Page 124 of Bewitch

The host is a handsome man, older, mid-thirties maybe. He’s dressed up in a suit, which I love. So classy.

Eliza lets out that we’re here for my birthday, and he eyes me.

“Is that true?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say. “I would love to eat here for my celebration, but if we can’t, I understand. I would be heartbroken, but I would understand.”

“How many would there be?” he asks, pursing his lips and shaking his head.

“The two of us and two more.”

“I’m afraid—”

“Any time you have available tonight would work for us,” I say. “It really would mean so much to us, and if you only have room for two, well, two and two pushed together…”

He chuckles. “You’re used to getting your way, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t say that.” I sadly shake my head, pouting a bit. “You’re a miracle worker, though, I think. I hope.”

“Well, how does eight sound?”

“For four?”

He nods.

I clap my hands together. “You’re a true gem! Thank you!”

* * *

Eight o’clock has me, Eliza, Brooke, and Dawn all heading inside. The host grins to me. “Bruno will be your server this evening for your birthday celebration.” He winks at Eliza. “You don’t have to tell him. He already knows.”

“Thank you,” I say, and I follow the host, leading the way for my friends to the table.

We’re in the middle of the room, and I glance around. The ambiance of this place is amazing. Low lights but crystal light pieces so that the light is magnified. It gives the place a sense of Hollywood to it, upscale and elegant. Gold and white are the main colors for the walls and the ceiling, the floor a black obsidian tile with silver lines cutting into the darkness in seemingly random pieces that create an optical illusion.

And then I see the reason behind the name of the place. Over to the right is a majestic mermaid fountain. Her hair is what makes her look most wild and free and—you guessed it—untamed. The water spraying up out of her mouth is a bright pink color that then fades to purple and then red and orange. The basin around her is ivory, whereas her body is gold, and she has her arms pressed in tight to her chest to cover her nipples, her hands open, fingers sprayed near her chin, creating an open appearance, as if she’s as happy as can be. Her tail forms part of the basin, the scales outlined by the same silver lines in the tile floor.

“This place is gorgeous,” I announce happily.

“We’re treating you to dinner,” Dawn says.

“You don’t have to do that,” I protest.

“I like that idea,” Eliza says. “We can all go out to celebrate each other’s birthday and pay for the birthday girl.”

“Seriously, guys. We all have the money—”

“Isn’t it the thought that counts?” Brooke asks. “Let us do this.”

“Fine.” I wave my hand.

The waiter comes over. He’s dressed in a suit, his dark hair slicked back. Very good looking, but I’ve always had a thin for blonds.

“Which one of you is Kaylie?” he asks, looking from girl to girl.

“She is.” Dawn points to me.

“A very happy birthday to you.” Bruno dips his head. “My name is Bruno, and it will be my fine pleasure to serve you lovely ladies this evening. What would you call care for this fine evening? A bottle of one of our finest reds?”

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