Page 50 of Fragile

We spoke mainly about my dance course and when my timetable would allow me to work. Our discussion was mainly job-based with Gabriel explaining that he had received several offers for apprenticeships from some law firms in the area. I asked him why he didn’t want to work for his father.

“When I make it, it won’t be on the coattails of that man,” he informed me. I wanted to ask him about their relationship but he cut me off by changing the subject to my foster parents.

As I placed my knife and fork on my plate, feeling sated, Gabriel’s expression softened as he said, “Asher told me about your real parents. I just wanted to say I’m sorry. That must have been tough.”

I still found it hard to speak about them but considering the sincerity in his tone, I forced myself to not clam up and managed to squeeze out, “Thank you. Yes, it was tough but my foster folks made it easier.”

Before he could respond, a man appeared by our table. He was wearing a chef’s outfit minus the hat. “Gabriel my boy. When Eleanor said someone had ordered two glasses of my most expensive wine, I had to come and see who it was. I might have known it would be you.”

He was accented and I watched wide-eyed as Gabriel pushed to his feet and they both embraced in a bearhug, smacking each other on the back.

The man pulled back, “It is still your favourite, yes? Felice’s has good taste.”

I remained seated, not knowing if I should stand until they both turned to peer down at me. “And who is this stunning girl,” the man I now knew as Felice said. I rose to my feet to greet him.

“Felice, this is Leonie. A friend of mine,” Gabriel explained. “Leonie, this is Felice. His wine-tasting sessions are the reason I found out about the Lafite you sampled.”

I raised my hand for Felice to shake but he ignored it and pulled me towards his body, before kissing both my cheeks. He wasn’t much taller than me, with grey hair and a moustache. His warm personality was infectious.

“Lovely to meet you,” I said softly. The way he looked me over wasn’t sexual, more like how a proud dad would look, but there was a glint of keen interest of something else in his gaze.

“Likewise. What did you think of the wine?”

“It was lovely, it really complimented the meal.” I almost wanted to bite my tongue off. I probably sounded like a moron, knowing nothing about such things.

I could feel Gabriel’s eyes on my face and wondered if my cheeks were bright purple, they felt like they were.

“So, what brings you to my establishment? I take it you’re not just here for my magnifique cuisine?” Felice questioned, replacing his beaming expression at my rooky comment.

I turned to Gabriel, wondering what was coming next. His expression had changed and his tone was now all business.

“I’m here for a favour actually,” he began. This caused Felice to purse his lips and bob his head in agreement.

“If you have both finished, we could step into my office,” Felice said with a sweep of his arm.

“We’re done and so that would be good.” Again, Gabriel decided for me. Not that I would have eaten a dessert after all that meat.

As Felice walked ahead and we followed, I could feel Gabriel’s hand at the bottom of my back again. His touch was soft but purposeful as he led me behind the Italian man.

Once we arrived in Felice’s office, he closed the door and motioned towards a leather sofa. Stepping away from Gabriel, I sunk into the seat.

Gabriel didn’t sit, he leaned against the arm of the chair and regarded Felice thoughtfully. The other man was perched on a well-littered work desk.

“So how can I be of help my friend,” he began.

My eyes roamed around the office, taking in the computer, filing cabinets and the wall of security cameras which showed several areas of the restaurant.

The truth of Gabriel’s treat, if you could call it that was then revealed. Gabriel explained that I was looking for work and that he wanted Felice to give me a job. The two men discussed me like I wasn’t even there; Felice’s gaze shifted back and forth between us as he digested the discussion. From his expression, he was clearly going to honour every request Gabriel made.

“She’s inexperienced but eager to learn. I heard you’re hiring and thought you’d like to give her a shot,” Gabriel explained.

“Well, she’s certainly easy on the eye,” Felice bellowed. I felt my neck reclining into my shoulders in embarrassment.

As the men shook on everything, I pushed to my feet, attempting to hide my indignation at being so easily manipulated. Anger was boiling through my veins. But you know what they say, you give an inch and people take a mile. This felt more like a trip to the moon.

I thanked Felice as he welcomed me on board and informed me of the rate of pay, start date, and shift pattern. I was in shock, having had everything arranged without muttering a single word. Ordering food for me was one thing, but monopolising my life was another.

Gabriel must have seen that I wanted to say something and shot me a look.

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