Chapter 8 - Le Bernadine

The Le Bernadine was exquisite. It was elegant in a minimalist sort of way, yet still echoed the natural world. The tables dominated the space, with circular tables of dark oak. The floor beneath it all was slate and with the cream walls and tall mullioned windows it was a fine place for the evening meal. Cara had never been to it before and she wondered what was so special about the double date that Alex had picked out such a classy high end restaurant. He still had not mentioned why exactly he wanted to have a double dinner date.

The lighting was dim and the air was thick with the scents of so many different foods. Booked three months in advance, it was not the kind of place you get a table on impulse and obviously Alex must have used his connections to book a spot it was only that Cara wasn't sure why he did. It was no news to everyone that he and his brother were not close.

Nicholas and his date were already seated at the table checking out their menu. Nicholas had his eyes focused on his phone and a little frown was forming between his brows. His date however Cara couldn't see well because she as facing the other side. But she had shoulder length light brown hair with blonde highlight. She looks vaguely familiar. Until she turned and Cara recognised her as one of her friends.

"Jean?"

She called out as she titled her head to see better and Jean turned to smile at her.

"Hey Cara!! So lovely to see you here. What's up?"

She waved a little as Alex and Cara settled in their individual seats. Cara was still a little bit surprised that Jean was Nicholas's date. She never thought they knew each other before.

"Hey brother."

Alex said as he nodded his head at his brother and Nicholas smiled.

"I hope it wasn't much trouble getting here, you certainly took your time."

He commented and Alex shrugged.

"Blame Cara. She made us late."

Nicholas turned his gaze to Cara and she gave Alex a look.

"You look really stunning tonight Cara."

"Thanks."

She murmured as she lowered her eyes under his burning gaze.

"So Jean, how did you and Nicholas meet?"

She didn't hesitate to say the one question that was bothering her. She met Jean through her best friend Malory and for a while she kind of enjoyed Jean's company although they were never that close.

It slightly bothered her that Nicholas was with someone that she knew, she felt it was weird and she couldn't really place why she felt that way.

"Oh! Well, we met at that bar. Remember that night we all threw you a surprise engagement party? He was there."

"You were there?"

She turned to Nicholas who shrugged.

"I was in the neighbourhood and heard you were having an engagement party. I wanted to say congratulations but you were all over the place so I left very early."

"Hmm."

Cara said as she picked up the menu. She and Jean had talked after that day, Malory had even convinced her to make Jean her bridesmaid and she had agreed. Why didn't Jean say anything about it?

"Can we order now? I'm starving."

Alex said as he signalled to the waiter while Cara kept her eyes focused on the menu so it wouldn't stray to other things or people. Most especially people.

Nicholas stole another glance at Cara as she continued staring at her menu. She looked breathtaking, the champagne gold dress she was wearing was exquisite and it showed off her long golden legs. He had been wondering how they would be able to talk after what happened at the restaurant but she seemed fine. She seemed to be ignoring him quite well and he felt frustrated having to steal glances at her.

He glanced at his date and grimaced, he had forgotten that Jean and Cara were friends, in fact he had no idea about it but Jean must have mentioned it to him earlier. He probably wasn't paying attention. He didn't plan on bringing her along before. In fact, two hours to the double date he had no idea who he wanted to bring along. Then she had called and reminded him of how he bailed on her weeks ago after one date and how he started ignoring her calls, inviting her to the double date seemed like a way to redeem himself in her eyes.

She already had the notion that he was an unapologetic playboy and she was only halfway right. She had been right about him being unapologetic but he wasn't a playboy.

"What are you ordering?"

Jean asked as she looked up from her menu smiling at him widely.

"Hmmmm. Not sure yet. Everything looks so good."

Jean nodded her head.

"Yea, you're right. I've never eaten here before but I've heard great things."

"I hear their food is really amazing and they have a really famous chef working here."

She added and Nicholas nodded.

Meanwhile, Alex and Cara were busy giving each other the cold shoulder and it was glaring to Nicholas and Jean. They both ignored themselves like the plague while making their orders.

"Are you guys okay? Seems like there's something going on between you two."

Nicholas finally asked and Cara glanced at him before quickly turning away, she was avoiding his gaze. He wondered if she was going to try and do it the entire night.

"Nothing actually. We're just stressed from work and all. "

Alex quickly answered as they all awkwardly waited for their food.

"So, how's the company going?"

Alex finally asked and Nicholas nodded his head.

"It's all good."

"That's it?"

Nicholas shrugged.

"What else do you want to hear? I don't really want to bore you with architecture."

Alex chuckled.

"Oh. Well, I know a little bit about it myself though."

"Meanwhile the family company's doing great by the way. Even though you never asked."

"Well, you are the CEO so I assume it's doing fantastic."

He answered sarcastically and Alex clenched his jaw.

"We'll be adding a new addition to our company soon. Did I tell you we're buying Devine Organics Co soon?"

Alex said and Cara's jaw dropped. Why did he even have to talk about it? And in such a mocking tone too. Cara was the COO of her father's company and she knew that they had not finalised any plans of selling to the Greenes. She couldn't believe Alex was using it to score cheap points.

"Isn't that Cara's dad's company."

Alex nodded his head.

"Yes, it is. They've been going through a rough patch business wise and I decided it was a smart business move to buy them."

"Did you really have to bring that up?"

Cara asked as she turned to her fiance who shrugged.

"Hey, the food's here."

Jean said in relief  as the waiter arrived with the food.

"I also have new plans for the business, we're looking at new outlets in San Jose and Sacramento."

Alex added. Cara felt irritated just hearing him speak. It was almost as if he was gloating, like he wanted his brother to know that he was doing great at the family company.

Which was largely untrue, Alex was the CEO but in reality he wasn't the one making the big decisions. This is going to be a long and stressful dinner. She thought as she saw Jean whispering seductively into Nicholas's ear.