by Alana Jade
My first instinct is to ring the police, but Georgia said she’s in a taxi.
Maybe he’s gotten himself clean and has a new job?
“Ahhh,” I cry, pulling at my hair but desperately wanting to punch something.
Basil pokes his head in my office. “All okay in here?”
“No. Zac’s driving a cab that Georgia’s in.”
“What? Fuck! Did you call the cops?”
“I haven’t yet. Georgia said she’s in a taxi. I don’t want to ring them if Zac’s trying to make a fresh start for himself.”
“But what if he’s fucking with you.”
“I’m heading to the restaurant. If you get a text from me, call the police. But if you don’t, all is fine. Can you find out what happened to Andrew, too?”
“Okay, boss. I’m hanging around here tonight, anyway. Sonia’s having a Tupperware party. I’ll let you know.” Basil rolls his eyes. Normally I’d sympathize with him, but my mind is stuck on getting to the restaurant and hoping I find my girlfriend in one piece.
This was the last thing I expected to happen on her birthday.
I collect my bag containing a change of clothes for Georgia as well, and my keys, and make my way down to my car.
Best case scenario, Zac’s getting his life back together, and she’s there at the restaurant, safe and sound. I don’t even want to think about the worst-case scenario, though. I couldn’t deal with that today.
Throwing the bag onto the rear seat of the car, I jump into the driver’s seat and get out of the parking garage as fast as I can. It must have been the quickest that I’ve ever gotten from my office to my car as I either avoided or ignored everyone who was in my path.
What is normally a twenty-minute car trip ends up taking fifteen as I run every amber light, praying the police don’t pull me over for going over the speed limit.
Driving up the elegant drive, I jump out, keys still in the ignition as the valet comes to take the car. I grab the one thing I need from my bag in the back before slamming the door and nodding to the valet. I dash over to ask an attendant if a woman has been dropped off here yet in a taxi as I shove the large box in my jacket pocket. I don’t even notice that a yellow taxi is parked further along the drive.
The attendant points out the quite obvious brightly colored vehicle, and I run over to it.
I begin to panic when I notice it’s empty. When I rang him, he said she’d be there soon. That was more than twenty minutes ago.
Has he taken her somewhere?
Pulling out my cell, I begin to type a message to Basil. Maybe I need to get the police involved. But before I press send on the message, Georgia and Zac walk from the entrance to the restaurant, talking and smiling.
“Georgia,” I yell, racing over to them both, eyeing Zac up and down. “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”
“Hurt her? What? Adam, I wouldn’t do that,” Zac tries to reason with me.
I want to try and avoid making a scene out the front of the restaurant, so I suggest we move away from the doors.
“Adam, I’m fine. I was shocked when Zac was driving the taxi, but he’s been really nice. He apologized for the way he behaved at the office, too,” Georgia says with a natural grin on her face.
“Man, I told you in the text that I’d look after her, and I delivered. I’m sorry for being a jerk. You gotta understand it wasn’t me.” Zac looks better. He’s gained some weight, and his face is back to its normal color and no longer sunken in, and his hair is a little different, shorter, and he’s had his ends bleached.
I nod at Zac, feeling a little silly for overreacting to this situation, but surely, he understands my reasoning behind it.
He walked out of the office saying ‘you’ll pay for this.’
“I know you did and thank you. But you have to understand what you said when you left work—”
He interrupts me. “I’m sorry for scaring you both. But I was seriously screwed up. I regret everything I said. Although, I don’t remember a lot of it. Isabel’s helped me get into a rehab program. The two weeks I was there was awful, but I needed to go through that to get where I am today. I’m clean and haven’t used or drank in weeks. I asked Isabel to be my wife. I’m settling down, man. I’m starting over, and I’ve got you to thank for not putting up with my shit anymore and firing me. It was the best thing anyone could have done for me. A wake-up call.” He gives me a pursed smile.
“Wow, that’s fantastic news. Congratulations, Zac, and pass our congratulations on to Isabel, too,” Georgia beams.
“I will. Thank you. Better head off. I need a few more jobs tonight before I can head home. Good seeing you both. Enjoy your night.” We both watch as Zac walks back to his cab.
I know I should go and say something to him, but what? I feel like a massive dick for the way I’ve treated him tonight.
“Georgia, give me a second?” I ask, and she nods.
“Zac,” I call after him, running toward his taxi.
He looks back, a puzzled look on his face. “Yep?”
I wait until I reach him to start speaking, “Sorry for the way I behaved tonight. I panicked. I didn’t know what frame of mind you were in and whether you were still using. Isabel’s mentioned nothing in the office.”
“I get it. No sweat. It’s good to see you got help, too,” he says.
“Help?” What are you talking about?” I ask.
Ah, shit! I was worried about this, that people knew I was in AA. I’ve tried so hard to keep it quiet.
“I was meant to join a new AA group a few weeks ago, but when I arrived, I saw you there. I wasn’t a hundred percent sure it was you until I saw you leave. I waited in the car during that meeting. I didn’t think it’d be a good idea to attend somewhere with someone you know.”
I briskly nod. “We all need some help occasionally.” I don’t know what else to say to him. It’s not something I want as common knowledge, but I also don’t want to make a big deal about it. All I can do is trust that Zac has moved forward and focuses on himself. “Anyway, thanks for getting Georgia here safely tonight. I’d better get back. Take care of yourself.”
Walking back to Georgia, we both wave as Zac drives away before entering the restaurant.
I stop her suddenly. “With all that’s happened, I haven’t had a chance to tell you how stunning you look. I love this,” I say, lightly touching her newly colored and cut hair. I’m so glad Katinka listened when I told her she had to keep the length. I can’t imagine Georgia with hair any shorter, not to mention how I love to hold onto it.
“Thank you.” She grins before flashing me her pretty nails.
“Very pretty. I like the glitter.” I lift her hand to my mouth and press a gentle kiss to it.
We walk into the restaurant hand in hand, and I let the maître d know we have arrived after checking our coats. Part of the hint for tonight was Chef Bouron arriving this morning, but I don’t think Georgia put two and two together.
Having been seated in a quiet area up against the window overlooking the lake, Georgia’s looking straight down watching the water ripple against the rocks. The gentle sound mixed with a slight breeze is the perfect white noise for the restaurant. While it’s now dark, and you can’t see much besides a few buoys in the distance and the lights of a few smaller boats that have dropped anchor, I make a mental note to bring Georgia back here during the summer months when the sun will be setting over the ocean.
A waiter comes over and offers us drinks and a food menu. While I take it, I immediately pass it to Georgia and ask the waiter for table water. After he leaves, Georgia places the drinks menu aside.
“I’m not going to stop you from having something,” I whisper. “It’s your birthday, have something fancy. Maybe a cocktail?”
She shakes her head vigorously. “Nope, I would never forgive myself if by me having an alcoholic drink, it tempts you. I’ll be fine with water, too.”
“What about a mocktail or a soda?” I suggest.
>
“Are you getting a soda? A diet Coke would be nice.”
“Sounds good. We’ll have two of those.”
My cell dings. I cringe realizing that I should have turned it to silent. It’s a short text from Basil to tell me that Andrew’s car had broken down and he needed it towed.
I’m angry he left my girl stranded, having to get herself from place to place. He has a fucking cell, all he had to do was make a call. Now’s not the time to think about this, I’ll deal with him later.
After our amazing dinner, I grasp her hand as we stare out into the blackness.
“I have one more surprise for you.” I smirk, knowing she’ll be annoyed at me.
“Adam.” She purses her lips, then squints her eyes, and her voice has a hint of a warning to it. I can’t help but grin. She has a sweet dimple that forms on the side of her chin when she does this.
“What? I want to shower my girlfriend in love and gifts on her birthday. I’m allowed to.” I shrug.
“You could get me used to this, and then I’ll expect surprise after surprise.” She chuckles.
“You’re not that type of girl.”
She nods in agreement and lets out a chuckle.
I pull the large box out of the pocket of my jacket and place it on the table in front of her.
She gives me a big grin.
“Your smile warms my heart in a way that the sun never could,” I recite.
“That’s so sweet. Did you just make that up?” she asks, untying the pink ribbon from around the box.
“Sure,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Really?” she exclaims, missing my sarcasm.
“No. I read it somewhere. But it’s true. Go on… open it.”
She looks at me with excitement and curiosity in her eyes. I’ve never seen anyone so giddy over getting gifts like this. But she deserves it all and more.
I can’t wait to reveal my Christmas gift for her.
Georgia
Lifting the lid on the box, my eyes can’t believe what they see—a beautiful diamond bracelet in rose gold to match my ring. It’s so delicate I worry that if I touch it, I’ll break it. I barely run my finger along the row of small diamonds as bubbles of excitement build in my stomach.
“It’s gorgeous, Adam. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. I hope you’ve had an amazing day.”
“It’s been beyond my wildest dreams.”
As I pull the bracelet out of the box, Adam calls for one of the waiters, and they both nod their heads at each other as if they know a secret code.
I ask him to help me put my bracelet on, and as he catches the clasp, a group of people walk toward us while singing happy birthday to me. Adam joins in the singing as well as a few other couples sitting at nearby tables.
Giggles escape my mouth before I’m suddenly overcome by a wave of emotion, and I start to happy cry. I’m sure I look like a complete idiot, a huge smile on my face but tears falling from my eyes.
When they reach our table, a small dish is placed in front of me, a candle sticking out of the top. I carefully wipe my eyes, trying not to mess up my eye makeup before blowing out the candle and making a wish. Who knows if they come true or not, but I may as well give it a go.
I wish for a lifetime of happiness with this amazing man.
If only it were that simple.
I’ve never wished for anything before in my life because I’ve never had a reason to. But it feels right. Everything feels right with Adam.
Once I’ve removed the candle from the dessert, a waiter brings over another dessert for Adam, which is exactly the same as mine.
“This looks so nice,” I mention, not really sure what it is.
“It’s green tea crème brûlée. It’s delicious.”
I’m not a huge fan of green tea, but it smells divine, and I’m willing to give it a try. Within minutes, it’s completely gone, and I’m wanting to lick the bowl just to savor the flavor for a little longer.
Adam’s demolished his as well, using his spoon to scrape the sides over and over. He was right, it’s scrumptious.
“How was everything tonight?” Chef Bouron asks over Adam’s shoulder, startling him.
“It was perfect. Couldn’t have asked for better,” he proclaims.
“Wonderful. I hope you’ve enjoyed your birthday, Mademoiselle,” he asks, turning his gaze to me.
“I have. It’s been a wonderful day. Thank you for everything,” I reply.
“My pleasure. Please excuse me, I must get back to the kitchen.”
We both wish him goodbye as he heads back behind a partition.
“Ready to get going?” Adam asks.
“Sure.” I smile, slightly sad that my birthday and our night is coming to an end, and we are heading home.
Adam pays the bill, then collects our coats, and we walk out the front. Our car’s waiting for us. He opens the door for me, and I slide into the passenger seat, placing my bag on the floor next to my feet. Sliding into the driver’s seat, Adam starts the car, and we leave. I look back at the beautiful location of the restaurant.
“It’s a beautiful old building, isn’t it?” Adam says, breaking the silence.
I hum my reply.
“Do you know the connection to this place?”
I shake my head, curiously looking at him.
“Years ago, while your dad was still in charge of the company, and I was still learning the ropes, we were given the job to sell off this property. It was once used as an observatory, I think, then a family restaurant. But that was years ago. It was sitting there abandoned, becoming very run down. We were told to get as much money for the land as we could.”
“Just left to rot? It’s a prime location overlooking the lake,” I ask with shock resonating in my voice.
“No. The company who owned it didn’t want to pay for the demolition. So, they sold it as is but for land value only.”
“Oh, that’s sad.”
“Chef Bouron contacted me saying he’d heard it was for sale and wanted to buy it to open a high-end restaurant. At first, I dealt with him and tried to talk him out of it, telling him that it would need a huge upgrade. But he wouldn’t listen. So, I asked your dad to try and talk him out of it. I knew he’d be out of pocket millions to renovate and convert it.”
“So, how did it all happen, then?” I ask, dying to know how it came to be.
“I made a rookie mistake and didn’t even ask about his financials. I just assumed that a chef couldn’t afford such an expensive place. The money was nothing to him. He scored a huge inheritance from an uncle in France and was more than happy to risk it to open his dream restaurant,” he explains.
“That’s why you’re so thorough with details now?”
“Sure is. I was always learning with your dad. It took two years to complete the renovations. They built the main dining floor we were on tonight and a separate function room. There’s also an outdoor eating area which almost hangs over the cliff. I’ve never sat out there as it creeps me out a little. He also added an elevator so people can have their wedding receptions there. Chef added a top-level, surrounded by glass as though it’s an actual lighthouse. They can use the top-level to get amazing pictures for weddings. And it’s all because your dad believed he could do it.”
My mouth drops open after hearing all that Chef Bouron has achieved, plus how my dad encouraged him to accomplish it. A tear forms in my eye. My only hope is that I can be half as amazing as my dad was, hopefully by achieving something useful and helping others.
“What an inspirational story. I’d love to build something from the ground up one day. Maybe inspire someone else to live out their dream.”
“Baby, if you put your mind to it, you’ll achieve anything. You’re so much like your dad, it’s scary at times.”
I got so wrapped up in our conversation that I have no idea where we are, but I definitely know it’s nowhere near home.
“Where are we, Adam?”
&nbs
p; “It’s a surprise,” he chuckles.
I rest against the headrest and shake my head. I’m not sure I have the energy for many more surprises today. I haven’t exactly done much, but today’s really taken it out of me, mentally and physically.
Just close your eyes for a minute. Adam won’t notice, a little voice in my head tells me, and it’s too tempting to ignore.
What feels like only a minute later, I’m being nudged awake by Adam. My eyes flutter open, and we’ve arrived at a pretty fancy looking hotel.
My gaze moves up to the sign over the entrance, Four Seasons, and bubbles of excitement wake up any parts of my brain which are still asleep.
“How long was I asleep for?”
“Maybe five minutes or so. Not too long. But your snoring was atrocious.”
I gasp. Was I snoring? Geez. I can feel my cheeks tingling and know they are turning red. How fucking embarrassing.
“Georgia, I was joking. You weren’t snoring.” Adam laughs.
I let out a sigh before turning and slapping him across the arm. “You bastard. I was dying of embarrassment.”
“Why, sweetheart? We’re a solid couple. If we make little bodily noises from time to time, who cares. Only we hear it.”
I smile at his comment. “True… I guess.”
We get out of the car, and Adam hands his keys over to the valet before getting a bag out of the rear of the car. I still find this whole valet thing strange as I’ve never personally used one. I park my car the old-fashioned way—by myself. I chuckle to myself at the thought of having to drive my old shit machine up to a valet.
“What’s so funny?” Adam asks.
“I’ve been imagining driving my old shit car up to a valet and them refusing to take it in case it fell apart.”
Adam laughs.
After checking in to the Presidential Suite, we catch the elevator up to the forty-sixth floor, and the moment Adam opens the door, giving me a glimpse at the suite, it takes my breath away.
“You didn’t have to book such an expensive room… well, small house.”
“Only the best for my girl,” he replies, leaning forward and kissing my forehead.
Adam drops his bag at the door, bends down, and scoops me into his arms, carrying me across the threshold.
