Chapter 13 – Restaurant Run-in

“This way, Miss Burne,” the attendant seated her and Eric in the restaurant on the top floor.

Eric couldn’t help but stare out the window at the sea of a city lights below.

“Eric?”

“Hm? Sorry,” he rushed to sit down and picked up a menu. “Umm… I don't know what this stuff is… other than recognizing some pasta names.”

“Oh, I’m sorry; it’s in Italian. Let me order for you.”

“You know Italian?”

“Somewhat. It’s really not much though, just enough to order in a restaurant… Make that in about seven languages, though.”

“Wow, seven? Other than English, I really only know a little French from school.”

“When you run an international business, it’s best if you know at least a little bit of a few languages. I’d love to be fluent, but that takes a lot of work.”

“I bet even what you know is hard work.”

“I just picked up bits over…” she trailed off. “I may study a bit before meeting with certain clients, even if I have a translator.”

“I’m sure they appreciate it.”

“So, can I order for you?”

“Okay… I’ll eat whatever you order for me.”

The attendant came back over to pour some water for them and Charlotte gave them their order.

“So, what did you order for me?” Eric asked.

“You seem to like hearty meals, so I got you a chicken pasta dish.”

“Cool, thanks.” He took a deep breath.

“Are you okay?” She reached across the table and rested her hand on his. “You seem tense.”

“Well,” he glanced around. “I think I’m nervous just being here… and potentially breaking or spilling something.”

“Sorry…” Charlotte bit her lip as she stared at her glass.

“Sorry for what?”

“I don’t want you to feel out of place, but I brought you here. I just liked the food at this restaurant, so I wanted you to try it, too.”

“Don’t worry about it so much; once I get into the food, I should relax.”

The servers placed their meals in front of them.

“Thank you,” they both said.

Eric took one bite, and almost melted into his chair from the rich, delicious cream of the pasta. “This is so good…”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Miss Burne, is that you?” An older man in a suit with graying hair called out to her as he approached, with three other suited men behind him.

“Mr. Belloff,” Charlotte stood and shook his hand.

“You look stunning today!” His eyes trailed down her.

“Thank you,” Charlotte’s mouth twitched as she forced a smile.

“Would you like to join us for a business dinner?”

“Ah, no; I’m currently on a date,” she gestured to Eric. “But thank you, anyway.”

All of them looked around her at Eric and whispered among themselves.

Holy crap. Eric swallowed hard under their disapproving gazes.

“He’d be welcome to join us, too. What industry is he in?”

“I…” I’m an unemployed bum… A pet? How do I answer that?

“He’s my personal assistant,” Charlotte said.

“Oh, you’re dating your assistant?”

“Yes, is there a problem?” her expression dropped and tone turned serious.

The men with Mr. Belloff flinched back. “No, I suppose not, but you’re such a catch; don’t you think you should… date someone worthy of you?” He gestured to the single men with him to the side.

“I don’t think his job title is important. Rather, that he is a wonderful, caring man who makes me happy.”

“I see... That’s good, I suppose. If you’re ever looking for someone, though, I know a few other men who would be interested.” She had gone out with his son for a long while and even gotten engaged, but things didn't work out.

“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

“I know my son, Dean, would love to go out with you again as well.”

Charlotte flinched back at his name. Eric immediately stood and wrapped a shaking arm around her shoulders. “I’m sure he’s a fine young man, but Charlotte’s taken,” Eric narrowed his eyes, his expression serious. “Now, please be on your way. We’d like to continue our date in peace.”

“… Right, of course. I’ll see you around, Miss Burne.” Mr. Belloff and his crew of suits walked away snickering.

“Char, are you okay?” Eric asked.

“Umm… Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you.” They sat back down. She reached for her fork and noticed her hand was shaking, so she hid it under the table.

What's going on? She seemed fine a moment ago... When did her demeanour change? Mr. Belloff mentioned a name... Dean, was it? "We can leave if you want," Eric observed her.

"Uh... No; we should stay and enjoy the food. I'll be fine," she forced a smile.

Eric's chest tightened. Noise from the group of suits filled the air. "I think we should take the food and go. The ambiance of this restaurant – as lovely as it is – has been ruined. So, shall we go?" Eric gestured his hand towards the exit.

"Okay," she nodded weakly.

Eric called over a staff member. "We have to leave; can you set this up to go?"

"Yes, of course," they gave him a little bow and took their plates.

They came back a moment later with two bags. "Here you go, sir. We also included the dessert ordered beforehand."

"Thank you," Eric accepted the bags. With the bill paid, and his arm around Charlotte, they headed out of the restaurant. Eric glanced at the suits and saw them staring as they left. What douche bags...

Once they were outside by her car, Eric growled. "How can you stand those guys?"

"I... don't have much of a choice. Unfortunately, I've run into a fair share of condescending men in the industry, who think women have no place in their world. There're also those who think the women in the business world should at least have a man in the same industry by their side."

"They must hate seeing me with you then, such a low-standing guy—"

"Don't talk about yourself like that! You're way better than them. You don't care about my money, and you're still kind and considerate. You're a bit shy, but I like that about you, and you seem to have these bouts of courage that take me by surprise."

Eric blushed and looked away. "I'm really not all that great. I mean, I'm only here because of a car accident..." he whispered. "It's not like I have a job or—"

"I thought you were my assistant."

"I thought you said that to get them off your back."

"No, I thought you wanted to work as my assistant once you were better..."

"Can I be? I know I wanted to help to repay you—"

"I hit you with my car... Trust me; you don't owe me anything."

"You gave me a credit card to use as I please..." I don't feel right about it.

"Please don't feel bad about that. You could've sued me, you know? Those men back there would have, but you didn't. You didn't even want my hospitality, which to me says so much about you. Eric, you are a great man, and I'd love to have you as my assistant, or more," she whispered the last part.

Or more? Does she... like me in a romantic way? Na... That's unlikely; she's being nice because she feels guilty and is a good person. Eric shook off the feelings.

"So, do you want the job?" Charlotte asked.

"Isn't Timo was your assistant?"

"I can't have more than one?"

"Oh... I guess you can." Why didn't I think of that beforehand?

"You don't have to take the job if you don't want it. As I said before, you can live with me as long as you want without worry. You don't seem to be expensive, anyway," she laughed. If other people had that offer, she was certain they'd abuse her goodwill. "Let's go home and eat," she said, despite her stomach still being in knots.

They sat down in her car, buckled up, and her hands shook as she reached for the steering wheel.

"Can I drive?" Eric asked.

"I'm fine," she tried to shake off the feeling.

"No, you're not, and it's just us here; you don't have to force yourself to be strong right now. Besides, it's been a long time since I've driven... You know, being too broke to have a working car and all," Eric laughed, a light blush on his cheek as he scratched the back of his neck.

She glanced over at him while gripping the steering wheel.

"Please?"

Charlotte let out a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, okay."

They switched seats. Eric slid his hands down the steering wheel. "It's been a long time, so I'm a bit rusty."

"Just try not to crash or hit anyone, and we'll be fine."

They both laughed.

"I'll do my best. Say," he glanced up at the darkened sky. "Are you up for heading somewhere else? It's not too far from here, unless you're too hungry—"

"Ah, no, I don't mind heading somewhere else for a while."

"Cool," Eric nodded and drove off.