INNOCENT (Gabe's Trials)

Smile like you mean it

        My eyes caught sight of Lila waiting for me in front of the restaurant and I cringed inwardly. I had hoped that she wouldn't see me climbing out of a cab and ask the questions I knew she was going to ask now. The driver pulled up in front of the double doors of Bertrand at Mister A's and Lila started for the car.

       "A cab?" She asked frowning and I tried to give her a smile while carefully climbing out of the back of the car. "What happened to your Chevrolet?" Your client wrecked it. I had to hold back the urge to actually tell her that.

      "Nothing. I just didn't feel like driving tonight." The lie rolled off my tongue so easily that it scared me. I was normally bad at lying. "You look great!" I said while pastering a smile to my face and hoping for a change of subject. She looked down at her red, large, chiffon shirt, her skinny, black jeans and her dark red, suede platform heels and smiled.

      "Yeah... Did I mention the fact that our dates are hot?" My strategy had worked and I couldn't help but giggle.

      "You actually did mention that." Lila chuckled and grabbed my arm, guiding us inside the restaurant.

     "Ok, your date's name is Phil, he's 27 and he's an accountant for Mame and Associates." Phil? An accountant? What the fuck was hot about that? "Now, Jules, don't give me that look! I know it sounds bad, but wait until you see him!" Great! I couldn't wait to meet Phil, the accountant -my hot date... I had a feeling that this was gonna be a long night.    

       There was only a petite, brunette hostess waiting by the door and Lila had to clear her throat twice before getting her attention. The moment that happened the girl reluctantly turned towards us and silently groaned.

      "How may I help you, madam?" She asked Lila while sighing and rolling her eyes at her. Judging by the flushed state my friend was in, she was either about to have a stroke or to punch something. I liked none of those possibilities...

      "Now listen up, Rosie!" Both me and the girl glanced down at her name tag before looking back at Lila. "We are here because we have a reservation. Therefore you are going to kiss our pretty little asses all night long and you're gonna love it, or I'm gonna have to talk to your supervisor about your attitude. Think about it, ok?" The smile on Lila's face was bordering insanity and it was freaking me out. Poor Rosie! She was all pale and flustered. 

      "I, um... Sure, ma'am... I apologize!" After some more babbling from the girl, Lila finally took pity on her.

      "Peters. The reservation is under the name of Peters." The girl nodded and started looking for our reservation through a register.

      "Yes, the gentlemen had already arrived and they are waiting for you. This way, please!" She started leading the way to our table and Lila grinned triumfantly. Did I mention that she liked to intimidate people? Oh, and she was quite good at it too! "Over there, ma'am." She pointed at one of the tables in the far corner of the room and my friend nodded. Not a terrace table and not even one near the windows... Smile! I told myself.

      "Thank you, Rosie! We'll let you know if we need anything else." Lila's smile seemed genuine this time and I felt relieved. She was back to normal -sort of. Rosie flushed and nodded briefly, walking back to her station and leaving us alone in the middle of the restaurant. "Ready?" Lila asked, watching me excitedly. I didn't bother answering to her anymore. I just nodded my head. "Great! Here we go!" The grin she was sporting was huge and honest, so I couldn't help but feel a little excited myself. After all, I had a date... With Phil, the accountant -my conscience added.