Chapter 4 - It's just business.
Arriving at Stephanos I'm surprised to see Eric is already here. He is leaning on his red Corvette as I pull into the parking spot next to him. The car is hot and the man touching it is scorching. Why did I agree to this again?
Before I have the chance to open my door Eric speeds over and opens it for me. Looks like someone has some manners. Gran would approve. We greet each other, but not much is said as we walk into the restaurant.
To the hostess he simply says, "Reservation for Northman." She hops to and starts getting the menus together, and guides us to our secluded table near the back of the restaurant. As we sit I take in the relaxed yet professional ambiance and am surprised at how comfortable I feel here. I can tell by slightly lowering my shields that there are quite a few different types of brain frequencies here. I hear or well don't hear what I can only describe as another void… Is that what all vampires are? Voids? My thoughts are interrupted as the hostess hands us our menus and then walks back to the front.
I can't help but ask, "How did we get in here so quickly?"
I shouldn't be surprised at all when Eric responds with "I'm an investor so they always have a table ready for me to do business or for pleasure."
"Wow. Okay. Well although I know you can't eat anything is there anything specific you recommend?"
"Many of my associates prefer the steak. I've heard it's delicious."
We are interrupted by the waiter. "Good evening. My name is Jeff and I'll be your waiter. Are you ready to order or will you need another minute?"
Before I have a chance to say anything Eric says, "I would like to see your Vampire menu."
Jeff's eyes go wide. I guess he couldn't tell Eric was a Vampire, but how he can miss his glow I will never understand. Jeff stutters out a "yes, sir" and scurries away.
Eric states, "It's really on the hostess. She knows who I am so she should have provided me with one as my menu. Why on Earth does she think I'll need this menu? Vampires come here often enough that the staff needs to be prepared. It's definitely a conversation I need to have with the manager, but not tonight. Tonight is about getting to know you better Ms. Stackhouse."
"Yes, I'm happy to tell you all about my PROFESSIONAL background." I grin.
Jeff is back and hands Eric his menu while being immensely apologetic. Eric just nods at him and looks down at his drink (?) menu then looks at me. "Sookie are you ready to order?"
"Yes I'll take the 6 oz steak with a baked potato and mixed vegetables the side please. I'd also like a sweet tea please."
"And you sir?" Eric responds with "the Royalty Blend." The waiter gives a quick smile and leaves to put our orders in.
"Eric, I have to ask… what in the world is that? I thought True Blood was the only drink choice other than blood for vampires." I'm feeling a little dunce about the subject of vampires. I mean I know the basics from the news, but that is about it. And just because it's on the news doesn't mean it's going to be 100% accurate.
"It's a blend of blood from the upper echelon of society. It's much better than True Blood and one of the reasons I decided to invest in this business. I wanted a place where I could bring my associates that had a wider variety of options for all different types of people or vampire. I find it important to learn all about people I'll be investing any of my time or resources into," Eric says while giving me a pointed look.
"Well I'm a fairly open book. I'd be happy to tell you a little bit more about myself while we wait."
"Please do."
I honestly just give him the usual spiel about my work history. I'm anxious about this entire situation. This is BUSINESS and I'm going to do my darndest to keep this as professional as possible.
"Sookie. Sookie. I know all of this already from your resume. I know a little bit more about your personal life from the background check EVERY employee gets when they hire on at my company. This isn't a job interview per se so how about we relax and try to enjoy the company." He has that stupid smirk on his face now. The one that I can't decide if I want to kiss or smack.
The waiter arrives with our food and I utterly embarrassed as my stomach lets out a big growl. Eric chuckles at me as my face blushes. I just shrug because what's a girl to do and dig in. I had planned to eat earlier before I knew I would be going to Fangtasia and now I'm famished.
While I eat Eric decides to start telling me about himself. I learned that he is over 1,000 years old. UM HOLY COW! Pam is his child and he shares a little bit about her. I'm totally caught in surprise because I thought that was something you don't usually share. I'm beyond astonished when he begins to talk to me about Sweden, his homeland, and how it's one of his favorite places to be. This whole time I'm just listening and eating.
I feel like he is truly sharing a part of himself with me and I can't help but to soften. I almost feel obligated now to reciprocate so I do. I tell him about growing up with my brother and my Gran, about my brother's antics, about my cat named Tina, and how my favorite place to be is anywhere where it is sunny, and if it has a beach and a cocktail even better.
The next thing I know my plate is being taken away and the night is wrapping up. As we walk to the exit I can literally feel Eric's hand hovering over my lower back. He has such a presence about him, and I can not deny I'm attracted to him.
We step outside and make our way over to my car. My back is towards the car door as I look up to thank Eric for a truly fun evening he catches me off guard and gives me a kiss. I'm not talking the mother of all kisses you would expect from a man like this, but a simple sweet peck on my lips that leaves you wanting more.
"Sookie. You intrigue me so. I want you to come to Fangtasia Friday night. We can sit in my booth and continue learning about one another. I'd love to take you on a spin around the dance floor."
I'm honestly still a little in shock from the kiss that without thinking about it I say, "Okay…"
Eric helps me into my car and then drives away. I'm still sitting in my camry thinking… What in the hell have I gotten myself into? And why am I not regretting it?
