Page 223 of The Baby Twist
“You have a driver?” she asked.
“Yes. His name is Mateo, and he’s a great man. He’s worked for me for seven years. Have you ever eaten at Salvatore’s?”
“I have. Olivia told you it’s one of my favorite restaurants, didn’t she?”
“No.” I chuckled. “It also happens to be one of my favorites as well.”
When the driver approached the restaurant, I opened the door, climbed out, and extended my hand.
“Thank you, Charlie.” Marley’s lips gave way to a beautiful smile.
“You’re welcome.”
I opened the door to the restaurant, and when Marley stepped inside, her brows furrowed.
“This place is always packed. Why are we the only ones here?”
“Charlie.” Salvatore walked over and shook my hand. “It’s good to see you, my boy.”
“Hi, Salvatore. I’d like you to meet Marley. Marley, this is Salvatore.”
“Hello, sweetheart. Come with me.” He led us to a table.
“I still don’t understand why we’re the only people here,” she said.
“I bought out the restaurant for the night.” A smirk crossed my lips.
“Why? I didn’t even know people could do that.”
“Salvatore is a family friend. He and my father go way back. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid.”
“I will be personally serving you tonight.” Salvatore smiled. “What can I get you to drink?”
“How about a bottle of your best white wine.” I smiled.
“Excellent choice, Charlie.” He walked away.
Within moments, Salvatore returned with a bottle of white and a bread basket.
“Are you two ready to order?”
“I’ll have the chicken scaloppine with lemon and butter.” Marley smiled.
“I’ll have the same. Do you like calamari?” I asked her.
“I do.”
“We’ll start with an order of calamari, Salvatore,” I spoke, handing him the menu.
“Very good.” He nodded.
“Why, Charlie?” Marley asked, grabbing a piece of garlic bread from the basket.
“Why, what?”
“Why do you insist on making things weird?”
“Marley, I really have no idea why you keep saying that. Why is it weird that I want to take you to dinner?”
