Exquisite

Chapter Three

Shelly practically dragged Lena toward their table while constantly looking behind them to the bar. Lena on the other hand, followed without a backward glance. She was to busy processing exactly what’d just happened. The flower man was also a bartender? No, that didn’t seem to be adding up. The flower man was the restaurant manager? Hmm, maybe that was the case but why would the manager of the hottest restaurant in town be delivering flowers from that cute little flower boutique Precious Petals? So many questions and thoughts were flipping through her mind she didn’t even realize Shelly had come to a stop and turned to face her. Lena almost bumped into her but at the last minute she looked up and stopped. Shelly craned her neck to see past her, she would guess at Mr. Flower slash bartender slash restaurant manager slash pain in her ass.

“You did not tell me you knew Mason Langley.” she whispered. Her eyes so wide they looked like they might pop out of her face.

Shaking her head Lena answered, “I don’t know a Mason Langley.”

“That man over there burning a hole in your ass is Mason Langley. Owner and Head Chef of this little place called Exquisite.”

Opening her mouth to say something Lena found, for probably the first time in a long while, that she had absolutely nothing to say.

“You know the place we’re standing in? Where we are about to sit down and have a meal? Yeah, you just insulted the head honcho, the man who’ll probably go back there and spit in our food.”

“What do you want me to do? Go over there and apologize?”

Shelly nodded slowly like she was talking to an imbecile. “It would be a start.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Lena asked her in a loud whisper, “I was joking about apologizing.”

“Well I’m not and he’s still staring at your ass.”

Letting out a sigh Lena glared at her, “I’m sure he’s not looking at my ass.”

Shelly looked over at him again then lifted her hand in a small wave and smiled. Then looked back as Lena pouted.

“Why don’t you go and apologize? If you like him so much?"

“Because I wasn’t rude.” Shelly turned to their table and looked over her shoulder shooing her away. “You were.”

Gritting her teeth Lena spun around on her heel to see Mason, she assumed, still standing at the bar his head cocked to one side. His hip was leaning up against the dark mahogany counter and he was looking right at her. He really was incredible to look at, now that she didn’t have to listen to him talk, she thought with a smirk. Yeah that’s it, if he could just stand there silently she’d be happy to look at him. Unfortunately every time he opened his mouth he said something that either annoyed her or down right pissed her off then she morphed into a raging bitch. It was a shame really because he was probably the first man in, well as long as she could remember, that she found extremely attractive. His hair was jet black and cut shorter in the back with a slight curl around his ears. The front looked like he’d just run his hand through it and a stray piece flopped forward. The dark stubble didn’t detract from his appeal it drew attention to his jaw line and mouth. His eyelashes were insanely long, when she noticed those she couldn’t tell you, but she knew they surrounded piercing blue, almost midnight blue, eyes. However, that wasn’t what drew her eye the most, it was his very presence. He was a tall man, at least 6’3 if she had to guess and his shoulders were huge, especially in that black buttoned up shirt he was wearing tonight. They were out lined to perfection and the shirt hugged his torso all the way down to his slim waist where the shirt disappeared into tight black slacks that were framed by a black belt with a silver buckle. Oh yeah, she thought, it was such a shame he was a total pain in her ass. She looked right at him then straightened her spine for the battle to come. He didn’t smile as he continued to watch her, almost intently. It made Lena uncomfortable to be under such scrutiny when there were so many other people around. It was as though they’d all just vanished and she was back in the hospital lobby standing in front of him. However, this time he had the upper hand. Lena watched as one of the bartenders came over to him and started to speak, he nodded but kept his eyes on her the whole time. Looking over her shoulder at Shelly, she stiffened her shoulders then said softly. “Fine, but I’m only doing this because you’re making me and I don’t want spit in my food.”

“I’m so proud of what motivates you Lena. Oh and by the way,” she paused as she waved to the door where McKinney was walking in, “He was definitely staring at your ass.”

Lena ignored her and made her way over to the bar.

Mason kept his eyes on her the whole time she walked back toward him. He noted she walked like she had a pole shoved up her behind. Smirking at the thought, he watched her eyes narrow as she got closer. He could only imagine the thoughts that were running through her mind and he was somewhat curious as to why she was coming back over to the bar. He’d watched the two women closely as the blond had pulled Lena away from him, before she could make more trouble he imagined, and he’d noticed when they stopped at the table that the blond kept looking over at him while whispering to Lena. Since her back had been turned to him he’d seen no harm in looking her over. After all, he was a man and she he discovered, had one fine ass. She may be an uptight piece of work but that tight little skirt she thought made her look professional, hugged her ass just as good as a tight pair of jeans. When her friend had caught him looking she had coyly waved at him and he’d winked at her as she grinned like she was up to no good and now here he was watching Lena stop in front of him at the bar.

“You couldn't stay away?” he asked and felt his lips tug into a grin.

“What can I say? Your insightful recap of this morning’s events endeared you to me.”

He watched her as she placed her hands on the bar. Her fingers started to tap as though she was annoyed, or frustrated, more likely the latter. She hardly seemed the type to go out and get laid to relax herself, though maybe she should. Maybe it would help in removing the pole.

“Look Mason.” she said interrupting his thoughts.

“Oh you know my name? I feel special that you took the time to ask."

Her eyes narrowed, "Well don't. Apparently Shelly recognized you and volunteered the information without me asking."

"Ahh. I see how it is." he said leaning down resting an elbow on the bar which moved him in closer. He watched as she automatically removed her hands so they wouldn't touch. "Shelly should’ve just come over. I would've given her my number."

He watched for the reaction he was hoping for and…"She doesn't want your number you arrogant ass. She wants me to apologize to you." There it was. Mason stood up straight and raised his eyebrows feeling a smug grin spread over his lips. Now that, he hadn't expected.

"Apologize huh? And how's that going so far? As far as I can tell you've just further insulted me." he paused and then from out of no where his mouth opened and he heard himself ask, "How about you make it up to me by having dinner with me?"

He watched as Lena processed what he’d asked and saw a brief hint of emotion, he thought humor, flicker over her face before the ice was back.

"Why on earth would I go to dinner with you? We're practically stranger's not to mention we don't even remotely like one another."

Mason couldn't even begin to understand his own motivation but suddenly it was vital that he got Lena to go out with him. He leaned down again and rested his elbows on the bar.

"Come on Lena. What have you got to lose? The worst thing that’ll happen is you get to enjoy a whole night insulting someone who was pre warned you would do so."

Mason watched her lip twitched slightly.

"Fine, but only if it ensures you won't spit in our food."

Mason let out a loud laugh. He watched her look around and saw everyone staring at them. "Shut up you maniac, everyone's looking at us."

"I'm sorry." he said, looking and feeling anything but. She really was an unusual woman. “So tomorrow night? Eight thirty?"

She was back to looking suspicious. "Fine whatever. I still think it's pointless."

He watched as she looked over her shoulder at the now full table she needed to get back to. "Just meet me right here. Tomorrow night at eight thirty." Mason confirmed quickly so she couldn't get away without a time or place. She looked up at him, nodded then turned on her heel to walk away, but before she moved out of hearing range he called out.

"Lena!" Turning she looked at him and he smiled wide, "I'd never spit in your food," Pausing he then added, "I'd have a staff member do it."

Rolling her eyes at him she spun on her heel and walked over to her table. Mason watched her go and shook his head as he wiped the top of the bar then threw the towel on the back pass. Well damn, he thought, what the hell had just happened?

Making her way back over to the table where her colleagues were now seated she was thinking about what she’d just agreed to. Somehow she’d gone from going over to apologize for her apparent horrible behavior, to having confirmed a date with him? If she could have summed up her thoughts it would have been with three letters. WTF? As it was when she sat down Shelly asked her in a low whisper. "So what happened?"

All Lena could do was look at her and shrug. "I'm really not sure. I insulted him, he said he'd accept my apology for a date, I said yes."

Shelly’s mouth dropped open and before she could pounce McKinney addressed us.

"Well everyone. I’m so glad you could all make it here tonight to welcome Dr Jones to our group. We look forward to working with you and we hope you feel right at home at St Luke’s."

As conversations started around them Lena was continually aware of a pair of eyes on her. Not once did she turn around, and she couldn't explain how she knew, but it felt like he was watching her. Well, she thought to herself, I'll be damned if I let him see me turn around to see if he’s looking. Lena went ahead and ordered the filet minion and it killed her to admit it but the meal was absolutely mouth watering. They talked about trivial work going ons and finally the night started to wind down. She really thought she’d got away without having to deal with Shelly but there was no such luck because right when Lena thought they could all pay up and leave she saw Mason being led to the table by the blond who’d referred to him as the boss earlier this evening. Watching them come around to stand by McKinney's chair Lena felt her heart start beating erratically for no particular reason, other than fear of what the jackass would say. Then the blond tapped McKinney on the shoulder.

"Dr McKinney? You’d requested a moment with the Owner? You're in luck, Mr. Langley also happens to be the Head Chef."

Shelly elbowed Lena and looked sideways with a smirk on her face. Sitting still as a statue Lena continued to watch Mason, not giving him the satisfaction of her embarrassment. He smiled at all the members of the table, including herself, then turned his attention to McKinney. "Well I do hope you all had a wonderful time here tonight?"

McKinney nodded and stood reaching out a hand to shake with Mason and he smiled as he shook it enthusiastically.

"Oh yes Mr. Langley. Let me be the first to tell you that the food was absolutely amazing."

Lena watched dimples appear on Mason's cheeks as his mouth turned up in a smile, and thought, did the man really need dimples as well?

"Well thank you. Nothing pleases me more than a happy customer." he paused smiling around the table until his eyes landed right on hers and he spoke clearly, "After all there's nothing worse than someone running to the boss to complain."

Lena heard Shelly chuckle and she whipped her head around to glare at her. She shrugged innocently as he continued, "Did Wendy say you were Dr McKinney?"

Lena groaned silently at the mischief written all over his face and as the doctor nodded Mason pretended to look thoughtful, "Hmm. I was sure your name was familiar, but there must’ve been a mistake."

McKinney nodded. "Yes I think it must’ve been because if I'd known the chef it wouldn't have been so hard to get in here tonight." and just that quickly Mason had confirmed he’d never met McKinney and just how far off the mark Lena had been.

It also pleased him immensely, she was sure, that at the same time it managed to make her feel like a huge ass. He made sure he turned toward them and raised his eyebrow as if to say, see wasn't me now say you’re sorry. Lena glared at him, you conceited jerk. Just see if I turn up here tomorrow. Then he looked at Shelly and winked making her giggle like a thirteen year old.

"You are not helping." Lena said through gritted teeth.

"Oh Lena he’s adorable and I completely helped you out. Remember that on your date."

Lena continued to glare at her then turned back as Mason shook hands with McKinney once more then walked around the table. She was horrified when he stopped behind their chairs and squatted down.

"Hello again ladies."

Shelly turned so she was practically nose to nose with him, "Hello Mr. Langley."

"Oh come on Shelly, you can call me Mason."

"Ok then, Mason. Dinner was amazing."

Stiffening in her chair Lena felt his breath on the back of her ear as he leaned in. "It was the extra seasoning."

Turning her head quickly to see the huge smile on his face bracketed by those damn dimples, she whispered, "You’re disgusting."

Only he and Shelly heard and she wasn't sure but Lena thought she heard Shelly squeak.

"Hey, you were the one who gave me the idea." then he laughed softly, "Not to worry Lena, your meal was put together by the very best." he paused and stood, "Which would be me."

Rolling her eyes as he turned to walk away she let out a deep breath until she saw he’d stopped and looked back, "Oh and Lena don't even think about not being here tomorrow. I know where you work."

She glared at him as he walked away not even waiting for her answer.

The following morning Mason decided to drop by and see his mother. After all, the last time he’d spoken to her he hadn't been on his best behavior. He parked his car at the rear of her shop and made his way to the back entrance. Unlocking the door he pushed it open and heard the chimes tinkle as he stepped inside. Immediately he was hit with the fragrance his mother wore, Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds, mixed in with a combination of red roses, petunias and huge yellow sunflowers which were all sitting by the back door having just been delivered. He wandered up the main aisle searching for her. As a child Mason had loved his mother's store. It’d always reminded him of an enchanted forest. His mother and sister always accused him of being to charming for his own good and when you added in flowers, well a woman didn’t stand a chance. That thought then brought to mind uptight Lena. Now there was a woman who was obviously not impressed with flowers. He tried to remember why and how he’d ended up asking her for a date tonight other than being a complete masochist. He rounded the end counter where his mother had set up a small water feature and saw her standing at the front of the store in the display window arranging a vase of pink, yellow and white tulips. His mother was a short lady, probably around 5'2 if that. She had her grey hair cut to chin length and was currently wearing a blue shirt that brought out her light blue eyes, eyes that both he and his sister had ended up inheriting, although his were a shade darker. She was wearing a long black skirt that was swishing around her ankles and had her shop apron on that was red and had Precious Petals by Catherine, in black embossed across the front.

"Hey there mom."

She looked up with three pink tulips in her hand then grinned at him.

"Mase! How are you?"

Mason put his keys on the bench and walked around it to her. Reaching out he bent down putting his hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "I'm good. How are you this morning? I see you got more sunflowers in. I didn't realize they were such a big seller?"

She smiled up at him, "Oh yes! They came in this morning, they're so happy aren't they? I always feel like they’re smiling at me when I look at them."

Mason nodded and took his mother's hand to help her step down from the small lip of the window display. She walked around him wiping her hands on her apron as she moved over to the counter. "So what brings you by dear?" she paused looking at her computer then back to him, "Not that you need a reason, but this is an unexpected visit. Especially after you yelled at me yesterday morning."

No one, absolutely no one could make Mason feel guilty like his mother. He walked around the counter and leaned against it watching her as she scrolled through the first orders of the day.

"Well I actually came by to apologize to you." and that comment automatically brought Lena to mind and her horrible attempt of an apology. Pushing her from his thoughts, for the moment, he heard his mother say, "Oh you did, did you?”

"Yep." Mason smiled as she turned to face him and leaned her waist against the counter in a pose that mirrored his. She reached up and pushed her hair behind her ear.

"And what are you apologizing to me for son? Yelling at me or hanging up on me?"

Mason grinned and shook his head, "I did not yell at you."

"This does not sound like a good apology to me." she said in a sing song voice.

"Alright, alright." Mason chuckled, "I apologize for yelling at you and hanging up on you."

She reached up and patted his cheek, "That's quiet alright son. Obviously something had you quite upset."

"Yes at the time I was upset but I’ve since come to terms with it." Thinking with a chuckle of Lena as the it, in question.

"Well good! I'm glad to hear it. I just hate when my boy is upset." Turning she walked back down the aisle he’d come in from. He grabbed his keys and followed her stopping by the bright yellow sunflowers. She turned to beam at him. "See? Don't you feel like they just smile at you?"

Mason swung his keys around his fingers. "Yeah mom they do. I still don't know why you order so many. Don't people usually by them one at a time?"

He watched as his mom twirled one in her hand, "Yes usually. I have one customer who buys one everyday."

Mason felt his eyebrows rise, "Really? Everyday?"

His mother smiled then looked up at him, "Yes dear, everyday."

"Wow. I wonder who they’re for?"

His mother smiled softly and reached out to touch his cheek, "It's not my job to ask son. I just make sure I have what’s needed."

Mason nodded understanding his mother, in some ways, was like a confessional and counselor of sorts. Someone that people went to when they wanted their happiness celebrated, their guilt assuaged, or their grief expressed. She touched more people in a day then he did in a week. She was a wonderful person and he knew he was lucky as hell to have her.

"Well I just wanted to come by and say sorry for being a jerk and that I love you."

She smiled, reached out and squeezed his hand. "Well thank you for that son. I love you to." she paused and smiled widely, "Even when you're being a jerk."

Lena sat staring at the files in front of her. It’d just turned 3pm and she’d been busy all morning. She had patient after patient and hadn’t been able to stop and eat let alone think. She’d worked on a five year old boy today with a piece of chalk wedged in his right ear and extracting it hadn’t been pleasant for anyone in the room, including Lena who had felt horrible for the child who’d started screaming the minute he saw the long pair of stainless steel scissors going toward his ear. Lena grimaced remembering the crying child, the worried mother and her own immense headache. It’d felt like hours, but in fact had been twenty excruciating minutes. However, the day had finally slowed down and she’d got a break in her schedule before the last few patients of her shift and as she sat at her desk her mind wandered to Mason Langley. She hated to admit it but last night, after the frustrating and humiliating turn of events, she had gone home and Goggled him. She now wished she hadn't. She knew everything from what his favorite color was, which was sky blue, to how many women this year he’d dated, which was a staggering thirty three and it wasn't even mid May yet! How could one man have the energy to date that many women? Let alone sleep with them? Then, of course, her mind started wondering to Mason in bed and Lena doubted when he was there he did any sleeping. Groaning to herself she dropped her head onto her arms and thought, why on earth had I agreed to this? Then she reminded herself, oh that's right he suckered me into it with his manipulating words and his damn dimples.

Lena had also found out that he’d grown up right here in Chicago and had decided he’d wanted to open a restaurant from a young age where his family and friends could relax and ‘hang out’. He’d entered the local Culinary Institute and got his degree then went and spent one year in France interning with some of the great chefs of the country. Returning state side he’d located an old rundown warehouse and had it renovated and transformed into Exquisite. The doors to his restaurant had opened 13 months earlier and it’d been an instant hit with the town. A feel good story of hometown boy makes good. Again Lena found herself sighing. She sat back in her chair and stared at the phone. She’d contemplated calling the restaurant and canceling all day but had stopped herself at the last minute, she didn't want to appear to be a coward and in his own way he’d issued a dare of sorts to turn up or he’d come find her. She stood up and was about to go down to the cafeteria when Shelly knocked on her door.

"Oh are you on your way out?"

Lena shook her head, "I'm just going to get something to eat."

Shelly looked at her watch. "I can come with. My schedule’s been cleared for the afternoon."

Lena nodded and started walking with her to the elevator, "What? People don't need to breathe today?" It was a standard joke between her and the Pulmonologist.

"Yes they do. But right now I need to eat," She paused then winked at Lena, "And gossip."

"I knew it." Lena groaned as the got in the elevator.

"So you are going tonight right?" Shelly probed.

"Of course I'm going. He threatened to come down and get me if I didn't." Lena grumbled.

"Hmmm. I'm not sure that would be a bad thing Lena. I think I’d let that man drag me anywhere he wanted to."

Lena rested her head on the back wall. "The man is infuriating."

"He's gorgeous."

"He's frustrating."

"He's charming."

Lena rolled her head against the wall to glare at her friend. "He is a serial womanizer. I don't need this." The elevator pinged and the doors slid open. They got off and walked into the cafeteria.

"You don't need what? A date with a good looking man?"

Lena picked up a tray showed her badge then moved with Shelly down the aisle. She picked up a ham and turkey sandwich. "I don't need a distraction, a complication."

Picking up a bottle of apple juice Shelly stated. "What you’re really saying is you don't need emotional distractions, but Lena honey? I’ve never met anyone who needs it more.”

She paused and picked up a granola bar and kept moving. Lena looked at Shelly’s tray. "That's all you're eating?"

Shelly nodded, "I ate a sandwich earlier. Don't change the subject. You’ve been really bad lately, even for you. Late in the mornings. I know you aren't sleeping for shit and I don't think even you can remember the last time you had fun or sex."

Lena's head whipped around to her friend. "Who said anything about sex?"

Shelly laughed, "Lena, did you see that man? It didn't need to be spoken it was implied the minute he smiled and those sexy ass dimples appeared."

Lena slid into the seat groaning and put her head into her hands, "I don't want this Shelly. I don't want a distraction or something to take my mind of things. I'm fine."

"You're not." she stated bluntly, "You’re a mess. You’ve detached yourself from anything even remotely resembling a relationship."

"That's not true," Lena said biting into her sandwich. Then mumbling around it she continued, "I have a relationship with you."

Shelly smiled chewing her granola bar, "That's true, but only because I make you be nice to me but even I won’t have sex with you Lena. Come on when was the last time you had a man in your bed?"

Lena grimaced, it’d been a long time and even then, it’d been in his bed and she’d snuck out the moment he’d rolled off and fallen asleep. "Three years and two months."

"Holy shit!" Shelly gasped loud enough that other people looked.

"Shut up!" Lena hissed. "What's wrong with you?"

"Jesus Lena. How are you not more of a bitch? I will never know. How do you deal with it?"

"Well I just try to take each day at a time and pray every day there’s a cure." Lena replied, her voice dripping with derision, "It isn't a deadly disease Shelly." she snapped. "Plus there are other ways to ahh... you know."

Shelly grinned then laughed loudly, "Ah Lena just when I think you’re losing your sense of humor."

"Shut it Shelly."

He friend laughed and stuffed the rest of the granola bar in her mouth.

Mason was sitting in his office at the restaurant when Rachel came in with a pile of paper work in her hands.

"I’m assuming that’s for me?"

Smiling she dumped it on the corner of his desk and sat down opposite him. Her black hair was in a high top ponytail today and the red tips swung back and forth freely. Her bright glossy lips stretched into a smile.

"Yep. Receipts and balances from last night boss. You made a killing."

Mason smiled at her as he leaned back in his chair. Rachel had followed in his foot steps and become a Pastry Chef and he’d snatched her up the minute he could get her to stop traveling to globe. She was an amazing artist and that was what she was. A genius with desserts she was fast gaining a reputation as the best in the business. Mason also happened to love making her do menial things, such as chop vegetables to keep her humble, and well because he could.

"We made a killing. You have stakes in this place as well."

Nodding she grinned, looking like a 12 year old instead of 30. She was a free spirit and expressed herself through any means possible, from the food she created to the red tips in her hair. Today she was dressed in black and white checked chef pants and a purple chef jacket Mason had specifically ordered for her.

"So? You going to tell me who you were talking to at the bar last night?"

Mason knew exactly who she was referring to but feigned indifference, "I spoke to a lot of people last night."

"Don't try and be cute with me Mason Langley. The buttoned up suit talking to you while you tried unsuccessfully to charm her."

Mason's mouth dropped open and he blinked at his sister. "How do you know it was unsuccessful?"

"Cause Wendy said the suit called you disgusting."

"Interfering, gossipy women." he mumbled.

"Aww come on Mase. You know you love us."

He raised his left eyebrow and rocked back in his leather chair. "Well Wendy is half right. She doesn't really like me a whole lot at the moment, but I did get her to go on a date with me tonight." he tacked on the end.

"By what, threatening her?"

"No I kind of manipulated her into it." he admitted with a smile tugging the corner of his mouth. Rachel laughed and slapped her palm on her leg.

"Wow, that has to be a first for you right? Usually women throw themselves at your feet."

"It's not quiet that dramatic Rachel."

She tilted her head to the side and looked at him thoughtfully, "Do you forget I had a girl ask me if she could give me her panties to give to you?"

Mason tried, unsuccessfully, not to laugh. "Oh come on that was one time and I think you misjudged her."

"Her panties Mason." she said slowly and loudly, enunciating each syllable, "She couldn't write the name on paper but on the crotch of her panties."

Now he did laugh loudly, "You have to give her credit for creativity."

Rachel screwed her nose up and stood, "No I don't. That's gross." she walked to the door and looked back, "She didn't make it easy for you. I like her already.” then she disappeared out the door. Mason sat in silence and thought, I don't think anything about Lena is going to be easy.