Next chapter. Not too many people reading this I think, but that ok. FYI, I
have little knowledge of formal dining, and my French is a little rusty, so
be warned. I'm not all too thrilled with my writing in this chapter, but
it's leading to the next, which is one of those "so that's what's going on"
chapters. I guess I don't like this one because I'm not big on dialogue,
but the action comes in soon, so hang in there. Enough rambling, I hope you
enjoy, and let me know what you think. I don't own GH characters, and I
make so money, yadda yadda yadda. Oh, and yes I know, Ribisi is an Italian
name, even thought the restaurant is French. It's just a significant name.
***** All day Lorenzo had been nearly prancing around, humming almost forgotten songs to himself. Once in a while a smile would even appear on his face, and even stranger, he hadn't even touched a bottle of booze. The staff he still had were a little worried. They were used to their habitually miserable boss. Many thought this meant he would kill himself soon, or something else that had to be bad, which to them meant no more generous paychecks. A few knew it wasn't the glee of a man with sinister intent. They saw it for the mysterious blessing that it was becoming. Renaldo, Lorenzo's oldest employee, remembered the once spunky man that had hired him years ago, and saw a little of that man now, as he heard Lorenzo hum old country songs when he thought no one was in earshot.
Since he got home that morning, Lorenzo had been busying himself making preparations. He had always been a man of order and planning, when he could. This wasn't going to be some fast food date. That was something he just couldn't do, and doubted Niki could either. He called his favorite restaurant, Ribisi's, actually having to look it up first. He asked for two specific tables to be reserved, one outside and one inside depending on Niki's preference. After taking care of that, he called in a favor he would need for after the dinner, assuming he didn't screw anything up of course, which was very possible. When he hung up, a faint gurgle in his stomach told him what was wrong, but he decided to skip lunch. He would either ruin his appetite for the evening, or he'd get so nervous it might not stay down long.
Lorenzo felt almost giddy by this time, so he set out a great suit and undressed to take another shower. This time he opted for a bath, enjoying the relaxing soak in the warm water. When he purchased the tub he bought it specifically for the comfort and space it provided, knowing regular ones just weren't made for him. When he was through, he dried and brushed his teeth again. Looking in the mirror he decided to do something about the bum look. He trimmed and cut until his beard was neat, precise, and appropriate. Next he dressed, admiring the suit he had chosen. It was black, of course, but the button-up underneath was deep, luxurious purple silk. He finished getting ready, and put on some nice black shoes, and his silver chain.
Looking in the mirror again, he closely studied his appearance. The suit was perfect, the beard was trim, and the hair was flawless and gleaming. Satisfied, he sat down in one of his recliners and picked up a book to read until it was time to go.
About a quarter after 6, he called for his sleek, black limo. It arrived quickly and he got in and headed to Niki's.
At five till they pulled up. He got out and walked up to knock on the door, suppressing the nervousness eating at his stomach.
Niki had been just as anxious as Lorenzo. She had spent a good part of her day as well preparing, and had been ready for a while when Lorenzo showed up. Grabbing her purse, she opened the door and promptly stopped cold, seeing the striking man at her door. Recovering quickly, she smiled.
"Wow. Got tired of the homeless man in a business suit look, I see."
Lorenzo was suffering from a similar reaction. As good looking as she had been in the short time he'd known her, when she answered the door he was taken back a second. She was wearing a crimson satin dress that had a sheer, velvet, lace-like design layer over it. The sleeves were straps, and the dress went a little above her knees. A pair of black high-heeled sandal- ish shoes matched perfectly. Her hair was up with a few strands hanging down around the sides of her face. She wore a tear-drop ruby necklace with matching earrings, along with a silver bracelet and sapphire ring. Her make- up was tasteful, her light eyes standing out with the dark liner.
"Well what can I say. A man needs a change once in a while. Shall we be off then?"
"We shall. Let me just get my coat."
Grabbing a long black, fleece coat off the rack by the door, she locked up and followed Lorenzo to the car. He opened the door for her and got in.
"When you do something you go all out don't you?"
He shrugged. "I'm not much for the half ass attempt. There's no reason not to do something with the appropriate gusto."
"Sounds like a good way to go about things. So where are we headed tonight?"
"Ribisi's."
"Really? I love that place. I can't remember the last time I went."
"You have good taste. It's my favorite. Of course I'd allow no less with you all dolled up like that."
Blushing for a moment, she gave him a look.
"Better be careful. I'm not good with compliments. I might have to smack you. Wouldn't be pretty."
"I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm not certain you're bluffing, though I don't think you'd want to mess your pretty hair for something so trivial."
Lorenzo enjoyed teasing her, not able to gage her reactions yet.
"You look like you'd be more concerned about that particular issue. I bet your hair's wind tunnel tested, isn't it?"
"You caught me."
He smiled and slicked his hair back with his hand. Niki allowed herself a little chuckle, and moved to a more comfortable position in her seat. She turned her head to the window and gazed at the city flying by. Lorenzo followed her stare for a moment before turning it back to her. Oddly, his mind drifted to her finances. She was obviously wealthy, but he couldn't put his finger on how. Inheritance? Parents? Maybe she was lawyer or a doctor. He wasn't one to let his curiosity go hungry, so he figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.
"So tell me, what is it you do for a living?"
Her body tensed in a second, obviously disturbed, and she quickly turned to him.
"Pardon?"
"I was inquiring about your job, if you don't mind me asking of course."
"Oh you know, just some things here and there. Nothing much but it gets me by."
She rushed through her answer, and Lorenzo knew she was lying or holding back. He was tempted to keep at it, but didn't want to spoil the evening playing 20 questions. He made a mental note to ask more at a better time.
"What about you?" she asked hurriedly, trying to calm herself.
"Well, I'm a businessman. I own a few places in town and do business with others." It was mostly true.
"Sounds like a lot of responsibility. Stress must get horrible sometimes."
"Yes, at times. I have very good men working for me, and that definitely helps. I couldn't do it without them."
Niki nodded, as the limo pulled in front of the restaurant. She felt like a star on Lorenzo's arm. This was no new experience for her, but this time there was a fanfare she'd never had before. It wasn't just her walking in, trying to dodge a couple all too obvious stares. It was like arriving with Brad Pitt, only no cameras or excited fans. They were cordially greeted by an excited hostess, all eyes to them.
"Welcome, welcome! We've been expecting your arrival. The tables you requested are ready. Will madam be more comfortable dinning inside or outside this evening?"
"I suppose inside sounds good. It's a bit chilly tonight."
"Very well. This way, s'il vous plait."
He led them to a semi-isolated table near the back of the restaurant.
"Here is your table. I hope it's acceptable."
Lorenzo nodded and pulled out Niki's chair.
"It's perfect Antoine, thank you."
They were handed menus when they were both seated.
"That'll be all for the moment."
"Yes sir." Antoine said as he departed.
They looked over their menus, trying to hide their very present anxiety.
"So I'll be ordering for you I presume. You look like a liver and escargot kind of girl."
He looked up at her, smiling playfully at her slightly annoyed expression. He knew that would get her.
"I'm sure I would love that, but I'll take some pressure off and order for myself, thank you. I have been doing it a couple years now, so I'm quite good at it I assure you."
Lorenzo chuckled. "Ah, chivalry is dead."
"No, not quite."
When they knew what they wanted, Lorenzo motioned for the waiter, giving him their orders and requesting the sommelier. Soon he arrived, looking serious and professional.
"Oui monsieur. J'ai un bon le vin rouge. Vous devriez essayer il, vous ne le regretterez pas."
"Oui, nous prenons cela. Merci."
"Derien. Bon soir."
"I didn't know you spoke French. When did you learn?"
"Well, I'm not really fluent, but in my business I need to know other languages, at least a little. And I personally enjoy learning."
She nodded, admittedly impressed. She had always wanted to learn another language, but something always came up, and her high school Spanish was very rusty to say the least.
"Now, I know you don't care much for compliments, but I have to say you look lovely tonight Ms.."
"Hardy." She replied, a faint blush rising to her cheeks for the millionth time.
"You're not looking so bad yourself. This tidy look is a noticeable improvement. The beggar look only did so much."
"I'll accept that as a compliment, Miss Hardy. Um, is it miss or misses?"
"Miss. The last two days would have played out a little differently if it were misses. If I were married I wouldn't be having dinner with another man, let alone a near stranger. I'm just loyal that way."
"Just had to be sure."
"What about you?"
"Nope, no wife." he said, holding up his right hand for further proof.
"Ah, I see. So what about a last name? I'm sure you have one, they pass them out at birth."
"Al." He stopped, knowing his last name was not unknown to many, especially in this area. He didn't want to take a chance at scaring her off, even though he hated to lie. It was only for now.
"Alvarez. Lorenzo Antonino Alvarez."
Niki could tell something was off. People don't stutter trying to recall their last names. She wondered why he would possible have to lie about something like that. But it was no big deal. Fake names were common in her business, so she just made a note to ask about it later.
As the evening stretched on, they ate and chatted pleasantly, cracking jokes or teasing each other every so often. The wine had been a success, but each drank modestly, not wanting a repeat of the night before. They enjoyed the evening, neither being able to keep their eyes off the other for more than a second. When they were finished, Lorenzo began thinking about the next destination he picked out for the night. He hoped it would go over well, but he could never really tell with this woman.
"Well Miss Hardy, are you ready to go?"
"I suppose so. I definitely couldn't eat another bite."
They paid and got up, walking arm in arm to the door.
"Time has really been flying by hasn't it?" Niki reflected as she got back in the limo waiting out front. "Thank you for dinner, it was exquisite. I just wish you had let me pitch in. It wouldn't have broken me, I promise."
"Far too complicated. I just saved some time and energy."
"Uh huh."
"Besides, it was my treat. Call me a chauvinistic male, but I enjoyed it. What can I say, I'm just a power freak."
"All right, I'll give you that. But next time I get some of that wonderful power."
Lorenzo stopped for a moment. So she wanted a next time? That was a very good sign.
"Next time, huh?"
Niki realized the information she had given, and grew a little timid. What made her think he'd want that?
"It's presumptuous I know. There doesn't have to be one, I was just rambling."
Lorenzo smiled as she tried to recover.
"That doesn't sound like such a bad idea, actually. I think a next time would be nice."
"All right then. I'd like that."
Both smiled, happy to know they had another date to look forward to some time. Niki hadn't been run away. That was refreshing to Lorenzo, though the night wasn't over yet.
***** All day Lorenzo had been nearly prancing around, humming almost forgotten songs to himself. Once in a while a smile would even appear on his face, and even stranger, he hadn't even touched a bottle of booze. The staff he still had were a little worried. They were used to their habitually miserable boss. Many thought this meant he would kill himself soon, or something else that had to be bad, which to them meant no more generous paychecks. A few knew it wasn't the glee of a man with sinister intent. They saw it for the mysterious blessing that it was becoming. Renaldo, Lorenzo's oldest employee, remembered the once spunky man that had hired him years ago, and saw a little of that man now, as he heard Lorenzo hum old country songs when he thought no one was in earshot.
Since he got home that morning, Lorenzo had been busying himself making preparations. He had always been a man of order and planning, when he could. This wasn't going to be some fast food date. That was something he just couldn't do, and doubted Niki could either. He called his favorite restaurant, Ribisi's, actually having to look it up first. He asked for two specific tables to be reserved, one outside and one inside depending on Niki's preference. After taking care of that, he called in a favor he would need for after the dinner, assuming he didn't screw anything up of course, which was very possible. When he hung up, a faint gurgle in his stomach told him what was wrong, but he decided to skip lunch. He would either ruin his appetite for the evening, or he'd get so nervous it might not stay down long.
Lorenzo felt almost giddy by this time, so he set out a great suit and undressed to take another shower. This time he opted for a bath, enjoying the relaxing soak in the warm water. When he purchased the tub he bought it specifically for the comfort and space it provided, knowing regular ones just weren't made for him. When he was through, he dried and brushed his teeth again. Looking in the mirror he decided to do something about the bum look. He trimmed and cut until his beard was neat, precise, and appropriate. Next he dressed, admiring the suit he had chosen. It was black, of course, but the button-up underneath was deep, luxurious purple silk. He finished getting ready, and put on some nice black shoes, and his silver chain.
Looking in the mirror again, he closely studied his appearance. The suit was perfect, the beard was trim, and the hair was flawless and gleaming. Satisfied, he sat down in one of his recliners and picked up a book to read until it was time to go.
About a quarter after 6, he called for his sleek, black limo. It arrived quickly and he got in and headed to Niki's.
At five till they pulled up. He got out and walked up to knock on the door, suppressing the nervousness eating at his stomach.
Niki had been just as anxious as Lorenzo. She had spent a good part of her day as well preparing, and had been ready for a while when Lorenzo showed up. Grabbing her purse, she opened the door and promptly stopped cold, seeing the striking man at her door. Recovering quickly, she smiled.
"Wow. Got tired of the homeless man in a business suit look, I see."
Lorenzo was suffering from a similar reaction. As good looking as she had been in the short time he'd known her, when she answered the door he was taken back a second. She was wearing a crimson satin dress that had a sheer, velvet, lace-like design layer over it. The sleeves were straps, and the dress went a little above her knees. A pair of black high-heeled sandal- ish shoes matched perfectly. Her hair was up with a few strands hanging down around the sides of her face. She wore a tear-drop ruby necklace with matching earrings, along with a silver bracelet and sapphire ring. Her make- up was tasteful, her light eyes standing out with the dark liner.
"Well what can I say. A man needs a change once in a while. Shall we be off then?"
"We shall. Let me just get my coat."
Grabbing a long black, fleece coat off the rack by the door, she locked up and followed Lorenzo to the car. He opened the door for her and got in.
"When you do something you go all out don't you?"
He shrugged. "I'm not much for the half ass attempt. There's no reason not to do something with the appropriate gusto."
"Sounds like a good way to go about things. So where are we headed tonight?"
"Ribisi's."
"Really? I love that place. I can't remember the last time I went."
"You have good taste. It's my favorite. Of course I'd allow no less with you all dolled up like that."
Blushing for a moment, she gave him a look.
"Better be careful. I'm not good with compliments. I might have to smack you. Wouldn't be pretty."
"I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm not certain you're bluffing, though I don't think you'd want to mess your pretty hair for something so trivial."
Lorenzo enjoyed teasing her, not able to gage her reactions yet.
"You look like you'd be more concerned about that particular issue. I bet your hair's wind tunnel tested, isn't it?"
"You caught me."
He smiled and slicked his hair back with his hand. Niki allowed herself a little chuckle, and moved to a more comfortable position in her seat. She turned her head to the window and gazed at the city flying by. Lorenzo followed her stare for a moment before turning it back to her. Oddly, his mind drifted to her finances. She was obviously wealthy, but he couldn't put his finger on how. Inheritance? Parents? Maybe she was lawyer or a doctor. He wasn't one to let his curiosity go hungry, so he figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.
"So tell me, what is it you do for a living?"
Her body tensed in a second, obviously disturbed, and she quickly turned to him.
"Pardon?"
"I was inquiring about your job, if you don't mind me asking of course."
"Oh you know, just some things here and there. Nothing much but it gets me by."
She rushed through her answer, and Lorenzo knew she was lying or holding back. He was tempted to keep at it, but didn't want to spoil the evening playing 20 questions. He made a mental note to ask more at a better time.
"What about you?" she asked hurriedly, trying to calm herself.
"Well, I'm a businessman. I own a few places in town and do business with others." It was mostly true.
"Sounds like a lot of responsibility. Stress must get horrible sometimes."
"Yes, at times. I have very good men working for me, and that definitely helps. I couldn't do it without them."
Niki nodded, as the limo pulled in front of the restaurant. She felt like a star on Lorenzo's arm. This was no new experience for her, but this time there was a fanfare she'd never had before. It wasn't just her walking in, trying to dodge a couple all too obvious stares. It was like arriving with Brad Pitt, only no cameras or excited fans. They were cordially greeted by an excited hostess, all eyes to them.
"Welcome, welcome! We've been expecting your arrival. The tables you requested are ready. Will madam be more comfortable dinning inside or outside this evening?"
"I suppose inside sounds good. It's a bit chilly tonight."
"Very well. This way, s'il vous plait."
He led them to a semi-isolated table near the back of the restaurant.
"Here is your table. I hope it's acceptable."
Lorenzo nodded and pulled out Niki's chair.
"It's perfect Antoine, thank you."
They were handed menus when they were both seated.
"That'll be all for the moment."
"Yes sir." Antoine said as he departed.
They looked over their menus, trying to hide their very present anxiety.
"So I'll be ordering for you I presume. You look like a liver and escargot kind of girl."
He looked up at her, smiling playfully at her slightly annoyed expression. He knew that would get her.
"I'm sure I would love that, but I'll take some pressure off and order for myself, thank you. I have been doing it a couple years now, so I'm quite good at it I assure you."
Lorenzo chuckled. "Ah, chivalry is dead."
"No, not quite."
When they knew what they wanted, Lorenzo motioned for the waiter, giving him their orders and requesting the sommelier. Soon he arrived, looking serious and professional.
"Oui monsieur. J'ai un bon le vin rouge. Vous devriez essayer il, vous ne le regretterez pas."
"Oui, nous prenons cela. Merci."
"Derien. Bon soir."
"I didn't know you spoke French. When did you learn?"
"Well, I'm not really fluent, but in my business I need to know other languages, at least a little. And I personally enjoy learning."
She nodded, admittedly impressed. She had always wanted to learn another language, but something always came up, and her high school Spanish was very rusty to say the least.
"Now, I know you don't care much for compliments, but I have to say you look lovely tonight Ms.."
"Hardy." She replied, a faint blush rising to her cheeks for the millionth time.
"You're not looking so bad yourself. This tidy look is a noticeable improvement. The beggar look only did so much."
"I'll accept that as a compliment, Miss Hardy. Um, is it miss or misses?"
"Miss. The last two days would have played out a little differently if it were misses. If I were married I wouldn't be having dinner with another man, let alone a near stranger. I'm just loyal that way."
"Just had to be sure."
"What about you?"
"Nope, no wife." he said, holding up his right hand for further proof.
"Ah, I see. So what about a last name? I'm sure you have one, they pass them out at birth."
"Al." He stopped, knowing his last name was not unknown to many, especially in this area. He didn't want to take a chance at scaring her off, even though he hated to lie. It was only for now.
"Alvarez. Lorenzo Antonino Alvarez."
Niki could tell something was off. People don't stutter trying to recall their last names. She wondered why he would possible have to lie about something like that. But it was no big deal. Fake names were common in her business, so she just made a note to ask about it later.
As the evening stretched on, they ate and chatted pleasantly, cracking jokes or teasing each other every so often. The wine had been a success, but each drank modestly, not wanting a repeat of the night before. They enjoyed the evening, neither being able to keep their eyes off the other for more than a second. When they were finished, Lorenzo began thinking about the next destination he picked out for the night. He hoped it would go over well, but he could never really tell with this woman.
"Well Miss Hardy, are you ready to go?"
"I suppose so. I definitely couldn't eat another bite."
They paid and got up, walking arm in arm to the door.
"Time has really been flying by hasn't it?" Niki reflected as she got back in the limo waiting out front. "Thank you for dinner, it was exquisite. I just wish you had let me pitch in. It wouldn't have broken me, I promise."
"Far too complicated. I just saved some time and energy."
"Uh huh."
"Besides, it was my treat. Call me a chauvinistic male, but I enjoyed it. What can I say, I'm just a power freak."
"All right, I'll give you that. But next time I get some of that wonderful power."
Lorenzo stopped for a moment. So she wanted a next time? That was a very good sign.
"Next time, huh?"
Niki realized the information she had given, and grew a little timid. What made her think he'd want that?
"It's presumptuous I know. There doesn't have to be one, I was just rambling."
Lorenzo smiled as she tried to recover.
"That doesn't sound like such a bad idea, actually. I think a next time would be nice."
"All right then. I'd like that."
Both smiled, happy to know they had another date to look forward to some time. Niki hadn't been run away. That was refreshing to Lorenzo, though the night wasn't over yet.