Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Once my date takes a seat as well, the maitre’d offers us wine.
“If I remember, the Chateau 1975 was your favorite, Mr. Neuwirth.”
Malcolm nods approvingly. “That’s one hell of a memory you’ve got, Marco.” Then, he looks at me. “All of the wines here are excellent, but this one’s my favorite. Do you mind if we get it, sweetheart? The next bottle can be your choice, I promise.”
Giggling, I nod. “Well, if it’s that good, then I’ve got to try it.”
Marco nods with approval and then scurries off to retrieve the wine. Meanwhile, my date smiles at me.
“So are you enjoying yourself?” he queries.
I laugh.
“The ambience is amazing, and I’m sure I’ll love the food even though we haven’t ordered yet. But do you come here often? The maitre’d knows you,” I add with a smile.
He nods. “Yeah, I do. Miccholino is my go-to place when I’m in Atlantic City, and it’s even better tonight because I’ve got a beautiful woman to enjoy it with.”
A blush suffuses my cheeks but I’m saved from responding because at that moment, a stout, middle aged woman in a tall chef’s toque materializes at the side of the table with a friendly smile. “Mr. Neuwirth, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
Malcolm nods at her. “Good to see you too, Chef Lorel.” He motions to me. “This is my date, Leslie Field, and it’s her first time at your restaurant. I was hoping you might have something special to recommend on the menu tonight? Oh wait, do you have any allergy restrictions, sweetheart?”
I shake my head as Chef Lorel nods with approval.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Miss Field, and I do have something special in mind. That is, if I’m allowed to surprise you and your guest, Mr. Neuwirth?”
Wow. I’ve never had a chef come out from the kitchen to say hello, let alone had one offer to prepare us a special meal personally. But if Malcolm trusts her to make something good, then I trust her too.
“That sounds good to me,” I say.
“Certainly,” Malcolm agrees in a low tone. “I look forward to sampling your ingenuity.”
“Perfect,” Chef Lorel smiles. “Let me get back to work then, and the first course will be out shortly. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Neuwirth, Miss Field.”
After she departs, I take a deep breath and then smile at Malcolm.
“Okay,” I say in a teasing tone. “How often do you come here? It’s like you’re their favorite customer, and not just a regular VIP.”
Malcolm chuckles, and his eyes light with mischief. “You’re right because I’m not just a regular customer. In all honesty, I’m friends with Peter and Bruce Wilshire, the brothers who own this hotel.”
I gasp.
“That’s amazing! The Wilshire brothers? Goodness, you definitely know the right people then.”
Malcolm laughs and leans back, amused.
“I suppose you could say that.”
I continue gushing, still starry-eyed. “You know, one of my closest friends used to work at this hotel. She’s since moved on, but she used to tell me stories about how amazing this place is.” I look around the restaurant with gratitude and appreciation. “Hearing about it and experiencing it are just not the same, though. Thank you for bringing me to Miccholino.”
Malcolm nods his dark head.
“Of course, honey, and it’s not just me. Peter and Bruce have have done a great job making this place what it is,” he says. “They’re interesting guys, and I’ve always gotten along well with them. I’ve done them a few favors here and there, so they always make sure to treat me well when I’m in Atlantic City.”
I nod, shyly.
“It must be nice, having friends in high places.”
Malcolm just laughs.
“Yeah, especially since they own a hotel. But tell me about you, honey. Have you ever been interested in the hospitality business?”
I laugh, tucking a stray curl behind my ear and take a sip of my wine, which magically appeared while we were talking. “Oh no, I always knew I wanted to work in advertising because it gives me the opportunity to be creative and help clients achieve their dreams and goals. It’s the perfect job really because it blends creativity with psychology, which I love. So it’s a win-win for me.”
“That’s a great way to put it,” Malcolm growls with approval. “Were you a psychology major in college?”
“I was,” I nod. “And I was so lucky to land a job right after graduation. Thanks for hiring me.”
He grins.
“Well, it wasn’t me personally, but let me ask you this: you’re a smart girl, honey, and must have had multiple job offers. So what made you choose to work at Ligne?”
I lean forward, my eyes going round.
“Are you kidding? Anyone who wants a career in marketing knows Ligne NYC is the place to be, and not just because it’s so successful. Rather, there’s no better place to learn and grow. I’ve only been with Ligne a year, but I’ve already gotten to work on two challenging projects, and I loved how involved I was. To be honest, I was expecting to be more of a gopher or a secretary, but I actually made some substantial contributions.”