Chapter 2

The trip to the restaurant didn't take long. In under fifteen minutes, we were there, riding the elevator of the building. "It's on the top floor," she said, pushing the button on the side. Though we rode her Hummer for minutes, we didn't have a chance to converse. She spent the time on the phone talking to someone, an acquaintance perhaps. Uno gestured on the hallway when the elevator doors opened. "After you."

A woman in a black knee length skirt and well-pressed white long sleeves greeted us on the lobby. She beamed when she saw Uno. "Good evening," she said politely. The woman gave me the same warm welcome before she motioned to the glass doors. "Please follow me to your table."

The place was surprisingly cozy inside. Nature was the theme of the design, with bamboo strategically placed in the corners. The sound of running water was also present in the room. It was like stepping into a garden instead of an expensive restaurant. We were guided to a table near the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the city. Because it was already dark out, the lights of the nearby buildings shone brighter. "I'll return with your order," the woman said.

I watched her stroll away. "How did she know what we wanted?"

Uno took a napkin and placed it meticulously on her lap. I followed her example. It wasn't the first time I've eaten in this type of place. Mom treated me once in a while. But most of the time we preferred a good old home cooked meal. "They only have one specialty here," she answered. "Lobster. I called earlier to tell the owner that we're coming. Having the place to ourselves is more convenient."

"Do you always reserve the whole restaurant when you eat?" I was genuinely curious. Mom never talked to me about these things. Concentrate on your studies, she would say. The world of show business is a glamorous yet nasty place.

"Not when it's a restaurant frequented by celebrities. The security would be tighter."

"Oh. . . Okay."

The woman from earlier returned with a cart. She wheeled it beside the table and placed a tray in front of us. A big, steaming lobster was under the lid. It smelled of butter, garlic, and spices. My mouth watered. I've missed lunch too. Now that we were away from the cemetery, my appetite was resurfacing. "Wine?" the woman asked.

"Just water please," I said. Did I look that old? Carter told me that I was mature for my age. Most of the time anyway. After arranging the orders on the table, the woman left us alone. She didn't hover like what I was expecting.

"Dig in," Uno instructed, indicating the lobster. "Don't hold yourself back when you're with me. I'm a completely normal person."

I glanced at her reluctantly before getting my share of food. I've always known that mom worked with a celebrity. It was just surreal to be actually in the presence of one. I didn't know whether to treat Uno like my newest friend, or feel overwhelmed that I was eating with someone famous. I settled for in-between. Just like Carter said, emotionally stable was my thing. I caught Uno looking just when I was taking a big bite from the bread. "What?"

She smirked. "You always eat like that?"

I lowered my hand. "Like what?"

"Nothing." She had a small smile on her lips as she twirled her pasta with the fork. "You're cute." I brushed off her comment. She was making fun of me. "So," she said in the middle of the meal. "We've been sitting here for a total of ten minutes, yet all I've learned about you is you eat like a horse and that you're very pretty." Uno placed her fork down. "If you don't mind, tell me more about yourself."

Her question easily sounded like a job interview. At least that was what I thought. I've never worked outside the comfort of my bedroom during high school, though admittedly, I'd spend too much time in front of my sketchpad and computer. Mom had the expenses covered for both of us. "What do you want to know?"

Uno leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Anything," she said. "Manager would always talk to me about you. It's like I've known you all my life."

I frowned. "That's weird. She rarely talks to me about you." Although I did know a lot about Uno. I've secretly checked her profile online every now and then. Let's just say that I was curious with who my mother worked with. Who could blame me?

"Manager had her reasons for that," she said. "But isn't it amazing? We've known each other for years yet didn't meet until now."

"Mmmmm." She was a stranger who was not really a stranger, which made it strange.

"Anyway, are you done eating? I want to show you something," she said.

I glanced at my half-eaten lobster. "Err. . . Okay."

Uno stood from her seat and went to one corner of the restaurant, beside the glass window. She waved to me. "Come on. It's almost time."

I dragged myself from the table, away from all the heavenly food to get to her side. Uno had her hands pressed on the window. Excitement was oozing from her. "What are we watching, fireworks?"

"No, even better." She pointed to the building in front of ours. It was near enough to let me see the window there. "Look, it's around this time. Always at this time when I come here," she said. I squinted to see better. There was a large television in the other building. What were we watching?

Before long, the monitor opened and two old women came into view. They were wearing neon green leggings and what looked to be a pink underwear outside. The underwear was worn after the leggings. The two elders started to dance in front of their television screen, making Uno roar with laughter. This was what she wanted to show me?

"Oh man!" She giggled. "The best is yet to come." Looking back at the elders, I was shocked to see that they were attempting a split. Uno clutched her stomach. I couldn't help but crack a smile. It really was funny, especially when one woman had trouble recovering from the awkward position.

"Are you always watching them?" I asked, glancing back at Uno. Her laughter has died down, and her blue eyes were focused on me. My own smile disappeared. "Is there something on my face?"

She moved in front of me, pressing a hand on the window. My back hit the cold glass. It made me shiver. What was she doing? Uno leaned down to me. Her scent engulfed my senses. She was the rain- earthy, refreshing, sweet. It made my stomach stir in a strange way. "You know what? I feel like we'll stick around each other from now on, so I'll tell you a little secret," she said.

Her sudden seriousness was contagious. I swallowed hard. "W-which is?"

She moved her lips next to my ear. "I'm gay as fuck, and right now I want you."