Crystal Lennox patted Celestine’s hand and grabbed her purse. “Let’s go. Today’s meeting was just a sideshow–our real business hasn’t even started.”
“What do you mean?” Celestine cocked her head. “Did you book us in with another client?”
Crystal snorted. “Celly, do I really seem like such a heartless boss? Forcing my staff to schmooze through two business dinners in one day?”
Celestine bit back a laugh and shook her head, then looked at Crystal with curiosity. “So what is it, then?”
Crystal grinned. “We’re celebrating your recovery, of course. Officially welcoming our Smile back to the team.”
Crystal had suspected that, with Ramsey involved, they wouldn’t get much actual eating done at that dinner anyway. She just hadn’t expected it to end quite so quickly. Still, better to wrap things up early and not waste the reservation.
Celestine’s cheeks flushed as she realized what Crystal was up to.
“Crystal, I really-”
She started to thank her, but Crystal cut her off with a mischievous smile. “Ah–ah, don’t you dare say those two words.”
The two of them made their way to Watersedge Grillhouse, the restaurant Crystal
had reserved.
Watersedge Grillhouse was an old favorite in Oceanview City, known for its chef’s–choice menu–every day, what came out of the kitchen depended on the chef’s mood. Most places would crash and burn with such a risky business model, but Watersedge’s food was so good that word of mouth had kept it thriving for years. Without the right connections and a reservation well in advance, you’d never get a table.
Standing outside, Celestine couldn’t help but remember last year, when she’d gone all out planning Chester’s birthday dinner–right here at Watersedge. But he never showed. She ended up seeing photos on the gossip pages: her husband out sailing
with Joanna.
She barely touched her food that night. The chef actually came out himself to ask if something was wrong with the dishes. But Celestine, already miserably upset, just broke down in tears when the chef’s concern came out sounding more like an
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accusation.
The poor chef had panicked–clearly never having dealt with a crying guest before.
“Hey, hey, Miss, I’m sorry! My fault, okay? Tell you what, next time you come, your meal’s on the house. Order whatever you want, I promise!”
Celestine could still picture the flustered chef handing her napkins and awkwardly. trying to comfort her.
She smiled at the memory, her eyes softening, and followed Crystal into the
restaurant.
“Miss Lennox, I’m terribly sorry, but the private dining room you reserved is no longer available. Would you mind dining in the main room instead?” The hostess’s polite tone faltered as she checked the reservation.
Crystal’s gaze turned sharp. “Excuse me? As far as I know, your place never does this ‘overbooking‘ nonsense. I booked that room a week ago.”
The hostess wilted under Crystal’s stare and rushed to fetch the manager.
The manager arrived, all apologies, and explained, “Here’s the situation: your private room was taken at the last minute by a gentleman who wanted to surprise his girlfriend for her birthday. He said if you arrived, he’d be willing to buy the room from you at ten times the price and cover your entire meal.”
Most people would jump at such an offer. Unfortunately, Crystal’s patience had already worn thin today–she’d been looking forward to this dinner, and now this.
“And what if I say no?” Crystal’s voice was frosty.
The manager looked genuinely distressed. “Well… in that case…”
Celestine spoke softly. “How about you take us to meet this gentleman? Let him make the request in person.”
“Of course. One moment, please.”
The manager made a quick call, got the go–ahead, and led them down the hallway to the private room.
The door wasn’t fully closed. Inside, a chorus was singing “Happy Birthday,” and a few guests were shouting, “Kiss! Kiss!”
Through the gap, Celestine caught sight of the birthday girl at the center of the room. Chester stood behind Joanna, his hand over hers as they cut the first slice of cake together.
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“Happy birthday, Joanna,” Chester said softly.
