FINE DINING

CHAPTER FOUR

FINE DINING

The Willow was one of those restaurants that screamed “we charge $100 for a salad.” Jace was pretty sure they could have slapped a fancy name on a fast-food joint and he’d still be happy. But he had to admit, the place was stylish and luxurious. 

With its soft lighting and expensive art, it looked like the kind of place where you could get kicked out for not using the right fork.

He had passed by The Willow countless times on his way through the city, but he never thought he’d be fancy enough to step foot inside until now apparently.

As Jace and his party made their way through the restaurant, he couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. The hostess, a stunning young woman with perfectly coiffed hair and a bright smile, greeted them with a practiced ease.

“Good evening, welcome to The Willow. Do you have a reservation?”

Jace smiled, suddenly feeling ecstatic. “ yes, under my name, Jason Hall.”

The hostess tapped away on her computer before leading them through the restaurant, past tables filled with elegantly dressed patrons sipping on wine and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres.

 The hostess looked up at him briefly and asked, “Is this your first time at The Willow, sir?”

Jace, feeling confident and eager to impress, turned to the hostess with a grin and said, “Not at all, my dear. We’re practically regulars here.”

The hostess smiled politely, unconvinced by Jace’s claim. But Jace didn’t let that phase him. He held his head high as they were seated at their table, feeling like a true high society gentleman.

He couldn’t help but notice the sheer opulence of their surroundings. The table was set with shining silverware, crystal glasses, and pristine white linens. The menu was an intimidatingly thick leather-bound book filled with dishes he could barely pronounce.

Jace tried his best to play it cool as they placed their orders, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was in over his head. Lena and Michael seemed to be taking it all in stride, chatting happily about their day while Jace surreptitiously googled the menu items under the table.

But as the first courses arrived, the tension around them relaxed somewhat. The food was delicious and as the wine flowed and the conversation flowed, Jace began to relax and enjoy himself.

Jace leaned in towards Michael and asked, “So, how’s the training business going?”

Michael smirked, “It’s going great, man. I’m making a killing.”

Jace raised an eyebrow. “You’re making that much money as a personal trainer?”

Michael grinned, “Well, let’s just say I have some other clients with more…unconventional needs.

Jace’s eyes widened in understanding. “Ah, I see. You’re still doing your ‘consulting’ work.

Michael winked, “I prefer to think of it as ‘networking.’”

Rain looked between them, trying to figure out what was going on. “What kind of consulting work?”Jace turned to her with a grin. “Let’s just say Michael knows how to get things done, no questions asked.”

Michael leaned back, sipping his drink. “I’m like a fixer, you know? People come to me when they need something taken care of, and I make it happen.”

Rain looked back and forth between the two men, still unsure of what exactly Michael’s job entailed.

Jace laughed, clapping Michael on the back. “Don’t worry, Rain. It’s all legal…mostly.”

Michael smirked, “And even when it’s not, we make sure no one gets caught.”

Rain shook her head, smiling at the two of them. “I’m not sure if that’s reassuring or terrifying.”

Jace and Michael shared a knowing look, and Jace raised his glass in a toast. “To old friends and their…unconventional careers.”

Michael raised his glass in agreement. “Yes, Jace, I have to commend you on your deal negotiation skills. Lena said you could sell ice to an Eskimo!”

Jace chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t know about that, but I did have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

Rain leaned over to add her two cents. “I think Jace just has a way with people. He’s a charmer.”

Jace shot her a grateful smile. “I couldn’t do it without my lovely wife by my side. She’s the real charmer here.”

Lena playfully rolled her eyes. “Well, it’s true that Jace’s success rate goes up exponentially when Rain’s around.”

Michael added, “Yeah, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s easier to look at than Jace.”

Rain blushed and playfully swatted Michael’s arm. “Oh, stop it, Michael. You’re making me blush.”

The group laughed and clinked their glasses together, toasting to the successful deal and Jace’s birthday.

“Maybe I could get used to this after all,” he thought with a grin.