A Love Gone Bad

Authority is Screaming

I had a good four hours of sleep, which somehow rejuvenated me. Although my body is still adjusting due to the jet lag, I managed to get up and get ready. Since my brother told me to look my best tonight, I picked out my black Venus-cut cocktail dress with a slit on the left side that highlights my long, flawless legs. The women on both sides of my family are blessed with good height, making it easy to spot in a crowd. I have a great metabolism, so I don't gain weight even if I eat more than the recommended caloric intake for someone like me.

Of course, I take great care of my body by doing yoga, drinking lots of water, and ensuring I get at least six hours of sleep. I was satisfied after applying minimal makeup that highlighted my best feature, my face. I don't need much makeup because, like my brother, I could pass as a celebrity. However, I'm not interested in that industry, so I keep a low profile to avoid attention. I'm just a simple lady who doesn't need validation from anyone. I just want to accomplish everything on my goal list.

A broad grin stretched across Louie's face as he saw me. "Whoa! My little doll is looking fantastic as always!" he boomed, pulling me into a side hug that threatened to pop a button on his crisp dress shirt. "You clean up nice too, bro!" I countered, playfully nudging him back. Tonight was our long-awaited sibling reunion, and Louie, ever the extravagant one, had whisked me away to a place I never thought I'd experience – Acquerello, a Michelin-starred gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco.

The moment I stepped through the heavy glass doors, a wave of sophistication washed over me. Crisp white tablecloths adorned every table, catching the soft glow of cascading chandeliers that seemed to sparkle like a million tiny stars. Attentive waiters glided silently between tables, their movements a well-rehearsed dance. The air hummed with hushed conversation and the gentle clinking of silverware. I felt a flicker of nervousness – a stark contrast to the usual boisterous dinners we shared back home. But Louie, ever the charmer, placed a hand on my back, his touch grounding me.

We were seated at a corner table, offering a panoramic view of the elegantly dressed patrons. As we perused the menu, a symphony of unfamiliar names danced before my eyes – seared foie gras, black truffle cavatelli, wagyu beef tenderloin. Louie, a seasoned gourmand, patiently explained each dish, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my wide-eyed wonder. We settled on a tasting menu, a decadent journey for the palate promised by the enthusiastic waiter. The first course arrived – a miniature work of art composed of jewel-toned microgreens, edible flowers, and a dollop of something impossibly creamy. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, unlike anything I'd ever experienced. As we savored the food and exchanged stories, catching up on lost time, laughter filled the air, momentarily chasing away the distance that had grown between us over the years. As we devoured exquisite dishes and exchanged stories, catching up on lost time, Louie's phone pierced the peaceful atmosphere with a sharp ring. "Doll, I need to take this," he apologized, his brow furrowing slightly. "Sure, take your time, Lou," I reassured him, picking up a delicate fork to admire the artistic presentation on my plate. But when Louie returned, his playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a mask of worry.

I was left alone at our table. I could see from my peripheral vision that some people were starting to pay attention to me, as if I'd been ditched. The food here was to my liking, especially when paired with the wine. We're not rich, just comfortable, but moments like this don't happen every day, so I cherished the opportunity that Louie was treating me. I ordered everything I wanted to eat and drank the wine we had ordered earlier. The wine was so good that I didn't notice how much I was drinking. It was meant to be shared with Louie, but since I was alone, I drank it all myself. After an hour, I started to feel dizzy and noticed my cheeks feeling numb, so I decided to go to the washroom and check on myself in the mirror.

"Holy cow, I must be drunk already!" I gasped. I needed to compose myself, pay the bill since Louie left his card with me, get a cab, and sleep in my bed at the Queen Anne Hotel. I left the washroom and started walking, but I felt wobbly and almost fell. Luckily, strong hands caught me halfway. "Miss, careful. I think you've had too much to drink," a voice said. "Oops, my bad. Thank you, but don't let me go yet. I need some time to balance myself; everything is swirling now."

I was grateful to be helped by this guy. "Why can't I focus on his face? Everything is blurry, but I can smell him. His perfume is so mature, earthy, and sweet at the same time. It's soothing and calming, making me want to stay in his arms. "Miss, are you okay? Do you want me to call 911, or do you have someone to take you home?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm okay. Can I ask another favor? Are you from around here? I'm a foreigner and just arrived yesterday. My companion left me because of an emergency. Do you mind calling me a cab?" My eyesight was starting to return to normal, and I saw a very handsome, tall guy. He was well-dressed and had an aura of authority. "Who is he? He's interesting," I thought.

"Where are you staying, so I can book a cab to send you to your place?" he asked. "I'm staying at the Queen Anne Hotel. I'm booked there for a week, but I'm not familiar with how to book a cab here. It's been a long time since I've been here, and everything has changed, including transportation. Thank you so much, Mr...?"

"Mr. Craig," he replied. "I have a meeting at the Queen Anne Hotel. We can go there together. Let's go."

“Okay Mr. Craig, by the way, my name is Lily”.

As Mr. Craig and I exited the restaurant. I couldn't help but take a closer look at him. He was tall, probably around six feet, with a lean and muscular build that suggested he worked out regularly. His jet-black hair was perfectly styled, complementing his sharp jawline and high cheekbones. He had an air of confidence and sophistication, dressed in a tailored suit that seemed to be straight out of a fashion magazine. His dark, almond-shaped eyes had a calm intensity to them, making it hard to look away.

"Thank you so much for helping me," I said, trying to steady myself as we walked toward the waiting car.

"It's no problem at all," he replied, his voice smooth and reassuring. "Let's get you back to your hotel safely."

During the drive, I couldn't stop sneaking glances at him. There was something magnetic about him, something that made my heart beat a little faster. I wanted to know more about this mysterious and incredibly handsome man who had come to my rescue.

"So, Mr. Craig, what brings you to San Francisco?" I asked, hoping to start a conversation.

"I'm here for business," he replied with a small smile. "I run a few companies in Asia, and we have some important meetings this week."

"That's impressive," I said, genuinely intrigued. "It must be exciting to travel for work and see different parts of the world."

"It has its perks," he admitted. "But it can also be quite exhausting. What about you? What brings you here?"

"My brother and I were having a sibling bonding dinner, but he got an important work call," I explained. "He works here, and I'm here for my studies. I'm taking my post-graduate studies at a university and thought it would be a good chance to explore the city as well."

"That sounds nice," he said, nodding. "Education is important."

We arrived at the Queen Anne Hotel, and Mr. Craig helped me out of the car. As we walked into the lobby, I felt a pang of disappointment, knowing that our time together was coming to an end. I didn't want this to be the last time I saw him.

"Thank you again, Mr. Craig," I said as we reached the elevator. "I really appreciate your help tonight."

"It was my pleasure, Lily," he replied, his eyes meeting mine. "Please, call me Nathaniel."

"Nathaniel," I repeated, liking the way his name sounded. "I hope we can meet again sometime."

"I'd like that," he said with a warm smile.

We said our goodbyes, and I watched as he walked away, his presence lingering even after he was out of sight. I couldn't stop thinking about him—the way he had helped me, his soothing voice, his captivating looks. There was something about him that made me want to know more, to spend more time with him.

As I got ready for bed, I found myself smiling, replaying our conversation in my mind. I knew I had to see him again. The connection I felt with him was undeniable, and I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Then I realized that I had failed to get his contact details. "What the?! Why did I forget to get his number?!" I thought. "How will I be able to see him again?"

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and more determined than ever. I decided to find a way to see Nathaniel again, perhaps by visiting the restaurant where we met or exploring the city with the hope of running into him.

Meeting Nathaniel had sparked something inside me, and I was eager to see where this new connection might lead.