We landed in a small alley, next to a street full of various and diverse restaurants. From Mexican cuisine to Chinese and Italian shops, this alleyway flooded with colors and diversity. Arabic and Northern-African spices embalmed the air around us, making my stomach groan in appetite. Each placard gleamed in its striking shades, attracting visitors from all around. On both sides of the street, restaurants seemed to beg us to enter, but unfortunately, today, I wasn't trying something new.

I had one particular place in mind. A star amongst the most influential and powerful politicians for the past few years, this restaurant's cuisine and services were one of the best in the country, and perhaps even the entire continent. Honestly, Paris was lucky to have a place like that in its streets. Whenever I would have a high-ranking customer or even a date whose parents were hard to convince, I would bring them here, to the famous "Cygne Rouge."

Quite a strategic place, I had to say. Perfect to deceive someone and trick them, only to get the best out of the deal later on.

Keeping up a facade of innocence and maintaining the illusion, one had to play it well and be able to master his acting skills impeccably. Because, the pickier the person, the fancier the banquet gets. And the harder the convincing and persuasion becomes.

With these thoughts in mind, I guided Emma towards "Le Cygne Rouge."

-"Le Cygne Rouge? Really?" Emma asked stupefied, amazement evident in her voice. "I did not expect you to... not be stingy and cheap. I mean, you're taking me to the "Cygne Rouge!" The most expensive restaurant in France!"

-"Ah, but I can be quite generous sometimes, love, you know. It also depends on the person and the occasion. You, for example, will get the "Menu Du Jour," with all the dishes and platters they serve on it."

Her mouth hung open, but she quickly recovered from her shock and started eying me skeptically.

-"You're buying me the most costly and exorbitant offer they have. Are you serious? It costs like 2600 francs or something!"

-"Oh, no. It's not only for you. We'll share. I never skip lunch, sweetie."

-"Of course, you don't," she muttered.

-"Well, shall we enter the restaurant, then?" I cut her off.

-"Yes, yes. Let's go."

We passed through the magnificent doorway of "Le Cygne Rouge" and greeted the doorman as we entered. He offered to take Emma's coat, but she politely declined and decided to leave it with her.

We went up to the second floor, taking a candlelit table-for-two near the window.

-"That's... That's beautiful," Emma conceded, slightly confused.

And indeed it was. From the perfectly decorated table to the view that spread beneath us, the sight could take every man's breath away. We now had a full view of the "Rue Des Cuisines" and could admire its dazzling colors from up here.

I rose a malicious eyebrow at my dear coach and, pulling the chair, invited her to sit down.

-"Go on, take a seat," I told her.

-"Are you... Do you usually act like that? Because it's a bit weird to see you going all gentlemanly-like."

I grinned in response.

Sitting down, I called the waiter and asked him for the "Menu Du Jour." Throwing a glance at it and making sure it satisfied my persuasion needs, I took the waiter aside and told him to bring me "la crème de la crème," which, of course-- and as usual-- consisted of the whole menu. With a quick bow, he left and headed to the kitchen. After his departure, I got back to my seat, and an awkward silence settled between Emma and me.

-"What did you order?" Emma finally asked.

In response, I handed her the menu the waiter gave me.

Entrée: Soupe à L'oignon

Salade Niçoise

Pain Grillé au Caviar et à La Crème fraîche

Plat: Boeuf Bourguignon

Coq Au Vin

Fromage: Camembert/Gruyère (au choix)

Dessert: Chocolat Soufflé

Tarte Aux Fruits Exotiques

-"Are we seriously going to eat all that?" she exclaimed.

-"Oh, you don't have to force yourself to eat, honey. I can finish them all, even without you. So eat at your own convenience," I told her with a wink.

She pursed her lips tightly and took a deep breath.

-"Cut the crap, now, Paul. What's going on?" she inquired, her face suddenly turning serious.

I opened my mouth to try and say another witty remark, but the words failed me.

Well, I guess I had to go straight to the point, now. There was no room for circling and revolving around the main motive of that meeting anymore.

Licking my lips, I pondered which approach would be the best to advance my request.

-"Well, you know how we omitted to go to that last meeting and assumed that it went just like the first two?"

-"What me- Ah! Bob's meetings?"

I nodded solemnly.

-"I don't want to miss any opportunity, and I have to go to the third one, even if it'll turn out to be pointless. Just to make sure. I can't let a chance slip out of my hands."

-"And you wanted me to come with you," Emma guessed.

I sighed.

-"Well, I couldn't ask Amanda to come, since she's always busy. Plus, she's the one who told us that going to that third reunion would be of no use."

-"And why did you believe I would be an adequate candidate? Why didn't you pick Sam, for instance?"

-"Sam, too, doesn't have free time. I couldn't ask her either."

-"Ah, but what made you think I had free time?"

-"The same thing that made me ask you to come with me here for lunch," I smirked.

-"Touché," she admitted with a half-smile.

-"So, are you willing to come?"

-"Hmm," she started.

-"I'm paying the bill," I hopelessly reminded her.

A mischievous grin formed on her lips.

-"Your wallet must be suffering at the mere thought of how much this meal is going to cost," she commented.

-"Nah, don't worry. It's not the first time I put her in that situation."

-"Look at us, talking about your wallet as if it was a real person," she chuckled. "We're going crazy."

-"Ah, but we already are," I grinned.

-"Aye," she replied cheerfully. "And that is why I'm saying yes."

-"Huh?"

-"I'm going with you, estúpido. We'll go see that third guy Bob met."

Relief flooded over me.

With a smile, I thanked her and promised she wouldn't regret making that choice.

-"I hope so, Paul. I truly do," she answered.

At this moment, the waiter came back with two trays in his hands, six or seven platters on each.

-"Ah, perfect timing," I remarked happily.

-"I'm honored to hear so, sir," the waiter politely replied while putting the plates on our table. "Here is your lunch."

-"Merci, garçon. If we need anything, we'll call you again."

-"Wonderful! I'll be at your service, then."

I smiled at him.

When he left, I turned my head back to Emma.

-"So, what are we waiting for? Let's enjoy this luxurious lunch! I'm telling you, it won't happen again anytime soon, so you better profit from this as much as you can."

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. I didn't fail to notice, however, the hint of a smile that flickered on her lips.

We enjoyed our meal in silence, peacefully tasting the delicacies that spread before our eyes.

We finished our lunch and, after tipping the waiter, stormed outside the restaurant and got back to the location we initially landed in.

-"Ready?" Emma asked me.

-"You bet I am, young lady."