Chapter 26: A Good Start
JULIA
Sarah’s car sputtered and wheezed like it was on its last breath before she finally managed to pull into the parking
lot.
I winced at the sound of the brakes screeching as we came to an unsteady halt.
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“You really need a new car,” 1 muttered, clutching the handle of the door for dear life.
Sarah gave the dashboard a pat, giving it a loving gaze. “Don’t listen to her. You’re doing great, sweetheart.”
I stared at her in disbelief. “We almost died back there.”
She ignored me and glanced out the windshield. “Well, here we are.”
I followed her gaze, and my heart dropped. My eyes widened as I took in the all–too–familiar exterior of the restaurant in front of us.
Gold lettering spelled out ‘Asturia‘ perched above the tinted glass entrance.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I breathed.
Sarah turned to me, a sheepish look on her face. “What?”
“Why is it here?” I gestured toward the entrance, my voice slightly rising. “Out of all the restaurants in this city, it had to be Asturia?”
Sarah pursed her lips, pretending to think hard about it. “No wonder it looked familiar,” she mumbled under her breath, though the nervous chuckle that followed gave her away.
I shot her a look. “You knew, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t!” she said defensively, but when I narrowed my eyes at her, she caved. “Okay, maybe I recognized it on the way over. But it wasn’t my choice! David picked the place, not me.”
I groaned, pressing a hand against my forehead.
“This is the Astor’s restaurant, Sarah. The main Astor building is right there.” I gestured to the massive skyscraper across the street.
This was the restaurant that Ellie was supposed to manage. However, now that she pulled herself out of the picture, I was sure that Evan was the one managing it.
“Look, I get it,” Sarah said, leaning her elbow on the steering wheel. “But on a good note, this place is really expensive, and David’s paying! Isn’t that great?”
1
I gave her a flat stare. “Thrilled.”
“The food here’s good too, right?” she added with forced cheer like that would make me feel better.
Of course, the food was good. I knew that better than anyone. I’d eaten at Asturia countless times–back when Evan and I were still together–even when I was in an entirely different tax bracket.
ny stomach
Even the memory of those dinners, with their fancy wine pairings and perfectly plated meals, made my twist. I just wished none of the staff recognized me tonight
I shook my head and let out a heavy sigh. “You owe me for this.”
Chapter 26. A Good Start
+25 BONUS
Sarah grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “Oh, come on. Its late. Evan’s probably in Heather’s apartment right
now.”
“Sarah-”
“And they’re probably making out on her couch or-”
“I get it!” I cut her off, glaring at her.
She laughed, pleased with herself.
I sighed and shook my head. “Well, is David something here?”
Just then, her phone vibrated. She glanced at it and smirked
“Right on time,” she said, holding up the screen. “David’s already inside.”
I nodded, trying to shove down the lump forming in my throat.
This was fine.
It was just dinner in Asturia. Why would I feel affected with the fact that we’re eating at Evan’s restaurant? I was a customer like everybody else!
Í forced a smile and unbuckled my seatbelt. “Okay. Wish me luck.”
Sarah winked. “You’ve got this.”
I stepped out of the car, straightened my dress, and walked toward the entrance with as much confidence as I could muster.
The restaurant’s interior hadn’t changed much in five years. The same golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the space, and the same subtle scent of roasted garlic and fresh herbs lingered in the air.
Fortunately, the staff seemed new–no familiar faces that would give me a second glance.
I let out a silent breath of relief as I scanned the room and spotted David.
He was already seated at a table near the center, glancing at his phone. He looked up just as I approached, his face. lighting up with a smile.
“Julia?” he asked, standing up.
I smiled back, doing my best to push down any awkwardness. “Hi.”
Sarah had been right–he was handsome. Not in a heart–stopping, annoyingly perfect way like Evan, but handsome enough.
He had dark hair combed neatly, a clean–shaven face, and wore a navy blazer that suited him well.
David pulled out my chair, which was a nice start. “Wow,” he said as I sat down, his eyes lingering for just a moment too long
“You’re…much more beautiful than I thought.”
I blinked, unsure how to respond to that. “Uh…thank you?”
He smiled quickly, catching himself. “I mean that as a good thing. You look really pretty.”
“Thank you,” I said again, brushing a curl behind my ear. “You look good, too.”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 26 A Good Stan
There it was—that clumsy, uncomfortable feeling I hadn’t bad in years.
It wasn’t David’s fault.
It was just me.
I wasn’t used to this anymore, and my brain seemed to be working overtime to make sure I didn’t forget that fact.
“It’s really nice to meet you in person,” David said as he called over a walter.
“You too,” I replied politely, though my smile felt a little ferced.
The waiter handed us menus, and I glanced down, already howing what I wanted. The sea bass had always been my favorite, and I hadn’t had it in years. I was just about to speak when David stopped me.
“Wait before you order,” he said, holding up a finger. “Do you know what ‘Asturia‘ means?”
I blinked at him. “Uh…”
“It’s an autonomous community in Spain,” he said proudly, hoping for some kind of reaction. “So this is a very refined Spanish cuisine. A lot of people don’t know that.”
“Oh,” I bit back a sigh, pursing my lips. “I didn’t realize.”
And have you heard of Iberico pork?” he pressed, his tone taking on a little bit of arrogance.
I gave him a tight smile. “Yes, I have.”
“It’s one of the most prized meats in the world,” David continued. “They only feed the pigs acorns, and it gives the meat this nutty, rich flavor. It’s a delicacy. Very prized.
I leaned back slightly, my smile strained. “Sounds interesting.”
“Well, it’s not something you can just get anywhere,” he added, his eyes scanning the menu.
I stared at him for a moment, suddenly regretting every decision that had led me to this table.
So much for a good start.
