The Royal Contract

Although Eida would admit, the meal would cause a dent in her salary. But it was worth it. She paid for the experience and the quality bonding time with her friends. Besides, the food was exceptional.

“I think he is looking at you,” Amelia exclaimed as she poked her in the arms to catch her attention and subtly pointed to a man on the other table, just a few meters away.

“Who are you talking about?” Eida was only curious because it might be someone she knew. But she would not care if it was some guy looking for a date.

“See, he is standing.” She said as if confirming that she was right. “I think he is coming over.” Amelia giggled like a schoolgirl.

Finally, Eida slightly turned to glance at the man her friend was referring to but confirmed he was not familiar. He was not as handsome as someone she knew, but he looked decent. Still, she was not interested.

“Hey, ladies. I notice that you are new to this place. I have not seen you around here before.” He said as an opening line. “Welcome to our place. I am Martin.”

.....

She immediately concluded that the man was probably working as the manager of the place or something on that level as he stood aristocratically before them.

The man extended his hand to Angela first. “I am Angela, and these are my friends, Amelia and E...” Then, Angela stopped, seeing the narrow stare from her friends. “I meant Sarah.”

Eida had to look at Angela to remind her about the name she was using when she moved here. Her friends still call her Eida, even if she had insisted they learned to use her new name. As they said, old habits died hard.

“It is nice to meet you all.” The man said, shaking Angela and Amelia’s hands and then hers, but he seemed to linger longer on her hands, more than she liked. “But do you mind if I get your number? I will love to see you again.”

She believed he was a sweet talker. Maybe if she had met him a few years ago, she might take him on his offer. But not now, when she had Luisa. She could not go around seeing random men while raising her child.

“I am flattered, but I don’t think so.” She did not wish to be rude, so she tried to smile and be polite.

But she noticed the glare that her friend was sending her way. She even felt her kick her in the shin to question her decision. However, she would not change her mind, staring back at her friend.

“That is a shame.” The man said regrettably, but he still pulled out a card from his breast pocket and dropped it on the table beside her. “If ever you change your mind, please don’t hesitate to call.” He persisted, smiling at her and her friends.

“I won’t take much of your time. Please enjoy your meal and the rest of the evening.” He looked at Angela and Amelia, then at her. “It was nice meeting you ladies.” Then, he was moving away.

She could not help but watch his back as he moved away, wondering what he saw in her. Maybe, in the past, men would find her alluring, but now, she knew she was anything but attractive.

“You know you have every right to date again and be happy, right?” Amelia asked, looking at her disapprovingly. “He seems to be a good catch.”

“He could be a high-ranking executive, even own this entire restaurant, or be the most generous philanthropist on this planet. Still, he would not interest me,” Eida said, ignoring the man showing attraction to her and hoping that would shut her friend from pursuing this topic.

In all honesty, she could live without a man, finding that she did not miss dating or the company of the opposite sex. There was a time when socializing was a big part of her life, that being at her best, just like today, was essential to her social status.

That being with a man filled an emptiness in her. But now, she had Luisa and her friends. She never longed for another man’s company. She felt contented to work hard every day and go home to her child.

“Still, don’t close your heart to the possibility.” Amelia grabbed the card on the table and read it. “Speaking of owning the restaurant.” She pointed to the card, indicating that the man they had the pleasure of meeting was indeed the owner of this place.

“Still, it doesn’t matter,” Eida said adamantly, firm with her reserved. “I am happy with my current life.” She did not need to add another complication.

“I know a few good lads who would be happy to meet you,” Angela interjected, supporting Amelia. “I think Amelia is right. When the time comes, you need to move on and start building a life, a family for you and Luisa.”

Eida knew that her friends meant well, but they had to understand that it was not an option for her yet. Not this time. For the first time in her life, she did not need a man to feel complete. She was happy.

“I know that, but my priorities, for now, are you guys, my Luisa, and my career.” Eida looked at the two. “But I will take note of your suggestions in time.” She knew that they would not stop if she kept fighting them about it.

“Anyway, shall we talk about your wedding?” She tried to change the topic away from her dating life or lack of it.

“Yeah! Have you set a date yet?” Angela excitedly asked while setting aside Eida’s situation. “Just tell me what you need, and I will be glad to help.” She even offered.

“I am still waiting for Evan to return so we can discuss it,” Amelia answered her friend and future grandmother-to-be.

Truthfully, she felt that they had rushed into this engagement. She and Evan still had a lot of things to discuss, especially the changes that would happen in their lives.

“Just tell us what you need from us,” Eida assured her that things would work out all well.

She could see that her friend still had a few issues to iron out with Evan, but she did not doubt that Evan would find a way to fix them in no time. She had never seen a couple more in love than those two. She would do her best to ensure this wedding would happen without a hitch.

“Shall we toast?” She raised her juice, which had no alcoholic beverage, while her friends did the same. “This is for the good things still to come.”

She saluted her friends for all their help in her difficult times. Then, their support and love for her only child. She also wished to celebrate this night for all the blessings, for a promotion, an engagement, and long life.