Chapter 29

HAILEY

The waiter came back before Valerian could answer. “What can I get you two?”

Valerian turned to Hailey, asking, “Can I order for us?”

She nodded. “Sure.”

“Two steaks, please,” he told the waiter.

“And how would you like those cooked?”

“Medium rare for me.”

The waiter turned to Hailey. “And for you, miss?”

“Make mine well done, please.”

“Anything else?” the waiter asked.

“No, that’s all,” Valerian said, dismissing him.

Just as Valerian was about to continue their conversation, the waiter returned with their drinks. He set a glass in front of each of them. “Can I get you anything else while you wait?”

Valerian glanced at Hailey, who shook her head. “No, we’re good, thank you.”

“Then we’re all set,” he told the waiter.

Valerian took a sip of his wine, then gestured for Hailey to do the same. She took a small sip and set her glass down.

“So, Hailey, how have you been?”

“I’ve been okay. How about you?”

“I’m good.”

Hailey shifted uncomfortably, waiting for him to bring up what had happened. But he didn’t seem to be in any hurry.

Valerian continued to ask her questions, and she answered them slowly.

Then their food arrived.

“Enjoy your meal,” the waiter said.

“Thank you,” Hailey replied.

They started eating, and the food was amazing. She hadn’t had anything this good since she’d been in the kitchen at Je T’aime.

It was incredible. She ate quickly, and Valerian watched her with a curious expression. “You eat fast, Hailey.”

She just laughed in response.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“I love it.” She took another bite of her steak.

“I’m glad I chose well for us.”

She rolled her eyes at him.

“What?” he asked, looking amused.

“Come on, you’ve been here before. You knew what to order. And even if you hadn’t, you’ve been to enough fancy restaurants.”

He laughed. “Fair enough.”

After they finished their meal, they ordered dessert. Both of them got cheesecake. Once they were done, the waiter cleared the table.

When the bill came, Hailey asked, “How much do I owe?”

“Nothing, Hailey.”

“But I want to pay for myself!”

“Don’t be stubborn. I already paid. I gave them my card when we came in. This is just the tip.”

“Fine, let me at least leave the tip.”

He sighed. “Alright.”

After they left the restaurant, Valerian drove them back to his place.

~When was the last time I was here?~

“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the couch. He sat down next to her. “Hailey, we need to talk about everything. About where it all went wrong. That’s why I brought you here.”

“I understand.”

“Tonight, there’s nothing between us. It’s just you and me. Okay?”

She nodded. “Okay.”