Chapter Fifty-Two

~ Nikki ~

A very snazzily dressed maître d’ receives us in the foyer of yet another overly stated restaurant, one of many that make me wonder if I’ll ever be able to eat at a chain franchise again. Or if I’ll be spoiled into believing there’s no sense in dining out if there aren’t five stars associated with the restaurant, and a tuxedoed host (with tails and gloves, even) to gush over us. He swiftly divests us of our outerwear and there is a lovely coat check woman to whisk the garments off to a closet for safekeeping.

We’re ushered along the perimeter of the room, to a table for two in a cozy corner, by a fireplace, and with a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower from our private, panoramic window. The place settings are elegant, the flatware fancy, the water goblets and wineglasses all intricately crystal-cut. As expected, and yet… Still so astounding.

There is a starburst chandelier hanging above our table, emitting a dim, romantic illumination. Candles serve as centerpieces.

An atten