The Pentagram Child(59)

“Shall we?” Alex said after handing the valet his keys. I nodded and put my arm in his, thankful for it so I didn’t stumble in these heels. The door was opened for us and just as we reached the gorgeous looking hostess Alex’s phone started to beep. Dread filled me as he reached into his pocket and read a text message with a frown. The hostess looked me up and down like I was wearing something from her granny’s wardrobe and then turned her eyes to Alex with a smirk. I instantly hated her and her ultra-modern hairstyle, that if you asked me looked more like she was getting ready to be shot out of a cannon than a bob cut.

“Do you have a reservation, Sir?” She purred but Alex wasn’t taking any notice. I would have liked to have said it was because he had me on his arm but no, this time it was his phone that was getting all the attention.

“Alex?” I whispered and gave him a nudge.

“Yes, we have a reservation, it’s under the name Cain.” She looked down her list and then with a nod asked us to follow her. As we walked through the open space that was clearly an expensive interior designer’s wet dream I leant into Alex and whispered,

“Is everything alright?” The look he gave me was all the answer I needed. I had a feeling I was going to be in need of that jacket after all. We let the hostess seat us in the middle of everyone else, which was another small pet hate of mine. I liked my food and wasn’t one to pick at it like a mouse, so this just meant I sometimes made a pig of myself, which needless to say doesn’t need an audience.

The hostess started to hand us our menus but Alex put his hand up to stop her.

“I already ordered us both the chef’s tasting menu when making the reservation.” He told her and I wanted to cringe at the thought of getting something I knew I wouldn’t like, for example oysters. Why anyone would eat something that just tasted like swallowing a mouthful of sea water was beyond me!

“Very good Sir, your waiter will be with you shortly to take your drinks order, here is the wine list.” She handed him the thin leather book and wished us a pleasant evening like a drone sucked of any personality. It made me wonder if she had to practice in the mirror before work or if she just woke up that fake?

“So the chef’s tasting menu sounds interesting.” I said taking my origami napkin from the table and laying it smooth over my dress.

“Umm?” Alex said taking out his phone again and frowning into it.

“Alex, is there something wrong at work?” I asked the same question I did all those other times.

“I’m sorry Catherine, I am going have to sort this mess out, it should just take a phone call… can you excuse me for a moment?” I wanted to roll my eyes and tell him to just get it over with but I didn’t. No instead I smiled and played a good girlfriend by saying,

“Of course.” He smiled at me and then rose from his seat. He came and kissed the top of my head and said,

“What did I ever do to deserve such a beautiful and understanding girlfriend?” It wasn’t a question I could answer, especially not considering what this girlfriend nearly did with her ex only a few hours ago. I shrugged my shoulders and gave him a smile I knew didn’t reach my eyes.

“I won’t be long, do you want to order a bottle of the Pinor Noir Copain, Tous Ensemble 2011?”

“Eh…the what now?” I said knowing I would mess it up royally if I even attempted ordering that. I could tell Alex wanted to be the one to roll his eyes at me this time but thankfully our waiter came and saved the day. Alex ordered his fancy wine and gave a nod when asked if we were ready for the first course. I wasn’t so sure I was ever going to be ready when the first course turned out to be…yep, you guessed it…

“To begin Miss we have the raw‎ oyster on the half shell.” He said and I tried not to throw up in my mouth. Bloody oysters! I gave him a small smile as he placed the oversized plate in front of me before then placing one opposite. I thought it best to wait for Alex and in doing so delaying the slime I would have to put in my mouth. That or I could convince Alex to eat mine. But he always had a habit of making me feel guilty for not trying new things, no matter if it looked like a giant’s snot ball that had been chewed up and spat out on a shell!

Thankfully I wasn’t left alone for long as Alex came back but I frowned up at him when he didn’t retake his seat opposite.

“Let me guess…”

“Catherine, I’m so sorry.” This time I did roll my eyes.

“It’s fine Alex, I know you have to go…you always do.” I added this last part muttering under my breath, no longer caring if he heard me.