DINNER DATE

Robert cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the quiet hum of the restaurant. The lady in front of him, as if waiting for that very cue, suddenly leaped up from her seat. Her loud giggle echoed in the air, and before he could react, she flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a too-eager hug.

"Robert! Finally!" she exclaimed, her voice sugary sweet but over the top.

Robert stiffened, his arms staying at his sides as his mind quickly pieced together the situation. This wasn’t the reaction he expected, and definitely not one he welcomed. Her perfume was overwhelming, the kind that screamed 'look at me.' He caught the faint smell of something too floral, too manufactured.

When she finally pulled back, he got a full view of her. She was pretty, sure. Tall, with long, glossy hair, styled to perfection. Her makeup was expertly done, but it was too much—caked on as if she was trying hard to look flawless. The way her red lips curled up in a practiced smile made him feel uneasy. She was wearing a skin-tight dress, all glitter and flash, with a neckline that left little to the imagination. Everything about her screamed show-off.

As she pulled away, almost reluctantly, she grabbed his hand, holding it as if they were already close. "I’ve heard so much about you, Robert! You’re even more impressive in person."

Robert forced a smile, pulling his hand away discreetly. His mind was already elsewhere, piecing together her act. The way she hugged him, that fake excitement—it was all too rehearsed. He could tell, even without much effort, that she wasn’t here for him. She was here for his name, his status, his money. A gold digger, through and through.

He suppressed a sigh, already tired of the night. "Shall we sit?" he asked, his voice calm, but distant.

As they sat, her eyes sparkled, but Robert wasn’t fooled. This wasn’t admiration; it was calculation.

As they settled into their seats, she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with what seemed like practiced flirtation. “I’m Evelina,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. “ Evelina Van Buren . It’s so great to finally meet you.”

She fluttered her lashes as she spoke, her gaze lingering a bit too long, clearly hoping to make an impression. Robert nodded, a curt acknowledgment, as he tried to mask his growing disinterest.

Evelina wasted no time in picking up the menu, and waved a nearby waiter over. With a quick scan, she began to order, her choices as loud and extravagant as her personality. “I’ll have the truffle risotto to start, and for the main course, the Wagyu beef, rare, of course. And don’t forget a bottle of your finest champagne—let’s make it two,” she added with a giggle, as if the entire world was her playground.

Robert watched, mildly amused and mostly detached. It wasn’t that he cared about the cost—he could easily cover any bill. But the sheer gluttony of her choices, coupled with her eager attitude, was glaringly obvious. She was here to make an impression, not just on him but also on anyone who might be watching. Her appetite seemed to reflect her larger ambitions, and it was all laid bare in front of him.

As the waiter took her order and left, Evelina leaned back, eyes sparkling as she continued her attempt at charm. “So, tell me about yourself, Robert. What’s a big shot like you up to these days?” She batted her lashes again, clearly expecting more than a routine answer.

Robert managed a polite smile, though his thoughts were already drifting. The night had barely started, and he could already sense it would be a long one.

As the waiter departed with Evelina's extravagant order, she leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed but her gaze fixed on Robert with a flirtatious intensity. “So, Robert,” she began, her tone deliberately soft and sultry, “tell me about yourself. What’s a high-profile man like you up to these days?”

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she twirled a lock of her hair around her finger, her smile widening. Evelina clearly enjoyed being the center of attention, and Robert couldn’t help but feel that every move she made was carefully calculated.

Robert glanced at his watch, then back at Evelina, who seemed to be studying him with keen interest. “Busy as always,” he replied tersely, his voice neutral. “A lot of work, a lot of travel.”

Evelina’s eyes widened as if this were the most fascinating news she’d ever heard. “Oh, I can only imagine,” she said, leaning forward slightly, her cleavage becoming more pronounced. “You must have the most exciting life. Do you ever get a chance to just relax and enjoy yourself?”

Robert shrugged, trying to remain polite but feeling increasingly detached. He’d learned that maintaining his distance was often the best way to handle people like Evelina. “Sometimes. When I can.”

Her smile didn’t falter as she reached for the bread basket, grabbing a couple of rolls and breaking them apart with a practiced elegance. “You know,” she said, her tone conspiratorial, Robert darling, you are actually living the life, You know, the fancy dinners, the glamorous parties. I’m so glad you could show me a taste of that tonight.”

Her attempt to flatter was so transparent that it almost bordered on offensive. Robert felt a pang of irritation, not just at her obvious attempts but also at his mother’s stubborn matchmaking.

Before he could respond, the waiter returned with Evelina’s champagne, pouring it with a flourish. Evelina immediately took a sip, her eyes never leaving Robert’s face. “This is divine,” she said, her voice a mix of satisfaction and suggestiveness.

Robert tried to mask his boredom with a smile, his patience wearing thin. He knew this was just the beginning of a long evening.

As Evelina finished her bubbly, Robert decided to steer the conversation in her direction. “So, Evelina,” he began, attempting to sound genuinely interested despite his growing disinterest, “tell me more about yourself. What’s your story?”

Evelina’s eyes brightened at the opportunity to talk about herself.