner? She was actually looking forward to a relaxing evening alone. Just as the last six or eight had been. But she did deserve a night out. She knew what Cole was, knew that he was after one thing. She’d never gone in for casual sex, that just wasn’t her thing, and she couldn’t see herself starting that now. Cole was good looking and charming, she even found his presumption and forwardness quite endearing, there was an element of risk in Cole, and she spent her whole working life taking risks, and for that reason always seemed to opt for a safe home life, risk free. Cole represented an upset. But she also knew that she’d have fun. She’d not taken the chance to really get into this City, live the life, and she knew if anyone knew the places to go, the people to see, it was Cole.

                “Ok, there are two conditions. First I’m not sleeping with you tonight, whatever you might think, and secondly, I need to go change first.”

Cole’s eyes widened in surprise at her blunt words, but nodding he stood, “deal. Meet me at seven?” He named a restaurant that he told her was in midtown, and THE place to be. Then he was gone.

Ah! What to wear? Who’d know how classy this place was? Clay...she knew she couldn’t really tell him about Cole, he’d disapprove and she couldn’t deal with that. After all there were a few boundaries that even going for dinner were crossing. Marilyn!

Rushing along the corridor she found the older woman packing up for her trip home.

                “Marilyn! I need a quick word!”

She looked up in surprise, “hey hun, what is it?”

                “I’ve been invited to a restaurant tonight...and I’ve no idea what the dress code is, as you’re the fountain of knowledge for all things New York that you’d be the best one to ask.”

                “What restaurant?” she asked with a grin, tapping her chin with the pen she held in her hand. Amelia named the place and Marilyn’s eyes widened, “Wow! Who’ve you been sweet too? That place is the BEST place at the moment! Frequented by film stars and politicians, I would strongly suggest smart yet trendy, in case the paparazzi are there!”

Amelia gulped, “not my idea of a quiet night out then!” 

Marilyn shook her head then jotted an address on to a Post-It note, “this is one of a few shops close together that will be I think what you’re looking for!”

Grinning she dashed out to find a taxi.

Two hours later she hailed a taxi outside her home and gave the name of the restaurant. She’d settled on a fairly slinky dress with knee high leather boots, topped off with a black and white dogtooth checked fitted coat that was an inch longer than her dress. It was formal, but the funky design on the dress gave it a little individuality and she felt great, that much was true. 

Marilyn was right there was a flank of photographers poised, awaiting patiently each cab or car that arrived. There was a unanimous sigh as the unrecognisable Amelia slithered out of the cab, but smiling with amusement, she sauntered past them all and into the high class establishment.

 A smart looking man, the maitre’d approached and as soon as she mentioned Cole’s name, his face broke into a beam and he showed her to a secluded table. Marilyn was also right about the clientele, looking around she was agog with the famous faces, so much so that she didn’t notice Cole approach until he was right in front of her.

                “Daydreaming?” he asked pulling out the seat opposite her, “I’m sorry I’m late, life is never simple with my father!”