Page 37 of Rome: The Ballerina

“How are you today, ma’am?”

“I’m well, Joshua.”

Georgio’s was no secret in Mt. Clarke. It was a well sought after evening adventure for the bougie, bored, beloved, and breaded. However, you’d have to be at least two of the four to enter. The guest list was closed months in advance. A spot was hard to come by if you weren’t familiar with the staff, the owner, or someone who brought value to their brand.

“It’s been a while.”

“It has–” I admitted. “Good seeing you.”

Joshua started at Georgio’s five years ago. Six months before my family’s departure, he managed to get the approvalfor employment from the fourth board member–Chemistry Childers.

“Good evening, Sir!” Joshua greeted Sac with glistening eyes.

“Evening.”

“Reservations?”

Chuckling, Sac nodded. “Something of the sorts.”

“If the keys are still inside, Olla will escort you to your table.”

“They’re still inside.”

“See you all when you return.Sir. Ma’am.”

With a nod, Joshua took off in the opposite direction.

“Good evening, Ma’am. Sir. I’m Olla. I’ll be seating you this evening.”

Olla was new. And, she was gorgeous.

“Evening, Olla. You’re lovely.”

As a woman, I felt a great sense of responsibility to compliment a woman who deserved praise; big or small. It was my duty. The world was cruel enough to us. Life was hard enough for us. Generosity, especially from another woman, could make all the difference in the day.

“Oh, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You’re lovely yourself. Your skin is glowing.”

“Skin–dew. TheSummerDewo.”

“Thank you. I’ll be on that website tonight. I’ve heard great things about that brand!” Olla exclaimed, leading us to the door.

“They were all true,” I confirmed.

Sac reached, but was unable to catch it before it was pushed open. He stepped aside and allowed us to enter before following us inside. To my surprise, there was utter silence in the restaurant.

Furrowed brows led me through the empty establishment. We stepped onto the elevator, operated by an attendant. Olla was still near, staring at the silver doors in front of her. Whenthey opened, she stepped off, leading us to the floor to ceiling windows that made up the top level of Georgio’s.

“Here.”

It wasn’t until we reached the table closest to the astonishing view of Clarke that she stopped. Sac pulled my chair out. I lowered into it. By the time my hands flattened on the table, I recognized the large black Chanel bag in the seat next to me. Beside it was an orange Louis Vuitton bag.

My eyes landed on Sac. My nostrils flared as I brimmed with excitement. He was becoming. His smirk revealed just how prideful he was of the moment. His moment.

“Gifts–” I smiled.

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