“I don’t want to go back to my place just yet and didn’t bring any clothes.”
“Then I’ll buy some extra items, too. David’s always teasing me about looking ‘too professional,’” Ruth said.
“Thank you.”
They didn’t find the dresses for the evening in the first place, so Kelly led them to the limo and had the driver deposit what they’d bought so far in the trunk. She climbed into the limo as if she belonged.
“Adrienne told me that you needed my help, too. Is the jacket two or three years old?” she asked David.
He looked up from his phone and smiled.
“Two. It’s a Dakora.”
“And two years ago, you were thinner. We need to get you into something that shows off your muscles.”
He tilted his head and then gave her a big smile.
“I probably do need a few things. My mom is planning something for my birthday. I bet she expects me to look nice.”
Kelly gave him a once-over and nodded. It was lucky they had four hours to kill before dinner.
◊◊◊
Kelly declared that they looked like a million bucks. Both Crystal and Ruth were in a daze when they were done. David had gone whole hog and replaced their wardrobes. He’d even gotten Ruth to take three cocktail dresses, one of which was the little red number that she had on.
David had bought a Giorgio Armani cream-colored wraparound double-breasted suit. They’d made the alterations while the girls had shopped for dresses.
Crystal had decided on a daring black dress. When she said ‘daring,’ it was because it was designed to be worn braless. Since she’d been thirteen, Crystal had never gone without one.
When David had seen it on her, she knew she’d made the right choice. His laser-like look had caused her nipples to stiffen, which made her feel desired. That was something she needed at the moment.
“I think that one works,” was his only comment.
When they arrived at The Shota, there was a line outside. They were escorted to the entrance by the head bouncer, a dour-faced giant in a three-piece suit. He looked strong enough to bench press a pickup truck and mean enough to card his own grandmother. His steely gaze lit on each person they passed, challenging them to sneak by him.
The whole trip inside, the paparazzi were taking their pictures. David ignored their shouted questions as they were led into the restaurant.
“Welcome to The Shota. I’m Shar, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight.”
The man led them to their table. Shar turned out to be the manager and sake sommelier. Crystal looked around; the place was super-classy and modern. Bright and airy. Great instrumental music played but didn’t distract from the experience.
“I’m not a fan of sake. Do you have wine?” David asked.
“We can send someone out to get some. I would recommend a Riesling. Traditionally, Rieslings were considered an after-dinner dessert wine. It has a reputation for being crisp and refreshing. As far as flavors go, Rieslings can be sweet, medium sweet, to dry. When you’re eating sushi, a dry Riesling will pair best with the meal,” Shar answered.
“I prefer red wine,” Crystal said.
“I would suggest a Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. It has striking similarities to wines from France’s Burgundy region, which is also a winemaking hub. The areas share the same latitude. The grapes used in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir are hardy and robust for this colder region. The wine itself is flavorful but also delicate, which sets it apart from most red wines.
“Willamette Pinots have a well-deserved reputation for being light, fruity, and very easy to drink. It makes a perfect choice for fish,” Shar suggested.
“You said you would have to go out to get it?” David asked.
“Yes, but for a customer like you, we would be glad to do it.”
“It’s just that I have a driver. If you send someone out and tell him what to get and where to go, he would get a bottle or two for us.”
“Yes, of course.”
Shar then introduced the three to their personal chef, Ingi, who happened to also be the owner. He gave a rundown of the menu and used many Japanese terms that had both Ruth and Crystal confused. David understood what the chef was saying, which made Ingi happy.
“They have something they call omakase, which roughly translates into ‘mystery tour.’ It’s perfect for customers who aren’t sure what to get. I went to a place when I was in Japan that offered this. Basically, we would politely be asking Chef Ingi to make us a wonderful meal. All we have to do is tell him what kinds of foods we like or dislike and let the professional do everything,” David suggested.
“I like tuna,” Ruth said.
David said something in Japanese, which made Chef Ingi laugh.
“I told him you preferred the canned version. Honestly, when I first heard they had tuna sushi, I thought it was canned,” David shared. “I promise that when you taste unprocessed tuna, you’ll love it.”
Ruth nodded to let him know she would let him try to convince her.
The meal was like eating a taste-exploding artwork. One of the highlights was that Chef Ingi showed them a small plastic tuna before they were brought the tuna courses. He took it apart and explained all the parts they were about to eat and what to expect.
At the end of the meal, they were offered brandy. David skipped it because he would be flying them back, but Ruth and Crystal accepted.
All through dinner, Crystal had begun to think David might be the solution to her problems. Plus, her hooking up with him would piss off Matt to no end.
Throwing caution to the wind, she brought her glass to her lips, downing the contents in one gulp. The fiery liquid burned a path down her throat before settling in the pit of her stomach. A cough trickled up Crystal’s throat, begging to be released, but she held it back as tears filled her eyes.
“I think you should make me your girlfriend,” Crystal said once she got herself under control.
Even to herself, Crystal’s voice sounded shaky and full of lies.
“Hard pass,” David said.
That’s the moment that she turned to Ruth with wide eyes and an irritated look.
“I think it’s safe to say that didn’t go well.”
“Try telling him the truth, ma’am,” Ruth advised.
“I don’t want to have a boyfriend,” she admitted.
“That works for me because I don’t want a girlfriend,” David said.
“Tell him the rest,” Ruth pressed.
“When I’m single, my life is hell. The only reason I stayed with Matt as long as I did was so I could use him as a shield. Otherwise, every needle-dicked frat boy and muscle-headed jock would assume they could have a shot at me. I frankly don’t have the patience for it anymore,” Crystal said.
“Cry me a river. Boys think you’re hot,” Ruth commented.
“How about this? I’ll have to move home with my mother,” Crystal said.
“That one hit home, ma’am,” Ruth added her unsolicited advice.
“Why not remain living with Taylor?” David asked.
“I can’t afford to make up the rent that Matt moving out will cost,” Crystal admitted.
“Maybe Taylor would let it slide.”
“I wouldn’t feel right.”
“But you would stick her with the full amount?”
Crystal’s head dropped because she hadn’t realized how selfish she sounded. He must think she was an idiot.
“Before you beat yourself up too much, I understand how breaking up messes with your mind. Let’s agree that you’ll live with Taylor for the rest of the summer. The only question is, who will pay Matt’s rent. My first thought is that he’s responsible, even if he moves into the dorms. He signed the lease,” David reasoned.
“Would Matt do anything that didn’t benefit Matt?” she reminded him.
“Good point,” David said and looked lost in thought.
Then he looked her in the eye.
“What if I paid for it?”
“I couldn’t accept that. You did more than enough today buying me clothes … which is greatly appreciated.”