"Are you certain we should have left Grace with Jesse twice in two days?"
Willa stressed about Nick's decision. While Jesse did seem to do a decent job while they were at the Beach yesterday, there could be cause for reservation twice in a row.
"Relax. I know my son won't let me down while concerning his sister."
"Couldn't we have called Charlotte again?" She referred to a secondary Sitter used as necessary.
Nick Benson frowned, "Charlotte is visiting her Daughter this week. I can't just rely on her. Jesse is being punished remember? This will build character. He knows how to care for her. Claire has taught him well."
She sighs as they walk along a busy sidewalk toward their lunch date. Mission Valley was beautiful even on a street level.
"Why did we decide to eat here?" Willa eyes the signage identifying the Restaurant as "Tomas".
"Because I invited a guest you will be happy to see."
Her eyes brighten up, "Oh? Who?"
The closer they get Nick points toward the front door. Outside stood a familiar sight.
"Ashleigh!!! Nick you invited my Bestie to lunch with us?"
"I did. What better way to learn more about her than this. Her Father owns this Restaurant. He's the lead Chef."
"I did not know that. So cool. Thank you Nick. I guess my rewards are getting out of hand huh?"
"Willa's reward. Not Sara's. In time you will understand."
She smirks, "You just like spoiling me."
"Don't get cocky. I could do like last night after the kids were in bed. Strawberries and crème covering your beautiful body. By the way you cleaned the Kitchen up quite well after my dessert."
"Couldn't leave the dining table stained and sticky now could I?" She giggles.
"Absolutely not. Go meet your friend."
Motioning her onward Willa hurried ahead and snuck up on Ashleigh from behind. Palms over her eyes Willa deepens her voice, "Guess who?"
Ash tenses up from shock and offers, "Channing Tatum"? Please be Channing. In his thong."
"Nope. It's your Bestie."
Ashleigh turns around and leaps into Willa's arms. After a lengthy hug they step back to admire each others dresses . Willa wore a Chinese patterned blue and white dress that for once had a hem below her knees, with a slit up her left hip. Ashleigh had dressed up in a red dress with low cut cleavage to reveal her stunning breasts. The hem line had a ruffled frill to it.
"You look great." They both recited at the very same instant. This forced them to laugh and hug once again.
Nick ventured up to them in his Grey suit with white shirt and blue tie. He looked ready for a business meeting. Perhaps it was.
Ashleigh smiles at Nick, "You look nice too Mister Benson."
"Thank you, Ashleigh. But do call me Dorian."
Willa raises an eye brow. He had introduced himself as the Master in his book. It caught her off guard. Should she begin portraying Sara?
"Ok. Dorian it is." Ash smiles warmly, "Did you know my Father owns "Tomas"?"
"I did. What better way to examine your worth than placing you out of your comfort zone."
Ash expressed a hint of terror suddenly, "My comfort zone? What do you mean?"
Nick grimaces, "Do you still desire to work for me?"
"Yes."
"To work for me you must be just like Willa. Not only caring for my Daughter. You must care for Me as well."
She shudders, "Serve you as a slave? Like in your books?"
"Would you rather we go get take out elsewhere?"
She freezes with a troubled glare, "No. I just worry what that involves. I mean I'm certain sex is part of that. I can handle it. But, this is too close to home. Heck, it is my home. My Dad would disown me."
"Come Willa. Take out it is." Nick turns away.
Willa offers a saddened expression as she is forced to leave. Her eyes made Ashleigh jump to stop them.
"Wait. Fine. Test me. I'll pass. Even if I lose my family over it."
Nick returns to face her, "Let us enjoy a delicious meal in a Five Star restaurant."
"I don't think it's a Five Star yet. Dad's trying to reach that goal. That's why I don't want to make him ashamed of me. What he doesn't know I'm fine with."
"Our reservations are in five minutes. If we lose our table you lose Me." Nick urges.
The girls turn arm in arm and lead the way. Ashleigh opens the door for Nick and lowers her gaze. This would take every amount of courage she could muster. Willa pats her arm to let her know she had her back. It helped.
Within there was a lengthy ensemble of diners in wait of a table. Nick took the lead through the gauntlet.
Ahead at a dais stood a Hostess looking over a seating schedule for freeing up seats. The girl looked glamorous in a black evening dress with a black ribbon tying her long blond hair into a ponytail. There was something familiar about her.
Looking up she greets Nick with a devastating smile, "Welcome to Tomas. Do you have a reservation?"
Nick turns motioning the girls to join him. In doing so the Hostess notices Ashleigh.
"We have a reservation. Nick Benson. Party of four. Another will join us shortly."
Ash flutters her fingers, "Hey, Sis."
Willa flares her gaze, "This is your Sister?"
"Everyone? This is my older sister, "Mallory"."
Mallory turns pale suddenly. Recognition of Nick Benson with her baby sister filled her head with questions. As others moved in behind the Party she was forced to react.
Nick wondered why his friend Hector from the NSA hadn't mentioned an older Sister named Mallory. He would need to call Hector and tell him he was slipping.
"You shocked me, Ash. Good evening Mister Benson. Huge fan." She beamed, "Allow me to escort you to your table personally."
Twisting away she leads them to a dimly lit section filled with adults. There was not a child in sight. Merely it appeared a room full of lovers. Reaching a table in the center which was adorned with a lengthy tablecloth Mallory motions for them to be seated.
Gentlemanly, Nick seats Ash first, followed by Willa. Mallory was impressed.
As Nick sits down he eyes Mallory. She was nervous. So nervous she nearly forgot to pass each of them their Menu's.
"Thank you. Mallory was it? Named after the Poet?"
"I was. Our Mother studied the Greats. I know for a fact she has read your books. She would be really jealous of me right now."
Nick eyes Ash, "I would think she would be even more jealous of Ashleigh. As this is her interview."
"Interview?"
"Yes. She could be employed by Me should tonight bode well."
This made Ash eye Mallory with a sneer. For years Mallory had put her down. Saying nothing good would ever happen to her. Mallory was normally a snob.
"Interesting. Does Father know of this?" She questions with a raised brow.
Ashleigh shrugs, "Not yet. In case it goes badly."
"I am quite certain you will not let me down Ashleigh." Nick then points behind Mallory, "Your customers await."
Mallory compresses her lips with a bit of agony, "A waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal. And, good luck." She winks at her seated Sister.
Stepping away Willa notices her bestie's fears and reaches across to hold her hand. Ashleigh needed the support. Reluctantly, Ash looks to Nick, "Did I hear you correctly? Party of four?"
"You did. He will be here soon enough."
Willa grew interested, "He? Is he cute?"
Nick creases his brow, "Does it matter?"
Lips were tightened. Not another word.
After a brief glance around them to view other people enjoying themselves, a Waiter approaches them.
"Welcome to Tomas. My name is Justin. I'll be your Waiter. Can I interest you in drinks from the bar?"
"Hi, Justin." Ash chokes up.
"Hey, Ashleigh. Long time no see."
Justin stood at 6 foot tall and was pleasantly toned. With well groomed black hair and piercing blue eyes.
"These are my friend's Nick and Willa." She points both directions.
"A pleasure. We should catch up sometime. For now what can I get you?" He decides to not push the conversation further.
Nick smirked toward the young Man in his mid 20's, "I shall have a Strawberry Margarita."
Justin eyes Willa who was lost in his glow. She hesitates to breath then adds, "Just water."
Ash blushes at her friends reaction but offers her own order of, "Diet Coke, please."
"Look over your Menu and I'll be back with your drinks."
Justin excuses himself leaving Willa to fan her features with her hand, "Oh my God! He's a young Brad Pitt."
Nick clears his throat loudly as he peruses his Menu.
"What would you recommend, Ashleigh?"
The busty blond eyes her menu before offering, "I love the Curry Chicken."