Chapter Text
The atmosphere in the restaurant was calm for a Friday night and the customers preferred the fresh, heady air of the terrace to the sobriety of the dining room. The receptionist had read their minds and prepared a table for them away from prying eyes.
- If we wanted a table even further away from the room, we would have had to put it in the toilets.
Hannah seemed upset by this choice. She didn't mind being recognised and interacting with people who recognised her. The contact with the public was what she enjoyed most when she wasn't accompanied by her family. As for Brett, he seemed to be even more tense.
- BG, I think it would be a good idea to order.
- You're right.
He waved to the waitress and asked for the menu. A young woman in her twenties approached their table and handed them the menu.
- We'll start with two Gin Tonics... we need some time to choose, please.
- OK Madam, I'll be back in a few minutes.
- Thank you
Brett looked at her uncertainly.
- Are you planning to get me drunk, H. ?
- No... Just relax. You're as taut as a string, a bomb ready to explode.
- You're exaggerating!
- Overreacting? Am I? You haven't looked at me once since we left the theatre and you keep scoping out the area like a wildcat looking for prey.
- I don't want to be disturbed. I just want us to have a nice evening.
- Do me a favour and relax.
Just then, the waitress arrived to take their order.
- Have you made up your mind?
- Not for me, but I'll let Madame choose my dish.
Hanna gave him a cautious look
- Are you sure you know what you're doing, Brett?
- Quite sure. I prefer to let you choose, you know what I like and I know that you'll end up pecking at my plate. So you might as well enjoy it. What the woman wants...
- We'll have two pizzas. A Capricciosa and a Margherita with a bottle of Chianti, please.
- And for dessert, Madame will have a tiramisu with two spoons.
They handed the menus to the waitress and Brett winked at her to thank her.
- Goldstein, she could be your daughter!
- How can you tell?
- By the white hair at your temples.
- Jealous?
- Maybe!
It wasn't the first time Hannah had expressed this kind of feeling. He had always been rather discreet about his relationships and avoided mixing the private with the public. On the rare occasions when he had introduced her to a girlfriend, she had always stayed away, showing a shyness that didn't suit her.
- You know I'm not that kind of man.
- Until you get the chance.
- Is that how you see me? A forty-something who would use his position and his connections to attract a young woman looking for her moment of glory.
- It's quite fashionable at the moment.
- I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm more attracted to a fifty-something with a strong character and the voice of an angel.
She never knew how to behave when a compliment was so direct. Away from the sets and photocalls, she was still a little girl too tall for her age who preferred to hide.
The waitress chose this moment to bring them their order.
- Please? Excuse us, but our pizzaiolo has taken the liberty of personalising your pizzas.
Surprised, Hannah looked at her, making the young waitress feel uncomfortable. Brett sensed her discomfort and came to her rescue.
- Thank him for his initiative.
The waitress seemed somewhat relieved and placed the pizzas on the table.
- Relax, H! The poor thing had nothing to do with it.
- Where's the fun in choosing for you if in the end we each get half of each pizza?!
- Hanna! That's a detail.
The sommelier arrived at their table and presented them with the bottle.
- Thanks, but I'll take it from here. Hanna? Would you like some wine?
- Yes, please.
- Are you really upset about a pizza? Here, let me.
He took his knife, cut each pizza in half and put them back together.
- Et voila! A cappriciosa for Madame and a margherita for me.
- Actually, the cappriciosa was for you
- Okay! What the minx wants...
The rest of the dinner passed in relative silence. They were lulled by the atmosphere of the restaurant. It was as if words were unnecessary between them. A simple glance was enough to make them laugh.
- Hannah, you'll excuse me but I need to go to the bathroom.
- Please go. At your age, you need to start thinking about your prostate.
- Shut up, Waddingham!
- My pleasure, Grandpa!
