The restaurant Maya chose seemed a bit much for a casual dinner out. As soon as we pulled up, I felt out of place. A glossy black sign announced the place as "The Sterling Rose," lit up by an understated spotlight against the darkened brick.
A fountain trickled near the entrance, and soft classical music played from hidden speakers. When I looked over at Maya, she grinned, clearly enjoying my reaction.
Did Maya rob a bank or did she sell something ?
"Feeling fancy yet?" she teased as we walked toward the entrance, heels clicking on polished stone. The air was thick with some floral fragrance, something decadent and exotic, like a promise of indulgence.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Maya, this seems a little… extravagant. What's the occasion?"
"Oh, come on. I just got paid, and I wanted to take you somewhere nice." She grinned, the type of grin that always got us into trouble back in the day.
