CHAPTER 19: A LITTLE TO MUCH

Charla-meins is a four star restaurant that serves both sea food and meat. Ethan wants to say that this place is too expensive for a thank you meal, but when he sees the excited look on his mother’s face, he bites his lip to keep quiet.

The lobby is a lot different from ’On The Rox’. While the lobby for his mom’s restaurant refers to the seating area for the customers, the lobby for Charla-meins refers to a waiting area. The two restaurants are indeed, not the same.

There’s a golden chandelier adorned with crystals that shimmer and sparkle. There’s a small podium where an older man in a white button up and black tie stands behind. His stoic face splits into a grin as soon as he sees Zander.

"Mr. Harlight!" He exclaims. The alpha exchanges a few words with the waiter, and then their group follows as he leads the way.

Ethan can’t help but look around. It’s so different from what he’s used to. There are thick white clothes covering every table, adorned with a rose vase and a lit candle beside it.

If Ethan didn’t drop out of his business classes, would he have been able to turn his mother’s restaurant into something nice and fancy like this? He bites his lip, if he works hard enough, can he still be able to do it? He remembers most of everything he learned, he still has his notes and text books.

It’s a far fetched dream. They step into a private room and Ethan feels less nervous now that he knows he won’t be gawked at for being under dressed.

The man shuts the door behind him when he leaves.

"Wow! This place is so nice compared to my little humble restaurant." Roxanne continues to admire the decorations, specifically, the painting of the sea on the wall behind Beau and Zander.

"It may be humble, but your food is delicious." Zander says. He glances across at Ethan and smiles. The beta averts his gaze to the table.

Is he saying that because he means it, or because he’s trying to get on his good side? It’s impossible to tell.

"You flatter me." She chuckles.

"I’ve picked our wine already, but feel free to order what ever you’d like." Zander picks up one of the menus and passes it to Ethan. The beta takes in the perfect laminating. Whereas their restaurant menus has air bubbles, this one does not. He also noticed that the prices aren’t listed. He shifts in his chair and glances at his mother. She seems at ease, laughing with Beau as he teased her.

Ethan is the only one uncomfortable being here.

"Please," Zander taps his forefinger against the table, the sound muffled thanks to the white cloth. "Don’t feel bad. I’m the one who insisted on coming here."

"I don’t feel bad." Ethan says. He peeks up at the alpha from over the menu. "If my mother is happy, then so am I."

A waiter knocks on the door and comes in. His mother, much to Ethan’s dismay, orders a lobster and seafood dish, along with a side of salad. Beau orders something he can’t even think to pronounce, and when it’s Ethan’s turn, he freezes.

"Uh," He quickly scans the menu once more, but the thought of ordering something that costs more than what’s in his pocket makes him nervous.

"He’ll have the shrimp scampi and pasta." Zander puts his hand over Ethan’s menu and presses it to the table. His fingers brush against Ethan’s, and he pulls his arms to himself. "A side of salad too, please." Then the alpha names his own order.

When the waiter shuts the doors after he leaves, Ethan finds it easier to breath. He glances at Zan and gives a grateful smile.

"It’s always difficult the first time." He says and leans back in his seat. "I was twelve when my family first brought me here. I was scared I’d knock my food off the table."

Ethan snorts. He can’t imagine a nervous young Zander worried about making a bad impression on the staff.

"May I ask?" Beau draws Ethan’s attention to the conversation he’s having with his mom.

"Oh, I don’t mind." She waves her hand. She leans forward and fiddles with the rose on the table. "Ethan’s father wasn’t happy running a restaurant with me. I think it overwhelmed him."

Ethan frowns and glares at Beau. He doesn’t think this is any of his business. He doesn’t say that though. If his mom is willing to talk about him to a near stranger, then she must truly be in a good mood.

"Unfortunate for him!" Beau shakes his head. He gives her a flirty smile, a dimple appearing on his right cheek. "Fortunate for you, though. You have the looks to collect a harem."

Ethan chokes on his spit, his eyes wide. He thumps his hand against his chest, as his mom laughs. Did Beau really just say that?

"You’re nothing but a flirt!" Roxanne pats Beau’s arm and wipes a tear from her eyes from laughing to hard. "You flatter me. I don’t have the time to be looking for romance, much less multiple."

"How about a topic change?" Ethan rasps out once he’s calmed down.

"Let’s not make him uncomfortable." Rox chuckles. The door opens and their food is placed in front of them. They small talk as they eat, Ethan sipping at his soda and his mother happy with Zander’s choice of wine.

It’s when she’s had too much that she talks without a filter.

"I’m just so proud of him!" She sniffles. Her plate has been devoured, and Ethan can see her bloating stomach through her dress. "What son would drop his dreams for his mother? He loves me so much!" She glances at Ethan and puts her palm on his cheek. The beta flushes red, but doesn’t look away from her. "My poor boy."

Ethan clears his throat and grabs her wrist. "I think you’ve had a little to much." He chuckles awkwardly.