The Bi-State Area

Chapter 56: Here Comes David

They arrived at the steakhouse with minutes to spare. Giving the name for the reservation, they were ushered in.

The steakhouse was modern luxury. It looked like something that belonged on a magazine cover. There was a floor-to-ceiling wall of wine, marble tables, and leather chairs.

Women whispered to their partners; men talked about business deals.

The waitress ushered the trio to their table. It was a table near the back, tucked into an alcove.

As they walked, Cassie tried hard not to look around. She glanced at Stacey and Max, who appeared completely at ease. Cassie remembered her and Stacey’s speculation that he might be some rich person trying to experience poor life.

She hadn’t known him for long, but based on what Stacey told her, she thought he might have some status, but there must be a reason he decided to stay at that apartment.

As she watched the two confident people beside her, she felt somewhat out of place. That was until she felt Max’s hand on the small of her back.

Max was used to places like this. He and his clients had visited places much nicer than this. But this was Max’s first time at such a place using his own money.

Before he left, he ensured he sent off all the funds he still owed to the bank. He still held Gareth’s portion. He needed to see him face-to-face to finish that transaction. But even with his share coming out of his account. He still had money left.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Cassie’s uncomfortable gaze. He thought she was feeling out of place. She had just come to Brookshire, and it must be an eye-opener when she hadn’t been anywhere except the apartment, shopping with Stacey, and to work.

As soon as he thought of work. He realized he forgot to ask her how her first week was.

Still, seeing her discomfort, he placed a hand on her back to comfort her.

The waitress brought them to their tables and gave them their menus. She was tall, with her hair pulled back, and showed a pleasant smile.

Cassie sat on the left, Stacey on the right, and Max in the center. Once they were seated, their waiter spoke.

"Good evening. Can I start you off with something to drink? Perhaps some sparkling or still water?"

"Still is fine," Max said. Then he looked towards the two women to confirm. They nodded.

"Still water for the table," she confirmed. "And would anyone like to see the wine list?"

"Sure," Stacey chimed in.

The waitress gave the list, walked away briefly, then came back with their water before leaving again for them to decide what they wanted.

Cassie opened the menu and saw there was no price. She whispered to Max and Stacey, "There aren’t any prices. How am I supposed to know how much this costs?"

"Don’t worry about the money, just order what you want. Whatever you think looks good. Today is a celebration. Don’t think about it."

Stacey heard this and winked to Cassie. She didn’t need to be told twice. She wasn’t the one spending the money.

Max saw the reactions of the two women. Cassie was conflicted about spending too much, and Stacey was ready to splurge. She shook his head imperceptibly, then reached for Cassie’s hand.

"Seriously, don’t worry about it. One dinner won’t bankrupt me."

Maybe before, but now, even if he spent five thousand tonight, it won’t make a difference. Seeing her still look conflicted, Max spoke up again.

"How about this, I’ll order for you. You don’t worry about it."

Cassie bit her lip. She wanted to protest, but seeing Max’s sincere gaze, she nodded. She thought he might be used to places like this and have a range in mind.

Stacey clicked her tongue, "Did you two forget that I’m still here?"

"You’re too loud for people to forget," Max retorted.

A fake offended expression appeared on Stacey’s face. "Just for that, I’m ordering the most expensive thing on the menu."

Max challenged, "Go ahead." He gestured for the waitress to come back.

Stacey side-eyed him. As the server approached, she asked, "Do you have any recommendations? For both wine and steak. Something expensive."

She glared at Max as she said it.

The waitress’s eyes swept between Stacey and Max. She didn’t ask questions, only recommended.

"Of course. If you’re leaning towards the ribeye or the strip, I suggest Jadot Chambertin. It’s a Burgundy, so it’s more delicate than a Cabernet, but it pairs well with the char. If you’d like something heavier, we have a dry-aged porterhouse, then a Caymus Special Selection that would go well with it."

"I’ll have the porterhouse with the Caymus," Stacey replied.

Max raised an eyebrow. "Can you eat it all? Don’t complain to me if you’re stuffed and can’t finish it."

"You don’t need to care about that."

Max shrugged. "Then, I’ll have a ribeye with the Jadot," he tilted his head to Cassie, "and she’ll have the strip with Jadot."

He glanced at Cassie and, seeing her nod, he didn’t change the order.

"The porterhouse is a 32-ounce cut. It is usually shared. Would you like it sliced?"

Max heard the apprehension in the server’s voice. He grinned and looked towards Stacey.

"You still want that steak?"

Ignoring Max, Stacey stiffened her neck. "I ordered the porterhouse; I’ll take the porterhouse."

Max laughed at her never-say-die attitude.

"If you can’t finish it, Max and I will help you," Cassie chimed in.

Max looked at Cassie, wounded. "I brought you out to dinner, and you actually side with her? Don’t you know not to bite the hand that feeds you?"

Cassie reached for Max’s hand. Max watched her curiously. She brought his hand to her lips and bit him. She bit his palm, then his pinkie, but she didn’t let go. She held his gaze as her lips wrapped around the finger.

Max swallowed. He felt the tip of her tongue brush his pinkie and felt her suck on it. The feeling was short. She quickly removed his finger, but the damage was done. She had been quietly the two banter, and now she made her presence known.

Max wondered if it was possible to pull her into the bathroom for a quickie without anyone noticing. She was obviously trying to get his attention and tease him. He shouldn’t let the opportunity pass.

As the two gazed into each other’s eyes, an untimely cough sounded.

"I’m still here, bitches. So is the waitress. Get a room or something."

Cassie coughed awkwardly. She hadn’t intended to do that, but she felt it was the right thing to do.

Max wasn’t even slightly ashamed. "If you weren’t here, we might. Do you enjoy being a cockblock?"

"Very much so," she replied coolly. Then she turned to the waitresses. "As a side, we’ll have the truffle mac and the creamed spinach."

"We’ll also have the broccolini," Max said. "We can decide dessert later."

"Good choice. Your wine will be out in a moment."

"Don’t pour the wine until the steaks come out. We’re fine with water for now," Max replied.

The server walked away, and no sooner had the server disappeared than David appeared.

"Stacey," he said, turning his gaze to her.

"David, what are you doing here?"

He surveyed the three people sitting together.

"Am I not allowed to be here?"

"I didn’t say that, but didn’t we agree?"

David didn’t wait for anyone to offer him a seat; he found one and sat down. Max arched a brow, but didn’t say anything. He figured this must be one of Stacey’s conquests. As long as he didn’t spoil the night, Max didn’t care.