All participants are over 18.
*****
Lewis received the invitation in the mail with some surprise. A free Γ la carte dinner for one (who promoted a dinner for one?) in exchange for an honest review on a travel advisory website of his choice from a list provided. And the best part: the offer came from one of the finest hotel restaurants in the city.
But there was an expiry date. The offer was only good for the next seven days. Reservation required. Lewis looked at his calendar and picked a date. He called the number and verified the offer he received with the maitre d'. Almost to his surprise, the manager confirmed the invitation was very real and asked if Lewis would like to make a reservation.
"Friday at six p.m.," Lewis suggested.
The maitre d' confirmed the reservation.
"We will look forward to serving you, sir."
And just like that it was done.
The week passed quickly and before Lewis knew it, it was Friday. He worked until five and left his car in the parking lot. It was a brisk walk to the restaurant from the office, but it was easier than finding another parking spot in the city on a Friday night.
When he realized he was going to be early, he slowed his pace and stopped to smell the flowers, so to speak. He sat on a bench outside the hotel and people-watched for a few minutes. Lewis liked to fade into the background while paying attention to those around him. He preferred not to be noticed himself.
At exactly six o'clock, Lewis walked across the hotel lobby and followed the signs toward Le Jardin, the hotel restaurant. He was greeted at the podium by the maitre d', who introduced himself as Robert (he pronounced it in the French manner) and confirmed his reservation.
"Right this way, if you please, sir."
Lewis followed the thin gentleman in black formal wear to a surprisingly large table set for one. It was draped with a long tablecloth. Robert pulled his chair out for him and Lewis sat down, comfortably close to the table. Robert left him with a menu and a few recommendations and advised him that Paul would be his waiter.
The table was placed in a corner, giving Lewis an excellent view of the crowded room. There were several couples seated at tables the same size as Lewis'. There were groups of white-collar professionals sitting at the larger tables. Even though he'd worn his best jacket and tie, Lewis felt a little underdressed against the formality of the other diners.
Paul was waiting on Lewis less than a minute after Robert left him.
"Can I get you anything to drink, sir?"
It didn't feel right to order a beer in such a fancy establishment. "What do you recommend?" he asked the waiter.
The waiter suggested a particularly expensive champagne. Lewis wondered if that was how they recouped their costs on dinner, by upselling their most expensive alcohol.
Paul seemed to read his mind. "Your beverages are included as part of your dinner special, courtesy of the management, sir."
Lewis was stunned. Free alcohol. He wasn't sure that was even legal in this jurisdiction outside of a casino, but so long as he wasn't being billed, he saw no reason not to take advantage of the full offer.
"In that case, I'll try the Dom Perignon."
"An excellent choice, sir," Paul said as he poured Lewis a glass of ice water.
Paul retreated, leaving Lewis with the menu. Lewis was pleased. If the meal was as good as the service, it should be something indeed.
Lewis watched his fellow diners for a few minutes. Their meals looked as exquisite as the diners themselves. Many of the women were quite beautiful. Lewis regretted he was single for just a moment. Nothing would be finer than sharing a meal like the one he was expecting with someone special.
Then something unexpected occurred. Something touched his foot. Lewis' whole body contracted slightly and he pulled his legs back toward his chair. He looked around the room. No one had noticed his sudden jump of surprise.
"Is everything quite alright, sir?" Paul asked as he returned with Lewis's champagne.