I screw up the napkin on my lap, eyes never leaving the solid glass doors. My breath hitches every time they swing open, the cold breeze leaking through.

I could kill Mandy for doing this. Red tie. Keep an eye out for the red tie. They've come in a variety of shades, strapped down upon large and thin chests, yet none have been red. Perhaps he won't show. Whoever he is.

I'm almost ready to give up - to pay for my wine and head to the comfort of my one bed flat - when the red door swings open once more and I'm left speechless. It can't be!

He scans the room eyes widening as they meet my own. I offer a small wave, planting a fake smile on my face. I can see the debate in his face, there briefly before he strides over dominating the restaurant.

I stand out of politeness more than anything, allowing him to place a soft kiss upon my cheek. I wet my lips, mouth suddenly dry as I claw my mind for something to say. Something that isn't obscenities thrown his way.

"It's nice to meet you," simple. That'll do. He nods once, smiling at me, white teeth glistening beneath the subtle glow of the overhead lamps.

"Likewise. I'm sorry I'm late,"

That's it. No excuses just an apology. I shrug my shoulders ending the discussion. We sit awkwardly, noses pressed against our menus.

"So, are you here to critique this restaurant too?" I can't hold back the venom in my voice as I peer over the menu at him. He chuckled softly.

"No, I'm taking a day off. It's not every day a beautiful woman wants to eat with me,"

I snort into my glass. Yeah right. I take in his chiselled face. The 5 o'clock shadow against beautifully tanned skin. He's, dare I say it, breathtaking.

"So what else do you do, besides shattering peoples hopes and dreams I mean?" The creamy carbonara sauce earns a soft moan as I swallow. Another soft chuckle floats its way across the table.

"Is that what I did?"

"You know it is. I worked my ass off building that restaurant up and not once was I mentioned in your review," I swallow back the shame filled tears.

His gaze softens, callused hand resting atop my own.

"I'm sorry. Truly I am. You built a fine establishment,"

"So why leave me out?"

His hand withdraws as he leans back into his chair. A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"Because you're a woman,"

So matter of fact. I stare at him, waiting for a laugh. Something, anything, to tell me he's joking. He looks back, face never wavering from the serious expression it holds.

My wine is in his face before I realise. Chair screeching beneath me I stand and turn, leaving him spluttering and cursing. Shouting obscenities after me. Dozens of eyes follow me as I exit.

"Asshole."

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Word count- 495