Chapter 28
Layla had been wanting to come to this steakhouse in the heart of the city for the longest time because it was reputed to be the best dating spot. However, she never had an ideal suitor with whom she would like to go on a date.
The grand plano in the center of the restaurant was what grabbed Layla’s attention first. A young lady was playing a beautiful and soothing melody that sent waves of calm through the establishment.
“I’m sorry, miss, but this restaurant has been booked out for the evening,” the manager apologized
Layla tumed and glanced at the man who had entered after her. “Was he the one who booked the restaurant?”
When the manager registered Stephen’s arrival, he quickly turned back to give the delicately dressed–up Layla a second look “My apologies, Mrs. Yates, I did not realize it was you. My eyesight must be going bad.”
Layla pointed out, “You may call me Ms. Murray.”
Stephen walked over to her and chided, “You ought to be addressed as ‘Mrs. Yates, Layla.” He squeezed her hand as if to remind her of the purpose of their date. Layla pursed her lips and said to the manager, “But I also respond to Mrs. Yates.”
“Of course..” The manager trailed off. He was uncertain as to how he should address Layla. He nodded at Stephen and said, “Your table is ready, Mr. Yates. It’s on the second floor.”
were the only ones at the restaurant?
Stephen guided Layla up the stairs. She glanced around the restaurant. How would the press find them here if they were the only When they were shown to their table on the second floor, Layla felt warm enough to take off her coat and hand it to the waiting attendant. The thermostat had been adjusted to an ambient temperature,
Stephen took the seat across from her and said, “Sit with me, Layla.”
She gave the walter a discreet look. Recalling the purpose of this dare, she rose from her seat and allowed the waiter to move her chair next to Stephen.
When she sat down again, Stephen handed her the menu. “Order what you like.”
Layla took the menu graciously. This was a date, and if he was footing the bill, she was more than happy to oblige.
“Hmm, I think I’ll go for the sirloin steak. It’s my favorite.” She glanced at the dessert section and pointed at one of the items. “And I’ll have this ice cream as a palate cleanser.”
“The weather is too cold for ice cream,” Stephen pointed out.
Layla ignored him and told the waiter, “That’ll be all for me.”
Stephen pressed a finger to his temple as if dealing with a petulant child. “Layla, the lee cream will ruin your palate and you won’t be able to savor the full flavor of the wine.”
She hesitated. “I just won’t have the wine, then
He asked, “Won’t you regret not sampling the wine here?”
Layla thought about her wish before coming here and relented. “Fine, then I’ll hold off on the ice cream.”
Stephen chuckled and let her order a couple more things for the table. Only then did he look at the menu and order a steak that he knew Layla wanted to try.
“I’d like to have a porterhouse steak, foie gras, and a truffle mushroom soup… Oh, and bring me the wine I picked out earlier after you’ve aetated it. Thanks,” he said. Then he closed the menu and dismissed the waiter.
He turned back to see Layla staring at him, just as she had done while he was ordering. “What?” he asked.
“As far as I recall, you aren’t a fan of foie gras,” she pointed out.
“Yes, but you are,” he replied nonchalantly.
She couldn’t help but find it strange that he had ordered everything she liked. “How is the press going to snap pictures of us if we’re the only ones here?”
“Don’t underestimate the press. Our job is to book out an entire restaurant and dine like a normal couple would. We’ll leave the rest to them,” Stephen reassured
her
Layla was not one to be humored. She asked, “But don’t you think it’s more plausible for us to have a date in the main dining hall with other walk–in guests than to book out a restaurant? People will know we staged this.”
Stephen looked up at her. “That depends on how the press intends to
to write about this.”
The restaurant was appointed in dark colors that added depth to the surroundings. Stall talk seemed inevitable while Layla and Stephen waited for their food to be
served.
“So, how did you stumble upon this place?” she asked.
