Chapter 23 Dimitri And His Wife Join Us 1
MADISON POV
While Cohen was driving, he mentioned that one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto is Terroni.
"You'll love it, the atmosphere is super nice and the food is wonderful, you have to try it"—his enthusiasm makes me smile.
"I'm sure I'm going to love it," I said putting on music on the radio.
We went to have lunch at the Queen Street West restaurant.
Upon arriving, we were greeted very politely, and the waiter led us to a table on the patio.
He then brought the menu but since I had never tried Italian food, it was quite difficult to choose with so many dishes.
Before we chose our appetizer, the waiter placed a fresh, warm cake on the table.
"We didn't ask for that," I said to the boy standing with a notepad in his hand.
"It's a courtesy, Madi, they do this with all customers," Cohen replied.
What an embarrassment, I should have kept quiet.
He decided to choose the dishes so that I wouldn't make any more mistakes, It wasn't long before they brought the appetizer.
This is Tagliere di Formaggi.
I make a strange face.
I didn't understand anything he said, which made Cohen burst out laughing.
In other words, Madi, cheese boards with jams.
"Oh yes, why didn't you say so before?
This restaurant has this habit of inventing difficult names for such simple things," I said, grabbing a piece of cheese.
"Wow, it's delicious."
I told you, when I first came here I liked it so much that I had to go to the gym for a month afterwards.
We both laughed.
Cohen has a good sense of humor, but his demeanor remains quite well-behaved.
And what is this? — I point to the other dish they brought.
This is Insalata Caprese, a typical Italian salad with tomatoes, pesto, and buffalo mozzarella.
Buffalo? Is that good? — I ask just to be sure.
It's wonderful, try it.
At first, you might find the taste different, but as you continue tasting it, you'll begin to appreciate its flavor.
I put a little in my mouth and exactly what he said happens.
"It's really good, but I still prefer the roast chicken they used to sell on Sundays at the bakery near my house," I said, remembering.
This is the first time I've spontaneously brought up my past with someone.
I was surprised.
It must be Cohen's company; he manages to bring out the best in me, makes me feel light, and that makes me like him more and more.
While I'm looking at him, I think about how good it was that he came into my life, even if in a somewhat awkward way.
It was good; he's still my client, but among so many ordinary men, having someone like him is a comfort.
I snap out of my reverie when the main course arrives.
I ordered my favorite dish, I hope you like it — He pauses — It's called Spaghetti in Canna a Mare, it's pasta with seafood.
Now I like it, I love seafood — I said, already eager to eat.
That's great, then you'll like it, it's delicious.
Every time I come here I order this dish and the Margherita pizza.
One thing I love is pizza.
"So we discovered something we have in common, a toast to that!" He raises his glass.
At the moment of the toast, I almost dropped my glass of wine when I saw Dimitri and his wife entering the restaurant, and to my misfortune, they saw us.
Damn, it was too good, wasn't it?
"Dimitri, Madi, what a coincidence to find you here," Dimitri said as he and his wife walked to our table.
"Yeah, we've been seeing each other a lot lately," Cohen said ironically.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to them love?" said the blonde beside her.
Oh sure, this is Fraya, my wife, and this is Cohen, one of the businessmen with whom I have some dealings, and this is Madi.
The prostitute he used to sleep with before marrying you — I finish in my thoughts.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, all polite like those preppy girls who were made to wave and smile.
I look at them and smile, trying my best to continue with this ridiculous charade.
"Can we sit with you?" Dimitri said with a slight smile on his lips.
I can't believe it, I look at Cohen begging him not to accept anymore, but it was in vain.
Of course, have a seat.
We were having some wine, would you like some?
Oh my God, this can't be happening. Everything was going so well.
Is God testing me?
It has to be.
"Madi, are you his girlfriend?" Fraya asks, trying to start a conversation.
No, I'm just an esco......
Companion?
What do you mean?
"I invited Madi to travel with me, to keep me company; I don't like being alone in hotels," Cohen replied on my behalf.
I wish Dimitri were like that, wouldn't you, my love?
That makes me want to throw up.
For a few minutes, the table was silent. Dimitri and his wife sat across from Cohen and me.
I didn't want to stay there any longer, but I had to.
Dimitri couldn't take his eyes off me, and inside I was struggling not to return his gaze.
"So, how did you two meet?" the blonde asks.
In a nightclub — I reply, grabbing a piece of cheese to stuff my mouth before I say something stupid.
That's interesting.
Do you frequent nightclubs often?
She's definitely asking too much.
No, just one.
Where I work.
I notice Dimitri swallowing hard.
And which nightclub do you work at?
I might know one, I'm always invited to some of them, you know, that thing about having a celebrity there to generate media attention.
This girl was driving me crazy.
I wanted to reply, "That's none of your business," but it wouldn't be worth it.
A Sweetly Spicy — I said the name of Ma'am Rose's nightclub, and her eyes widened.
"But that nightclub is a brothel," she said incredulously.
That's right, and I'm one of the prostitutes who work there.