The lunch date

Sophia and Daniel walked out and went towards the parking area where Daniel parked his car. Daniel opened the passenger side door for Sophia and kept his hand on the car hood, fearing she might hit her head.

Sophia sat inside the car smilingly and put her seat belt on. Daniel too sat inside and after putting his seat-belt he started the car.

"Where are we going for lunch?", Sophia asked him looking outside the window as the car was driving in opposite direction to the nearest restaurant.

"You will know soon.", Daniel said mysteriously and Sophia gave him a look with narrowed eyes trying to find something from his face but saw no hints so she just sat there waiting to see where he is going.

After driving for about 15 minutes, Daniel finally reached the location where he booked a table for them. It was a French restaurant and the ambience was marvellous. Daniel helped Sophia open the door and taking her hand in his, he started walking inside.

The manager was waiting for Daniel at the reception and he guided them towards the table he booked. Daniel didn't book a private room this time as he wasn't sure if Sophia would like it or not. So, he went for a table in the lobby itself. Sophia was taking in the interior and the more she saw the more she liked it.

Sophia has lived in the States ever since she was born, but still she hasn't been to this restaurant nor she knew about its existence.

Daniel pulled out the chair for her and Sophia took a seat, putting her purse on the nearby chair. Daniel took the chair opposite of Sophia's and settled down. The manager stood aside, waiting for their order and at the same time giving them their privacy.

"Do you like it?", Daniel asked Sophia who nodded her head.

"I never knew about this restaurant. Is it newly opened?", Sophia asked while looking around.

"Yes. It's a new branch they opened. Actually, my friends also decided to expand their respective businesses in the States knowing that I will be shifting my office base here. They said that way we could meet more often.", Daniel said and Sophia looked at him feeling interested about his friends.

"Your friends from country R?", Sophia asked and Daniel nodded.

"I have three good friends. They are more like family to me. Mason Wood, Ethan Anderson and Stephen Tremblay. I also have two cousins who are close to me Joseph Rodriguez and James Rodriguez. I will introduce them to you when they come. This restaurant is a part of business ventures of Ethan. He is a total foodie himself so all his restaurants have all authentic food availability.", Daniel said and passed her a glass of water.

"You have lots of friends. I have just one so far.", Sophia said while sipping on the water. Sophia felt that he is quite lucky to have so many good friends as she has just two and even one of them ended up betraying her. She is really unlucky in this department.

"They are your friends and family too now.", Daniel said and Sophia smiled listening to his words. He was being really considerate.

"Let's order some food.", Daniel said and Sophia nodded her head taking the menu he passed to her.

Sophia looked through the dishes and ordered Ratatouille, Crepes, Steak frites and for dessert she chose a Tarte Tatin. Daniel asked to make the Steak frites two and bring wine along.

"We still have to go to the office. Let's leave wine.", Sophia said but Daniel dismissed the manager who took their order.

"It's okay. I ordered a mild one. Wine enhances the flavour of steak so you can have a little.", Daniel said and Sophia didn't say anything again.

They sat and chatted a little about the day and soon the food was served. Sophia really loved it. She totally understood how particular a foodie owner can be with his food.

"It's really good. I love the taste.", Sophia commented and Daniel smiled seeing her enjoying the lunch.

'It seems that I have to invest in some ventures of Ethen so that my wife can enjoy good food from different cuisines.', Daniel thought internally and when he gave the investment proposal to Ethen he was pleasantly surprised and wondered that how come Daniel sent the proposal himself. Usually it was Ethen who came to Daniel to ask him to invest.

Daniel and Sophia were soon done with their lunch and Daniel dropped her at her office before returning to his own. He wanted to spend some more time with Sophia but they both had a lot of things they have to look into. So, he could only reluctantly return to work leaving his beautiful wife to finish hers.

When Sophia returned she saw Anna sitting on her desk. Sophia walked towards her and asked, "Is your cheek alright?"

"Yes mam. Thank you for asking.", Anna said and Sophia just smiled at her and walked inside her office.

A little while later Anna entered and informed her that the clients are here for the meeting that they scheduled with them last week. It was Flora Ltd. located in the States itself. They wants to expand their business abroad and for that they want to collaborate with their IT company for the technical support needed in their new branches.

The Flora Ltd. is owned by a reputed family, the Walker family. They have worked in the field of scented candles and perfumes for generations but were a little rigid and thus never expanded abroad. But now the new CEO, grandson of previous chairman, is more liberal with his approach. He sees the potential and importance of expansion and thus they are in for it.

Sophia nodded her head and said, "Make them sit in the conference room on twentieth floor. I will be there shortly."

Anna took the orders and left to execute them. Anna walked them to the conference room and asked them to settle down.

Sophia entered the conference room not long after and she walked towards her chair but she was surprised to see a familiar face among the representatives of Flora Ltd.