71 Lunch (1/2)

The little family in the eyes of people went away after getting several boxes of cereals on their trunk.

”Where are we going for lunch?” Midori asked as she noticed that they were driving way past the city limits.

”It's a place only a few people know. Privacy is their specialty.” Dan smiled.

”And you wanna eat that? Sounds great.” Midori's sarcasm made him laugh.

They noticed that it was quiet at the back seat. They looked at each other, then Midori took a peek at the child seat. The little guy was sound asleep, hugging the cereal box. Dan also had a glimpse of him from the rearview mirror, making him express a gentle smile.

Finally, they had arrived at a Spanish style villa. A uniformed attendant was at the door to greet them.

”Mr. Zhou. This way please.” She gestured for them to come in. She led them in a spacious room with chandeliers and a fireplace. This room housed a few wooden tables with a couple of chairs each. They were seated near the unlit fireplace with an additional high chair.

Midori was again waiting for the menu but was disappointed.

Several servers started filling up the table with food. Gazpacho and croquetas were served as appetizers. Then pisto, which is Spanish ratatouille, and thinly sliced jamon were served next. Next came the squid ink paella negra, prawns in spicy garlic sauce and pulpo a la gallega. For dessert, leche fritas were served together with fresh milk for the little boy. The adults had some red wine. While they were on dessert, a waiter passed by carrying a bowl of cold gazpacho. Suddenly, a woman on the next table suddenly stood up screaming.

”Waaah! Spider! Kill it! Kill it!” She hurriedly turned around and bumped on the waiter, splashing the soup all over Midori.

The female supervisor hurried to their table, almost breaking her neck in repeated apology.

Dan calmly made a phone call, seemingly to his assistant, asking for a set of clothes.

The supervisor flusteredly offered, ”Madam, you could use one of the rooms upstairs to take a shower. We will also reserve the room for you for the night for free as apology.”

”Really, no need.” She turned to Dan. ”Let's just head home.”

”No rush. I had called Park for a change of clothes. You need the shower.” He said calmly.

Manta remained indifferent, sipping his milk.

Midori sighed and followed the supervisor out of pity. She was afraid that the server might get fired if this escalated.

The room was bright with floor-to-ceiling framed windows, with a door opening to the balcony. The en-suite bathroom had beige marble walls and floors, with a large shower area surrounded by transparent glass walls and door. There was a corner bathtub with bubble bath features. The toilet was surrounded by gold fixtures and a bidet. There are fresh towels on the cabinet adjacent to the double vanity sink area. Aside from the wall lamps, most of the illumination comes from the tinted skyroof.

The attendant left Midori after showing her the toiletries.