Dîner
I felt the tight pressure around my neck as I adjusted the black and blue tie. After thinking it looked presumable, I patted the tie down. A slight knocking accrued at the door.
“Entrance!” I joked. Zoe stepped into the room with a short black dress, a small handbag, and her hair in curls. “Wow…” Was all I could speak.
“Too much?” She placed her red stiletto heels on her feet.
“No… you… look… wow…” She laughed.
“Wow is some new describing word? I think I like it.” I smiled at her.
“I’m pretty sure you will find some answers tonight, love.” I turned around to pat my hair down again, feeling her arms on my shoulders and her face appearing in the mirror in front of me.
“I hope…” She leaned her head down as I turned around.
“We will.” Her hands wrapped around my waist as I kissed her forehead. I looked back into her eyes. “I’ve known this guy. He’s got to have some answers. He’s had before.” I saw her lips crack into a smile.
“I trust you. You have all of those underground friends that I don’t know about.” She pulled me closer and felt our lips touch. It took all the restraint to pull away to continue our conversation.
“I’m pretty sure you don’t know the half of it!” I laughed as so did she, than I looked at my watch, noticing it was 8:00 pm. “Time to go…”
The restaurant was crowded. People waited in line outside, as we made our way around there in contempt bodies. I smiled, knowing that I did a smart action by getting reservations the day before. I grabbed Zoe’s waist and stepped to the counter where two young girls in black uniforms stood, conversating. They turned around with enthusiasm in their eyes.
“Hello.” The first girl with fake blonde hair, stated. “Anything I can get for you?” She smiled. I felt Zoe’s hand tighten around my arm.
“We have reservations…” She sounded cold. I looked at her and smiled a bit, but she remained with the same content face, and looked back at the waitresses. “Name: Roux.” The waitresses looked at one another and back at a list sitting in front of them on the wood table.
“I see, right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Roux.” I silently laughed while the waitress with the fake blonde hair showed us to a private room. I pushed the closest chair for Zoe as she sat down. I took the seat to her left. “Enjoy…” Spoke the waitress, while glaring at Zoe, and walked out.
“I’m surprised you didn’t correct her on your name.” I laughed aloud this time.
“I enjoy it.” She smiled while I shifted an eyebrow. “I’m also surprised I didn’t kill those fake blondes, also.” She laughed and I followed suit.
“I’m guessing I know what they were thinking about me?” I questioned. By the look on her face, I was correct. She changed the subject.
“So, what does this friend of yours do? You could give me a bit of details…” She asked, placing her glass away from her.
“Well, to start off with, his name is Christofer; he’s from Sweden and a vampire, like us.”
“That so much explains why he had us meet him in a restaurant.” Her sarcasm protested. I shrugged it off.
“Yup.” Was all I could say when a familiar scent triggered me. He was here.
“Hey!” Shouted a man, fairly sized with short brown spiked hair, wearing a suit jacket with jeans. His smile was crooked and too big for his face. Christofer…
I stood up to greet my friend and felt Zoe rise.
“Nice to see you, Chris. It’s been far too long, friend.” I shook his hand. “Chris, I would like you to meet my love, Zoe Albridge.” He glared at her and smiled.
“An Albridge! That’s not the same…” Zoe interrupted.
“No… that was my sister.” I felt her aura of sadness.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s just I don’t know everyone in the Albridge family.” He grabbed her hand and gave it a light kiss. I glared. He responded by putting his hand down and bowed. “It’s a pleasure Madam Zoe.” I motioned for him to sit while I pulled Zoe’s chart back out.
“Now why exactly am I here?” He asked, jokingly. I felt Zoe’s gaze upon mine.
“Have you ever heard of Souterraines naturelles?” She questioned back. I felt his cold stare upon the oak table setting.
“Why… exactly are you asking, Madam?” He glanced at her. I felt myself answer in her place.
“Venetia is here, looking for a friend of ours. Olivia Hurst. I know you must know something…”
“Hurst… Varanese Firmani… She must have changed her name…” He placed his hands on the table.
“Varanese? I said Olivia…” Zoe paused. “That is Olivia?” Christofer nodded.
“Centuries ago. Varanese used to rule the Souterraines naturelles… Venetia Firmani was her sister…” I saw Zoe stiffen. “And also right hand, practically. I remember when they invaded my village in Sweden. The people had no idea, who or what they were. They killed all the villagers, burned them to pieces, yet Varanese never consented… It was Venetia. I remember my life being spared, but sadly, not my friends… or family. I heard that Varanese had run off. Which to me, a smart accomplished move and Venetia took over…” We all sat in silence, thinking, pondering, about what our mind compelled, and what we had just heard, from quite an old friend…
