Page 21 of Tarek

A small sigh is released at the side of me. “Oh wow. I’m going to sit back down and wait for you.”

When she says “you”, she taps her index finger on my lapel. I still don’t know her name. Shit, I think it starts with a K or is it a C? Christal, Chris?

“See you at two, Chrissy. Enjoy yourself.” Mentally, I wait for her to correct me instead she throws her hair over her shoulder and smiles.

“Nice to meet you,” my red-haired guest says.

Chrissy sashays through. Looking back, she asks, “What’s your name?”

“Penny, and yours?” Penny is full of life and effervescent.

Chrissy or whatever her name is gives Penny a real smile. “It’s Chriselle.”

Fucking Chriselle, that’s her name. Note to self—Chriselle.

“Enjoy your meal, Penny. I know I am.” Winking, Chriselle returns to her seat, stopping to talk to some guests.

With a firm grip, I take Penny to the table where my friends and I normally sit.

“You can sit here,” I gently usher up a dais, guiding her towards an intimate booth nestled on a raised platform.

“Tarek this is the most beautiful restaurant I have ever seen,” Penny says as she settles into the booth. Her eyes cast over the panoramic view of the restaurant below. Normally this seat is reserved for my boys or VIP clients. Today it’s just for Penny.

The Glasshouse is beautiful, the soft ambient light cast a warm glow, giving the dining area a warm inviting view despite its industrial concept.

“You’re welcome by the way?” Penny takes the napkin off the table dusting it to the side she places it correctly on her lap.

“Welcome for what?”

“You didn’t know that girl’s name, you kept calling her Bella.” Her large eyes shine clear with truth. Part of me feels the need to deny it. But why should I? I mean she caught me.

“Thank you. I will make sure you’re handsomely rewarded,” something about Penny unmans me. It’s alarming…and easy?

I turn my head back into the kitchen.

“Wait.” She pleads.

“What?” I really just want to get away from her. Why? Because she makes want to be honest and I just met her.

“You said you would eat with me.”

“I make a lot of promises Penny.”

“Are you prone to break them also?” she asks leaning her head into her hand, blinking up at me innocently. Then I catch it. It’s fleeting, but it’s there. I chuckle to myself, she is not innocent. She is just a skilled manipulator.

With a wide smile I reply, “What if I am? Let me check in with the kitchen and I will be back.”

She nods and turns her attention back to my guest. Soft piano music floats through the air, but my mind is somewhere else entirely. She doesn’t know it yet, but she has started a silent game that I intend to win…. loudly.

* * *

PENNY

My feet paddles under the table in excitement. I take out my phone and text my brother.

Me

Guess where I am. *inserts pic*

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