Chapter 28

HAILEY

Hailey arrived home, collapsing into her bed from sheer fatigue. She awoke the next morning to the realization that she had slept in.

She sprang from her bed, noting that she was already thirty minutes behind schedule. She brushed her teeth, took a quick shower, and got dressed.

She sprinted to her workplace. Upon arrival, she tried to regain her normal breathing rhythm.

“Of all people, the new intern is the one who’s late,” she overheard Clara gossiping to another receptionist.

Hailey lowered her gaze and continued walking. She was just glad she hadn’t been caught.

When it was time to clock out, she stayed behind to finish her work, making up for her tardiness.

“You’re still here?”

She looked up to see Valerian standing in the doorway.

“Yes, sir. I’m just wrapping up my work.”

“Would you join me for dinner once you’re done?”

“Yes. I just need about thirty minutes to finish up, sir.”

“Alright.” He nodded.

She knew this conversation was inevitable. So why not have it today?

Hailey finally finished her work, and Valerian arrived promptly. She grabbed her coat and put it on. They exited the building to find his car waiting out front.

Once in the car, he asked, “Where would you like to go, Hailey?”

“Anywhere but Je T’aime. I’d rather not deal with Matt tonight.”

“Alright.” He laughed.

They ended up at Zest, a charming Italian restaurant. Upon entering, they were personally greeted by the manager.

She looked around, feeling somewhat out of place. Valerian, in his suit, blended in perfectly. She, however, didn’t feel particularly glamorous.

At least she was in her work attire, so she looked somewhat formal. She nodded to herself, agreeing with her own assessment.

Valerian glanced at her curiously, as if trying to decipher her thoughts. He seemed about to speak when the manager approached him.

“Valerian! It’s been too long.” His Italian accent was thick, something she found quite appealing.

“Yes.” Valerian shook his hand.

“And who might this be…?” The manager turned his attention to her.

“She’s my date,” Valerian answered before Hailey could respond.

“Welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you here.” The manager took her hand and kissed it.

She noticed Valerian narrowing his eyes at the gesture, but she just laughed, knowing the manager meant no harm.

Hailey and Valerian were escorted to a table in the back and handed a wine list. She didn’t know what to order, as she wasn’t familiar with fine wines.

“Would you mind if I ordered the wine, Hailey?”

“Yes, please,” she sighed in relief.

“We’ll have the two thousand and five chardonnay,” he told the waiter.

“For both of you, sir?”

“Yes,” Valerian glanced at her for confirmation.

She looked down at the list, but when she saw the price, she was taken aback. What kind of place was this? She could buy six dresses at a local boutique and still have money left over.

She scanned the prices on the wine list, then the menu. This was absurd. As much as she loved food, this was just too much.

“Actually, could you cancel the wine for me? What’s your cheapest drink?”

“It’s okay, Hailey. I’ve got it.”

“No, you don’t. I can handle it.”

“Perhaps one of our cocktails, miss?”

She flipped the page, but the cocktail prices weren’t much better than the wines. She could feel a headache coming on.

“Just a glass of water for me, please.”

“Please bring two glasses of wine,” Valerian instructed the waiter in a firm tone.

“Yes, sir.” The waiter hurried off.

“Alright, sir. Let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we?”