That jerk! He must be busy. Calm down.
I press the phone he gave me tightly against my chest as I bite my lower lip. Even though I'm mad at him, I find myself filled with the same joy that makes me want to sing and dance. How can I be this happy while being mad at him? Am I even mad at him?
"Are we going?" James asks.
"Yes," I declare. Karla jumps up and down, clapping his hands.
After the spa, we make it to the restaurant in time. None of us are dressed for the five-star restaurant's unspoken dress code. It shows as disapproving eyes turn in our direction while the hostess leads us toward the same table Mr. Silence and I dined at alone. Karla's mouth has been open since the moment we walked in. I look around and notice that other guests have menus, but we weren't given any.
Our waiter arrives, and she smiles when she recognizes me.
"Hello, welcome back." Her words, along with the intensity of my friends' gazes, embarrass me. "Would you like to see the current menu for tonight, or would you prefer the special tasting menu that has been especially prepared for our VIP guests?"
"Tasting menu," Anat and Karla say in unison.
Four and a half hours and more than ten courses later, I find myself full, almost dreading how many more might come. Then I realize this is the most I've eaten in a while.
Luckily, a tower of various decadent French pastries is served next. We finish everything. When the waiter returns, I hand her the white card. She smiles and says, "Oh, thank you for the verification, but we have your name on file, so there's no need."
"I'm paying?" I half ask, half clarify.
"All white card holders eat here for free. It's one of the perks of being a valued member of the MM group. Is there anything else we can get you? Would you like anything to go?"
Karla yells out orders while Anat chimes in, and I stare confusedly at the card in my hand. James says softly, "Now you understand why it's special."
I nod.
"Each year, they allow only one hundred new cardholders," James adds.
There it is again... the overwhelming happiness mixed with... a nagging worry, an insistent weight on your chest. Both pressing and yet fleeting.
While I contemplate about my emotions, Karla, Anat, and James order takeout for tomorrow. They continue to talk about how beautiful, creative, and delicious each dish was as we step out of the building and onto the pavement.
Karla starts to cry. "I think that was the best meal I've had in my entire life," he remarks. Everyone turns to comfort him.
###
I sprint from the Uber toward the elevator, fumbling with the keys as I attempt to unlock the door. Mr. Silence opens it just as I drop them. Picking up the key, then I fling myself into his arms, causing him to stagger slightly under my unexpected weight.
"I missed you so much. You've been gone forever this time," I whine. He responds with a gentle chuckle, scooping me up, carrying me onto the elevator, holding me until it arrives at our floor, then into the bedroom.
"I made my friend cry," I announce proudly as I sit on the bed while he stands over me. His smile vanishes instantly, replaced by a puzzled expression. I tell him about the white card and my friends, while helping him out of his clothes. He listens attentively the way he usually does while I ramble on. By the time I finish recounting the tale, he's down to his underwear, while I remain dressed. He sits down.
Gently cupping his face in my hands, I study him. "How was your business trip, my love? Are you tired? Hungry? In need of sleep?"
His eyes simmer with a lustful desire that can't be denied. He pushes down his underwear, revealing his erection, and draws me close, positioning me above him. My legs straddle him as I face him. With his hands on my butts, he lowers me slowly onto his hardness. Sitting on his hands, I breath him in while letting him be in charge. I bite my lip at the sound of his grunt. The control in his hands makes me think he's teasing himself.
"Mmm..." I sigh as he pulls my dress over my head.
"The place is ready," he murmurs against my lips.
"Wh-what?" I struggle to comprehend his words as he shifts his hips, delving deeper within me. His skin burns against mine.
"Our home. Let's move in."