Chapter 38 A Dinner Of Apologies
"We need to get your makeup done." Anna responded. The staffs swung to action. One of them guided Amanda to the chair close to the dressing mirror. She began to check for the perfect makeup kit to use. Another began to work on her hair. In no time, they all became busy, going up and down.
After what felt like a whirlwind, Amanda was completely dressed. "Is this really me? Is this Amanda?" Amanda asked, looking at her reflection in the mirror, she was astonished by her transformation.
"This is flawless," she exclaimed. The make up has enhanced her natural beauty, and her hair was elegantly styled to complement the dress.
"Thank you", she said to the already smiling staff. " You did a good job."
Anna snapped her fingers and the staff stepped forward with a smile, holding two pairs of heels each.
"Which would you prefer? Anna asked, pointing to the heels.
Amanda looked at the heels. They were all beautiful. Making a choice became very difficult. " Which would you suggest?" She asked Anna.
"These will complete your look, Amanda." Anna responded, pointing to a silver heels. "Fine then." Amanda responded, slipping into the heels with the help of the staff who held it.
"Wow," Amanda exclaimed. The staff smiled, clearly pleased with Amanda's reaction. She turned around in excitement. "Now that I am perfectly dressed, shall we have the party?" She said, sarcastically.
Anna stepped forward. "One more thing." A lady stepped forward with a jewelry box. Anna brought out a silver necklace. "Here is the final touch" She said, putting the necklace on her neck.
Amanda checked into the mirror again. "This is really beautiful" she said, recovering from her gasp. "Now you can come with me" Anna said with no more hesitation.
"Where are we going to?" Amanda asked, curiously.
Anna smiled, "To see Mr. Xi" she responded.
While the other staff dispatched, Anna led Amanda down a corridor. As they approached a set of double doors, Amanda became impatient. "Can you tell me what to expect?" She asked, acting like a baby.
Anna smiled again. She was pleased at both her innocence and free mind. They arrived at the entrance of the room. "Please, go in" she gestured to her as she opened the door.
Amanda entered and the door closed behind her immediately. It was a beautifully decorated room. Soft candlelight cast a warm glow, and the walls were adorned with exquisite paintings. At the corner of the room is a small dining area, with a table set for two.
Amanda's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Rowan standing by the table, looking dapper in a well-tailored suit. He had the same expression.
"Rowan!" Amanda called out, not knowing what to say. His shocked face soon changed into a welcoming smile as he extended his hand towards her.
"Good evening, Amanda," Rowan greeted her warmly. "You look absolutely stunning." She blushed at the compliment, leaving his hand hanging unintentionally "Thank you, Rowan. But what is this?"
Rowan did not respond. He just smiled. Amanda continued, waiting for a reasonable explanation. "What is going on? First, the unusual welcome, the dress, " she used her hands as she spoke, "and this? What is really going on?"
"Well, as you can see," Rowan began, "It is a dinner date."
"A date?" Amanda asked, surprised.
"Yes," Rowan continued. "This is an apology from me. I am sorry for being a jerk to you yesterday." He moved closer then continued. "For what happened at work yesterday, I have not been opportuned to tender a proper apology and also, the way I behaved yesterday evening. It was totally uncalled for."
Amanda listened intently. An apology like that was what she least expected from Roman. "This is romantic" she screamed in her head." But she maintained her composure.
"So, you mean all of this is just you saying you are sorry?" She asked, surprise was evident in both her voice and expression.
Rowan nodded in agreement. "But I also have a little favor to ask of you" he added.
Her changed demeanor revealed that her surprise has intensified. "A favor?" she asked. "What is it?" She quickly added.
"That can't be now." Rowan said, guiding her to one of the chairs. He pulled it out for her with a gentle man gesture. Amanda stared in awe.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Rowan said as he took the seat opposite Amanda. "I am sorry if the menu is quite enormous." He pointed to the table that was entirely occupied. "I was not sure of which you would prefer so I demanded for quite a number"
Amanda glanced at Rowan, blushing. Her eyes were filled with intrigue. "You've certainly gone to great lengths for an apology, Rowan. And for a favour of course. I wonder what that could be?"
"Come on, Amanda, don't be too curious. Lets just enjoy the moment" Rowan said, smiling mysteriously. He poured Amanda a glass of wine.
"Cheers to a good night!" Rowan said raising his glass after pouring wine for himself. "Cheers!" Amanda responded, raising her glass too. They began to eat almost immediately.
Amanda broke the silence. "Rowan, errhmm… about Detective Wills…" Rowan interrupted her. "Please forget about it. I was unreasonable." He said.
Before Amanda could say anything in response to what he said, he spoke again. "It's totally fine if you cannot invite me into your house because your mom might not be cool with it. You don't have to worry about that, I understand."
"You are unpredictable." Amanda exclaimed, trying to make sense of what he just said. They continued eating their food. They engaged in conversations that made them laugh once in a while.
When they finished eating, Amanda did not waste any more time. She started the conversation immediately. "So, what is the favor you want from me?"
Rowan chuckled "You have no chills, Amanda", he said, cleaning his mouth with the paper wipes on the table.
"I am dying of suspense" Amanda responded.
"Fine." Rowan began. "Amanda, what I am about to say may sound ridiculous…trust me, it is, but I need your help and I don't see myself asking any other person."