The Call Boy I Met in Paris — Episode 17
By the time Derek disappeared from view, Sophie’s anger had sharpened her appetite. “I’m extra hungry now,” she admitted as Justin guided her toward one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants.
The understated entrance gave no warning of the chandeliers, private alcoves, and immaculate tables beyond its doors. Sophie slowed when she recognized the place. Even for her, dinner there was an indulgence normally reserved for clients or celebrations.
“Are you sure you want to pay?” she asked. “This place is very expensive.” She still believed Justin measured money in shifts worked and clients entertained.
“You pay me ten grand a month,” he reminded her. “I think I can comfortably afford this. Don’t worry about it.”
Sophie studied him, wondering how much of his new salary he intended to waste in one evening. Justin only pulled out her chair. “Order whatever you’d like.”
“All right,” she said as she sat. “Don’t blame me if I break your wallet.” The teasing felt unexpectedly domestic after the confrontation outside.
Before a waiter could approach, the restaurant’s general manager crossed the room with visible urgency. “Mr. Lake. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming in tonight?”
Sophie looked from the manager to her husband. Staff at establishments like this did not hurry across a dining room for unknown construction workers or male escorts.
“Justin, is he talking to you?” she asked. The question left him one heartbeat to prevent the misunderstanding from collapsing.
“Dennis,” Justin said, rising with exaggerated warmth. “My good buddy Dennis. Long time no see. How are you?” He clapped the manager on the shoulder before Dennis could address him as the owner.
Dennis caught the warning in Justin’s eyes. “Yeah,” he replied carefully, adapting with the speed expected of anyone trusted to run one of Lake’s restaurants.
“You know the general manager here?” Sophie asked. She had begun collecting inconsistencies: the hotel, the construction site, Joey’s store, and now a restaurant where the manager greeted Justin like royalty.
“From when I used to work here,” Justin said. He hesitated only slightly, searching for an explanation that would fit the life Sophie had invented for him.
Dennis nodded too eagerly. “We really miss you around here.” The statement was true, though Justin had never worked a shift in the way Sophie assumed.
“What did you do here?” she asked. Justin glanced at Dennis, who suddenly found the table settings fascinating.
“I’d bring clients,” Justin answered. Wealthy partners had certainly eaten there at his invitation; he simply omitted that many came to negotiate with Lake Enterprises.
Understanding brightened Sophie’s face. “Great. So you revenue-shared with the restaurant.” The arrangement sounded clever and entrepreneurial, exactly the sort of side job she could imagine him juggling.
“That’s clever. No wonder you brought me here,” she continued. “Why didn’t you just tell me?” Justin smiled because her compassion made lying both easier and more painful.
Dennis retreated after promising special attention, leaving Justin to confront Sophie’s growing trust. She was proud of him for a job he had never held, yet her pride felt more valuable than praise for the empire he actually owned.
Justin reached for the menu to change the subject. “So, are you ready to order?” Before Sophie could answer, a man’s delighted voice rang across the restaurant: “Teddy Bear?” She froze, and Justin saw recognition flare in her eyes.
