12. What a Pleasure
Mr. Simmons instructed me on everything that I needed to know and everything that I needed to do.
I was to be the only one to travel in and out of the room. Since the owner's importance, he had a security detail that always stayed by the door. I had to formally introduce myself to the room and alert them that I would be the only one catering to the that evening. The meeting was going to be held for the full duration of my shift. When I went away for a break, Mr. Simmons would take over for me.
I had to prepare the room for the party that had yet to show. It did not take much to get the room ready. Now, I was just waiting. I have been waiting for over an hour. They never gave us a time as to when they would arrive, just that they would. It was infuriating!
From time to time, I would go over and assist Mel at the bar with medial work such as wine and champagne. I would keep an eye on Mr. Simmons for the queue that the party arrived, but I never got it. He was fine with me helping Mel, if I did not wait at any other tables because then I would be occupied with other parties. But what I did do regarding tables was assist others in taking plates out if it was too big a load for one trip. I would also help clean some areas too.
Currently, I stood leaning against the frame between the kitchen and the floor, staring at the door. It was a waiting game and a wonder if they would even show at all. I was beginning to feel bad for doing nothing on the clock. But what could I do if it were orders from the boss himself?
Perhaps take an early fifteen.
~
He sat in the back seat of an expensive SUV as his subordinates drove. Flicking his right wrist, he checked the time on the watch he wore, impatiently. He was running behind. He hated being late but the reason for his tardiness was well worth it.
Ever since Lia disappeared from his hotel room, he could not keep her from his thoughts. So, he spent every waking moment in search of her. But she did not make it easy.
With nothing to go with other than her sobriquet, Lia, it has proven itself difficult. It took him about a month to get the lead. He checked the club but later found out that the bouncer allowed her and her friend to enter without paying. He checked the bar staff, and it was brought to his attention that they also had free drinks because they were provided with free silver tier wrist bands. The woman had not spent a dime the entire evening! In all honesty, he would not have had it any other way, but that was his only chance of getting her name off a card on the tab.
Of course, he still had his resources. It all resulted in the cab company his hotel hired to escort his guests. He was able to obtain her name for the cab she used to escape.
Aurelia Genesys, that was her true name. That was all they were legally able to give him. But again, he had his resources. He met with his head of security who was able to do a little background digging. Unfortunately, because he was late to his meeting, he could not fill in on everything Aurelia, but it was fine. He had her name and address and he planned to make his move after his meeting.
Too bad he was late, therefore prolonging his plans to see her again. He was not sure whether to be delighted because he will get to be reunited with the woman that had inhabited his mind, rent free or to be annoyed that he had to wait.
Arriving at the restaurant he owned, he threw the door open before the car came to a complete stop. He was too eager to get the business meeting over with he dared not wait for his men to get his door as usual.
The doors were opened for him, and his vehicle was taken by valet. He waltzed in buttoning the lower buttons of his midnight blue suit and looked around for the man he left in charge. His stoic face looked down on everyone as if they were below him because – in all honesty – they just might as well be. Adjusting his cuffs, he motioned for one of his men to search the premises and the other to find the manager. But before the second could step away, a slender elder gentleman stepped before him.
"Good evening, Mr. Don! It is a pleasure to have you with us. We are honored to be hosting you for supper."
He gave a curt nod to as he inspected his establishment.
"Of course, Mr. Simmons. Though all my companies do well, I admire the way you run this one. You are respected by both guests and employees."
"Thank you, sir," Mr. Simmons said with a kind smile and a small bow. "Your dining room is already set up for you. I have a single server ready to attend to you and your associates, as requested. I will lead the way."
"Hn," Don hummed.
His guard returned from his rounds a nodded to Don, signifying that they were in the clear before setting off.
They walked past all the guests and staff, of course, receiving looks of curiosity, but Don paid them no mind. The quicker he concluded the meeting the quicker he would get to see Lia.
The double doors were opened for the five men, Don and his four guards. He was met with a large table set for four, with three chairs already occupied and a woman who was bowing.
"Welcome to Questione di Gusti. I am Aurelia, but you can call me Lia. It is an honor to have you here with us, and it is my pleasure to serve you."
A knot tied in the back of Don's throat at her voice. Did she say… Aurelia? As in his Lia? As she stood from her bow, he clenched his jaw. His fists balled in his pockets as he watched the woman, he dreamed of for a month come to life before him.
When she stood tall, she flinched eyes wide, face flushed and mouth slightly ajar.
He remembered that face. It was not the same, but it was all too familiar to the one she wore when he was rocking into her on the desk in the hotel room.
What was it she said? It was her pleasure to serve him. There were many things he enjoyed coming from the pretty lips of hers, but that was a new one. And it was very well received.
"Aurelia was it," he said, voice drawing lower. His eyes roamed over her body as he looked down his nose at her. "The pleasure is all mine."