“Deal,” Andrew said.
Lori exchanged a glance with Brenda. “Yeah, I can agree with that. I’m so tired of my fiancé talking about recipes and his restaurant. All of that is off limits.”
“You and I are on the exact same page, Lori. So, let’s go,” Brenda said. “It sounds like fun.”
When they got to the restaurant, the maître d’ took them straight in to a table near the fireplace. “Welcome. The chef asked if he can choose your menu for this evening.”
“By all means,” Andrew said.
“I’m feeling extremely underdressed,” Kelly said.
“That’s the nice thing about this kind of place. If you act like you belong, you belong. But Kelly, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Her blush made him smile.
“Aww.” Both Brenda and Lori reacted, and then he was the one blushing.
The sommelier came over and poured them both a glass of wine. Andrew swirled it in his glass, then took in the aroma. One sip later, he said, “Very nice.”
The wine was poured. “To running into old friends in unexpected places,” Kelly toasted.
“And new friends,” Brenda added.
“Cheers.” He took a sip of the wine.
Lori finished hers and poured another.
Dinner came, course after course, and the conversation was easy. Brenda and Lori seemed to carry most of the discussion, and that was fine with him, although they pretty much talked about nothing all night. That was okay, because being with Kelly made the evening perfect. She didn’t know she was celebrating his win tonight, but it wouldn’t have been the same without her.
“Andrew, this has been amazing.” Kelly glanced around the restaurant. “I can totally picture you running an establishment like this. The food is wonderful, and the presentation was almost too pretty to eat.”
“Yeah, it takes a lot to pull all this together. I love doing it though.”
“So, you actually know the chef here?” Kelly asked.
“I do. We’ve met a couple times. He’s dined in my restaurant. It’s nice to experience his.” He was proud of his work, and although this wasn’t his restaurant or cooking, it was special to show Kelly the level of cuisine and ambiance that he executed on a daily basis in his real life.
The restaurant began to empty. Andrew hated to think about the night ending.
“Andrew York.” The head chef of 2520 headed for the table. “It really is you. I’m so glad you made it to New York to dine with us. What brings you here?”
“Helping a friend,” he said.
“Lori’s fiancé is opening a restaurant in town,” Kelly chimed in.
“Oh? Are you helping my competition?” he said to Andrew. “I may have to have you come here for a week or two and advise.”
“Not even in the same ballpark,” Andrew said. “No offense, Lori.”
“None taken,” Lori said. “My fiancé is opening a swanky pizzeria. Andrew is helping them bring on the swanky part. Totally different demographic.”
Andrew appreciated the rescue Lori had offered. That girl was quick on her feet.
“New York is a great city. I’m sure I’ll be back. Everything has been magnificent. It’s been our pleasure tonight.” He gestured to the three ladies. “Please meet my dearest friend in the world, Kelly. And new friends Lori and Brenda.”
“Fine food and even finer ladies. You’re living high on the hog tonight.”
“It’s been a pretty good night,” Andrew agreed.
“Give my best to Francois.”
“Will do.”
Kelly offered an impressed nod that made him smile.
Brenda pushed back from the table after dinner. “I’m afraid Kelly and I need to get back to our hotel. We’ve got a busy day tomorrow. Thank you, Andrew, for the very generous night out. This has been the most amazing meal I’ve ever had.”
He stood and helped Kelly from her chair. “I’m so glad I saw you. You made my night.”
“It’s been a perfect day. Thanks for being the cherry on top,” Kelly said, placing a hand on his arm. “Really perfect.” Then she hugged him for a beat or two longer than was probably considered friendly. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. I hope there will be more nights like this for us.”
She pulled her lips tight, then turned and left.
The waiter brought coffee and dessert for him and Lori.
“This was totally worth it, right?” He spread his arms out. This restaurant was an experience in itself.
“Absolutely delightful, and somehow you managed to do it without breaking your contract. I’m shocked.”
“Thank you.”
“That wouldn’t happen to have been ‘Need Cookies’ Kelly would it?”
“Was I that transparent?”
She laughed. “Sort of. Thank you for treating me to dinner. This had to have cost you a fortune.”
“Nothing but a generous tip. I’ve done the same for him in Paris.” It was nice to be able to show off a little. Having this kind of night out on the town was a nice perk.
Lori lifted her phone. “The driver is out front when you’re ready.”
He stood and pulled out her chair. “After you.”
They got in the car.
Andrew asked the driver, “Do you think we could stop in one of these little souvenir shops and pick up a couple of postcards?”
The driver glanced toward Lori.
He’d forgotten about his short leash for a moment there. “Guess that’s your call, huh?”
“Sure. I’ll run in for you unless you want to pick them out yourself.”
“No. Something touristy, I guess, and stamps, please.”
The driver pulled over to the curb, and Lori jumped out of the car.
Andrew pushed the door open for her as she came back out of the shop. “Thanks, what do I owe you?”
“This is on me,” she said. “The least I could do after that dinner.”
“Well, thank you.”
About fifteen minutes later, the limo pulled into the unloading zone underneath the hotel. Lori swiped her key in the elevator to access their floor.
“I’ll make sure you’re up on time,” she said. “How much time do you need to get ready?”
“I’d like to have about forty-five minutes to shower and drink some coffee before I have to talk to anyone. Including you.”
“Me too. I’ll knock on your door. Let me know if
