Amara had invited Harvey for dinner that evening. The venue was the exquisite Delicacy Restaurant, renowned for its breathtaking rooftop views and delectable cuisine. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the city, Amara arrived at the restaurant. She admired the setting, the soft glow of fairy lights intertwined with the sleek modern decor creating an atmosphere of elegance.
Harvey arrived shortly after Amara, his presence noticeable by his confident stride and warm smile. He approached Amara, who greeted him with a friendly yet somewhat reserved expression.
“Hey, how are you?” Amara asked, her tone polite but genuinely curious.
“I’m good, and thanks for inviting me,” Harvey replied, his smile broadening.
“My pleasure,” Amara responded with a slight nod. “Let’s sit.”
They were led to their table by a courteous waiter, who handed them the menus and assured them he would return shortly to take their orders. The table was perfectly situated, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape. The lights from the buildings below twinkled like stars, creating a mesmerizing backdrop.
As they settled into their seats, Harvey turned to Amara, his expression earnest. “I was just thinking of inviting you to lunch or dinner, but you invited me before I could.”
Amara waved off his comment with a gentle smile. “It’s fine, it doesn’t matter who invites.”
“Yeah,” Harvey agreed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He looked at Amara, his gaze steady. “By the way, big brother also wanted to join for dinner.”
Amara glanced at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “Rowan?”
Harvey nodded, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “But I strictly followed your orders.”
“Thanks,” Amara said, her voice sincere.
Harvey’s expression grew more serious as he asked, “Why do you hate my brother?”
Amara shook her head, her brows knitting together slightly. “I don’t hate him.”
Harvey raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. “But you don’t like him either.”
“It’s not like that,” Amara replied, her tone defensive.
Harvey looked at her meaningfully, his eyes searching hers. “So, do you like him?”
Amara was momentarily speechless, taken aback by his directness. “You’re really good with your words. How about you become my adviser?” she said, attempting to deflect with a light-hearted remark.
Harvey laughed, the tension easing from his posture. “Sure.”
The waiter returned, and they placed their orders. Amara chose a delicate seafood dish, while Harvey opted for a hearty steak. As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed more easily.
“So, how have you been?” Amara asked, genuinely interested.
“Busy, as always,” Harvey replied with a shrug. “Work never seems to stop, but I can’t complain. How about you?”
“Same here,” Amara said, her tone reflecting a hint of fatigue. “But it’s good to take a break and enjoy a nice dinner once in a while.”
“Absolutely,” Harvey agreed. “We all need a breather sometimes.”
Their food arrived, and they dug in, the flavors rich and satisfying. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the delicious meal, made for a pleasant dining experience. Harvey and Amara found themselves relaxing more, their conversation becoming more animated and personal.
“Tell me something about yourself that I don’t know,” Harvey prompted, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Amara thought for a moment, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “I once climbed a mountain on a whim. No training, no preparation. Just decided one day and went for it.”
Harvey’s eyes widened in surprise. “Seriously? How did that go?”
“It was tough,” Amara admitted with a laugh. “But it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Made me realize how strong I can be when I set my mind to something.”
“That’s impressive,” Harvey said, admiration evident in his voice. “I don’t think I’d ever have the guts to do something like that on a whim.”
“You never know until you try,” Amara replied, her eyes glinting with challenge.
Harvey chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe I’ll take up a crazy adventure one day.”
Amara nodded and reached into her bag, pulling out an elegantly designed invitation card. “Speaking of adventures,” she said with a hint of excitement, “my brother is getting married in two weeks, and you’re gladly invited.”
Harvey took the card, his curiosity piqued. He examined the intricate details on the cover before opening it to read the contents. “Destination wedding?” he asked, his eyebrows raising in pleasant surprise.
Amara nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Yes. Leo always liked Venice, and now with Emery, he’s making his dream come true.”
Harvey’s eyes lit up with admiration. “Venice, huh? That’s incredible. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy.”
“It’s a beautiful place,” Amara said, her voice filled with fondness. “Leo and Emery thought it would be the perfect setting for their wedding. Romantic, timeless, and utterly enchanting.”
Harvey smiled, feeling honored to be invited. “Thank you, Amara. I’d love to come. It sounds like it will be an unforgettable event.”
“It will be,” Amara agreed. “Leo has always had a flair for the dramatic. I’m sure he’s planning something spectacular.”
They continued their conversation, discussing the upcoming wedding and their excitement for the trip. Amara shared stories about her brother Leo and his fiancee Emery, painting a picture of a couple deeply in love and excited to start their new life together.
As the night wore on, Harvey found himself feeling more connected to Amara. The invitation to her brother’s wedding felt like a significant step, a sign that she trusted and valued him as a friend enough to include him in such an important event.
“Tell me more about Leo and Emery,” Harvey said, genuinely interested. “How did they meet?”
Amara’s eyes sparkled as she recounted the story. “They met at a charity gala about three years ago. Leo was there representing our family business, and Emery was one of the event organizers. It was one of those instant connections, you know? They spent the entire evening talking and laughing, and by the end of the night, they had exchanged numbers and promised to see each other again.”
“That’s wonderful,” Harvey said, his smile warm. “It’s always great to hear about love stories like that. Makes you believe in fate.”
“Absolutely,” Amara agreed. “They’ve been inseparable ever since. Emery is wonderful-kind, smart, and has a great sense of humor. She’s been a perfect match for Leo.”
“It sounds like they balance each other out well,” Harvey observed.
“They do,” Amara said with a nod. “Leo can be a bit impulsive at times, but Emery keeps him grounded. They complement each other perfectly.”
As they talked, Harvey couldn’t help but notice the affection and pride in Amara’s voice when she spoke about her brother. It was clear that family meant a lot to her, and he found that quality endearing.
“I’m looking forward to meeting them,” Harvey said. “And experiencing Venice, of course.”
“You’re going to love it,” Amara assured him. “The canals, the architecture, the food-it’s all amazing. Plus, Leo and Emery have planned some wonderful events for their guests. It’s going to be a celebration to remember.”
The waiter returned to their table, offering them dessert menus. Amara glanced at Harvey, her eyes twinkling. “Do you have room for dessert?”
Harvey laughed. “Always. What do you recommend?”
“The tiramisu here is excellent,” Amara said. “And their gelato is to die for.”
“Sounds perfect,” Harvey replied. “Let’s go for it.”
As they finished their desserts, the night was drawing to a close. They lingered for a while, enjoying the view and the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
“I had a wonderful time tonight,” Harvey said, breaking the silence.
“Me too,” Amara replied, her smile warm. “We should definitely do this again.”
“I’d like that,” Harvey said, his tone sincere.
They stood up, and Harvey helped Amara with her coat. As they made their way out of the restaurant, the cool night air was refreshing after the warmth inside.
“Thank you again for inviting me,” Harvey said as they reached the street.
“You’re welcome,” Amara replied. “It was my pleasure.”
They stood there for a moment, the city lights casting a soft glow around them.
“Goodnight, Amara,” Harvey said finally.
“Goodnight, Harvey,” Amara replied.
He got into his car and drove off, leaving Amara standing on the sidewalk. She watched until his car disappeared from view, a thoughtful expression on her face.
As the last traces of the vehicle disappeared, a cold voice sliced through the quiet night: “I am hurt, Amara.”