Page 77 of A Win-Win Situation
"Of course." Leora stretches her hand proudly toward Amélie and I curse the day I let her keep that joke of a ring.
"It’s beautiful."
I can’t help but jump in. "The real one is still being resized. She chose this in the meantime."
Amélie smirks at me before taking a sip of her wine.
Leora and I exchange a glance, both of us aware of the many battles we’ve had about the ring, so I decide to get back at her for that horrible proposal story and the ring fiasco.
"Amélie, for dinner tonight, would it be possible to change the reservation to Restaurant Le Benkay? I would love for Leora to try it, it’s one of her favorite cuisines."
Leora looks at me with a curious gaze. She’s going to kill me and I can’t wait.
"Of course, I’m friends with the chef’s wife."
"Oh, what kind of restaurant is it?" Leora asks Amélie, sounding a bit hesitant.
"It’s one of the best sushi restaurants in Paris, you’ll love it. It’s also very close to La tour Eiffel. Lucas told me you’ve never been to Paris, so of course I’m taking you to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up," Amélie replies with enthusiasm.
I can see the surprise and confusion on Leora's face. She hates sushi, and I know it.
Leora turns to me with a smile. "How lovely of you to think of me," she says, but I know what that smile conveys. She’s planning my funeral as we speak.
"You haveto try this one, too, Leora." This is the fourth sushi piece I’ve watched Leora struggle to swallow. Amélie seems insistent on making her try every single type of sushi on the menu. The look on her face is one of pure disgust, which she is trying to hide behind a smile. I’ll give her credit, she’s doing a decent job at it.
"Thank you," she says, attempting to eat another piece. I’m starting to feel a little bad. She really hates it, and from the look of it, she might puke soon. Her face has adopted a green sheen, but I don’t want her to leave the restaurant without having a proper dinner.
Spotting a nearby waiter, I wave him over. "Bonsoir, can I order the Black Angus beef filet, please?"
Leora turns to me, a pleading look in her eyes.
"How would you like it?" the waiter asks.
My eyes go to her in question as I silently try to communicate that the meal is for her. She seems to understand because she mouths, "Medium."
"Medium, please."
He walks away, and Leora lets out a sigh of relief. She leans in to me and whispers, so only I can hear, "Thank you so much. I really couldn't take another piece of sushi."
I smile at her. "No problem. I just want you to enjoy your meal."
"Well, it’s your fault I’m in this situation in the first place. I haven’t forgiven you yet."
I put my hand on her cheek and lean in a little closer. "Sorry about that, but it’s what you get for such a ridiculous proposal story."
"Do you guys need a room?"
I straighten up and see Thomas grinning mischievously.
Amélie rolls her eyes. "Behave Thomas, let the newlyweds be."
The waiter returns with Leora’s meal—cooked to perfection—and places it in front of me, but I move it so it’s in front of her. Amélie casts me a glance, because I had previously said that sushi was Leora’s favorite food.
"I really want her to try this, it’s my favorite," I say.
Amélie’s face lights up at that. "Oh, that’s so sweet."
Leora takes a bite of the meat and her face lights up with delight as she does that little happy dance of hers.
