A Delightful Dinner

Fiona was grinning. Most of her classmates would have been suspicious that she was planning something nasty. This time, it wasn't a prank. There was no posturing. She was planning something nice. "Daddy, I would like to take Sabina to The Excelsior."

Her father gave her a bemused look. His eyes were rather…knowing. Fiona folded her arms. She didn't ask for expensive things that often. Besides, her dad knew she liked Sabina. It wasn't like her parents didn't approve of her new friend.

"Alright. Just make sure you tell her it's evening formal. The dress code is very strict."

Fiona nodded. It wouldn't do to lose reservations because of a piddly little dress code. Her father went back to reading his paper. He was nice like that. He hadn't even asked if they were dating yet. Fiona appreciated the discretion on his part. Her father wasn't stupid, after all. It was time to text Sabina about her evening plans.

Several hours later, Fiona was nervously pulled up to Sabina's house. It wasn't every day that you took your best friend to the most lavish restaurant that you knew about. Her date walked out in a bright blue dress with silver heels. Fiona inhaled at the sight. Sabina was gorgeous, scars or no scars. "You look fabulous in blue."

Sabina beamed at her as she slid into the car next to Fiona. Fiona offered the other girl her hand. Sabina smiled softly and took it. "You look nice, Fiona."

Fiona was, for once, not in her riding gear. The restaurant wouldn't exactly admit them if she wore casual clothes like that. Fiona wasn't even sure they would admit a woman wearing pants. Though that could also be the choice of the socialites who frequented the place. Cocktail dresses were usually more traditional than a full suit.

Fiona watched as Sabina fiddled with her purse. It was a pretty nice purse. "Nervous?"

Sabina chewed her lower lip. Fiona tried to look reassuring. It was a new thing, though. She wasn't sure the look was very convincing. "My mum said there might be reporters."

Fiona waved her off. Sabina looked at her suspiciously. "Don't worry. My dad has a whole budget to pay off the press."

Sabina gave her a dubious look. Fiona then remembered that her dad was a reporter. Whoops. "I'm sure your father is above such things."

That seemed to mollify Sabina for now. Fiona was just going to hope that didn't get back to Edward. She had a sinking suspicion that that was newsworthy. Sabina still seemed a bit tense. Fiona was going to hire that stupid contract killer that had kidnapped Sabina if any of the reporters stuffed up her-

"We're here, Fiona."

Fiona smiled at Sabina. She knew it had a slightly feral edge. Sabina tugged her sleeve. "Thank you. Sorry, I was thinking about a school project."

Sabina rolled her eyes. A faint glint of mischief entered her expression. "Is that what they're calling sex fantasies these days?"

Fiona shrugged and answered with a smirk of her own. Sabina was fun. She could see why Alex liked her. Thankfully, Sabina had seen sense and decided to date her instead of Alex. Fiona felt like they had gotten the better end of the deal. "You know how it is, Sabina. Our parents pay for the school and we party and have cocaine and hookers."

Sabina laughed as Fiona led her up the pavement to the restaurant. Fiona strolled in with Sabina on her arm. "Good evening. Table for two under the name Friend?"

The woman beamed at them. Sabina blinked. "Welcome back! Your father got you the deluxe meal and you're in for a real treat. The new chef hasn't had a bad review!"

They followed the woman to a somewhat secluded table area. The table had been pre-set with drinking glasses for their wine pairings, along with the rest of the prerequisite silverware. Fiona loved that they used real sterling silver in the place. It was such a nice touch to the atmosphere. Sabina looked at her. "Where's the menu?"

Fiona leaned in and lowered her voice. She didn't want Sabina to be bullied. "The menu is already set. Basically, the chef just serves whatever he feels like cooking. Don't worry, it's always good."

Sabina just looked at her a bit oddly. Fiona smiled as the waiter arrived with their first wine pairing and appetizers. She just adored caviar. Sabina took a bite. Fiona raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Sabina shrugged. Ah, well. Daddy said it was an acquired taste. Maybe she didn't like it? "Kind of anti-climactic to be honest. I was almost expecting to orgasm or something."

Fiona giggled. It turned into a full-on laugh. Sabina flushed slightly and then joined her. "It's good, but it's not oral sex, my darling."

Sabina was still laughing as the waiter took their plates away. Fiona was going to consider it a win. Their next course was going to be a bit larger. Fiona had heard that the dessert was just to die for. She was looking forward to the pistachio zabaglione with soft fruit. The next course arrived promptly. "Ah, truffles."

Sabina paused. Fiona looked at her. "Don't worry, it's just that I had truffles on my bucket list."

Fiona grinned. Perfect date idea. This was off to a great-

Sabina coughed and then shoved the plate toward her. "Sorry, Fi. They taste way too strong."

Fiona shrugged. It happened. A few of her friends weren't that fond of them either. "Don't worry. I'll be sure to finish them off for you."

Sabina smiled at her and took a sip of the wine. At least she was willing to try new things. Rufus had been boring. And awful. And Fiona was pretty sure that he'd never once eaten anything but steak, potatoes, and pheasant. It was a miracle he was still alive at this rate. "Thank you for bringing me here."

Sabina was smiling at her over her white wine glass. Fiona smiled softly before answering her. "My pleasure."

Fin

Based on a prompt by Zyzyax (see story summary). This is the 320th work in the Winds of Change 2022 Alex Rider Prompt event, where a new prompt (plus a short 1-3K work) is posted every day. For more details, see the AO3 collection. We have an index of all the prompts used in this event so far and going forwards - join the discord to get access to the online index (and to take part in our events, chat about everything and anything, and meet a load of awesome people!