His fork slid around the plate, making these abrupt, scraping sounds as he tried to find any more morsels to no avail. He eventually scooped up some of that meaty sauce to finish his dinner. "Hmm," he hummed, wiping his cloth over his mouth. He glanced over at Sophie, who had found his eating habits amusing. In fact, it seemed like she found everything about him amusing, and he thought that was cute as hell. The way she'd study him and then laugh afterwards or perk up a smile...this coming from someone who was so direct and used to being so serious at everything made those expressions--well, how could he put it, weightier? It was different than those other girls. They were faint giggles from giddy groupies at best. Sophie was far more than that. Maybe it had a lot to do with their past as well.
As he watched her eat for that moment, the waiter caught his attention for a moment by passing by their table. The waiter didn't bother to stop by their table for any additional service, but Keith understood his intention when they both made eye contact for a moment that was long enough to let Keith know what he had to do.
His arm slipped around Sophie's shoulder. He gripped her there softly and brought his lips close to her ear. "Excuse me for a moment," he said. "I'll be back in a sec." He kissed her on the cheek and stood up, leaving his napkin on the table before disappearing into the back. Once he passed by the waiter, the calm server with the bandage over his nose approached the table where Sophie was sitting and asked, "How is everything tonight, my dear? Is there anything else I can provide for you?"
* * * *
"Ah, Keith," Vinnie said with his back facing him. The stern, old man was studying the contents of the shelves in the storeroom with his hands nestled in the pockets of his white slacks. He then turned around, giving Keith the chance to see those ominous dark shades. "I hope you realize how much that lawyer cost me. Good news is, you won't have to worry about that trial at all."
"And the bad news?" Keith had his hands to his sides, ready for whatever Vinnie wanted to say next.
"Bad news?" Vinnie said, chuckling. "No, nothing like that, but as you know, I do have something for you to do for me that I would appreciate. My little niece is coming to town tomorrow. Apparently, she's around your age, and I would like for you to take her out and show her around town. Is that something you could do?"
"Absolutely." Keith replied without any hesitation. It was an offer he couldn't refuse.
"Good," Vinnie said, almost expectantly. "There is also one more thing I'd like to ask. My nephew, Paul, is opening up a cocktail lounge in downtown and is in need of some...extra talent. Your lady friend tonight shows some promise, and I wanted to know if she was willing to help out on the opening night tomorrow evening."
Keith felt like his breath was taken aback. "W-wha, um..." Shit, he really couldn't say no, could he? As much as he wanted to get things done for Vinnie, involving Sophie felt like crossing the line. "...it would be best for her if she had a say in this matter before we made that decision."
Vinnie's eyebrows rose. Then he smiled. "Keith..." He chuckled. "Looks to me like she's done a number on you. You've changed. I'm used to seeing you with a new girl every other week. She is quite a looker, though. Easy on the eyes, I'd say. Don't tell me you've fallen for her already? There'll always be another."
No, there won't be, he thought to himself. He wanted to let him know that, but...Keith had to maintain this relationship with Vinnie, and that usually meant never letting the man down under any cost. "I'll let her know," he said.
"I'll offer her five-hundred dollars," Vinnie said. "Just one night only. No obligations. A girl like that could pull in a large crowd. You ever asked if she could ever do...more with what she has to offer?"
This conversation was beginning to infuriate him. "No," Keith said, feeling even more annoyed with each word Vinnie said about her.
"Well, I would appreciate it if you could, especially for tomorrow, Keith. I'd like to remind you that that lawyer was very expensive, and since I've already helped you, it would be very beneficial for you to return the favor. I scratch your back, you scratch mine, capiche?" He cracked a smile from the mention of the old word.
He wanted to sigh, but he held it. "Understood. I'll let her know about it tonight."
"Very good," Vinnie said.
* * * *
Keith could barely keep his eyes on Sophie as he returned to the table. He was already having second thoughts about his involvement with Vinnie, and for the first time in a while, he was starting to think more about his life and well-being...aside from school at least. Sophie's words to him earlier came to mind. He sat down on the table, nodding to Sophie as he did so and looked ahead in contemplation. Then he took a deep breath.
And then he shared with Sophie what his plans are for tomorrow, as well as what Vinnie has proposed for her in the best way he could without offending her. He didn't like the idea one bit, but the way he explained it made it seem like he really needed it to happen. He didn't mention the lawyer though, but he'd figure that she'd get that idea soon enough.