I quickly went to take my bag, where I had left my basic make up essentials and went to the nearest washroom. After freshening up, I applied mascara and eye shadow to hide my puffed eyes. I even applied my favourite red lipstick and went out to meet Zeke, who was patiently waiting for me. He let out a low whistle as he saw me and added, "I'm really impressed with how a few minutes could transform you into a queen Issy". I smiled at him and murmured a thanks to him.
We came to Ember,the newest restaurant that had opened recently and I was quite surprised as I had heard that it was quite a Posh restaurant and getting a reservation here was next to impossible and dining here would leave a dent on your monthly budget. 'How did Zeke manage to get a reservation here', I wondered.
"Hi, we made a reservation for Zeke Williams", he told the maitre D. "Right this way sir", he answered and led us to our table. Zeke,the perfect gentleman that he was, held my chair for me as I sat down. Roy had never paid importance on these small gestures,so I was pleasantly surprised and touched with Zeke's gestures. But I swore I wasn't going to think about Roy and spoil the moment so I discarded all my thoughts on him,though it seemed next to impossible.
After we had settled on our seats, a waiter came with the menu but on seeing the price listed on it for every item, my eyes were almost about to pop out from its sockets. Seeing my reaction, Zeke let out a chuckle and said," Issy, please feel free to order whatever pleases your eyes"."You will absolutely love the food here", he added.
"Umm, Zeke, I think you should be the one to place the order. I don't even understand the names of half the dishes here", I handed the task for placing the order on Zeke and smiled at him. I didn't want to create anymore embarrassing situations in front of Zeke. "Are you sure Issy?",he asked me."A hundred percent",I replied which earned me his dimpled grin. After going through the menu, he placed our order and started telling me how he hoped we would ace our project.
Despite Zeke trying his best to distract me with his stories, I somehow felt empty inside. However, I pushed away any thoughts of Roy and tried to live in the moment and enjoy Zeke's company. He was truly an amazing person and I felt fortunate enough to have partnered with him for my project.
"Penny for your thoughts", Zeke asked me waking me from my daze. I smiled at him,"Zeke, at the expense of me crushing your male ego, I hope you are not gonna have to go hungry for the rest of the month,for taking me out to this dinner",I questioned him playfully. I didn't know about his financial background, but the price for just one dish alone here would enable me to survive for a month.
"I assure you Ms. Isadora Miller, that I won't have to go hungry for the rest of the month over this dinner" ,he chuckled. " I just don't want you to be cursing me every night when you go to bed with your stomach growling", I shrugged and he laughed out loud at that. "But seriously Zeke, when you said dinner, I imagined burger and fries or pizza or someplace other than..",I gestured with my hands,"this".He smiled his ever charming smile and assured me ,"Don't worry, its just dinner". I was still not satisfied with his answer but decided better not to pursue the topic further.
The waiter brought in our order and we started our dinner with the perfectly cooked scallops, curried calamari, and Prime ribs,with the best sauteed mushrooms I had ever tasted. I had to admit, Zeke's choice of food was real good.
"So, what are you planning to do after this?",he enquired. For someone who was so afraid of the future prospects, that question hit me hard."I don't know",I replied honestly. "Issy, I've seen your coding. You're really good in programming. Would you be willing to join me in my start-up game company?",he asked me abruptly. My jaw dropped, a start-up company? Zeke was just a couple of years older than me, and he already owned a start-up company? I was literally shocked and gaping at him.
"Not the answer I was expecting",he laughed at my expression and added"Seriously,Issy please do think about it k? But for now, how's the food?". At the mention of food, I realized I was still staring at him with a look of amazement. "Zeke, the food is amazing. I have to admit,you have great taste in food and to answer your earlier question, I would love to work for you yeah,only if you'd hire me with my raw programming skills", I said. "Then its a deal, we'll work together after our graduation", he lifted his glass and I,mine and clinked it to some cheers.
The day which started on a horrible note, ended up quite pleasant, and all thanks to Zeke, my project partner, who had somehow become a very good friend to me. He dropped me to my dorms and I thanked him for dinner and soon after,we bade our farewell.