Chapter 32
All of a sudden, my face turns red. It's the first time in my life that I've been so embarrassed.
People keep coming in and out of the restaurant, and they all look at me meaningfully. I wish I could disappear right now.
I turn around to leave, but bump into Harrison who has just parked the car. He looks at me in confusion. "Why don't you go in?"
I really don't want him to know the truth, so I say, "I'm not feeling well, and I don't want a steak. Let's go to another place, shall we?"
"I know a great restaurant, and you're gonna love it..."
Before I finish my words, Harrison passed me and walked to the security guard. His gaze continuously drifts towards me, making me too awkward to know what to do.
'Should I just leave or stay here?'
I don't know what Harrison said to the security guard, but he then waves his hand to me. I walk to him reluctantly and complain awkwardly, "You didn't tell me we were eating here. I didn't wear a suit." I'm wearing a white t-shirt, jeans shorts, and sneakers. The only problem is it doesn't work in a fancy restaurant.
"We can go in now." Harrison takes my hand and walks into the restaurant.
I keep looking back, for fear that security guard would kick me out.
We're sitting by the window. The food here is expensive, but it hasn't stopped its popularity. People have been looking at me since I got here.
It must be because of my dress. As a thin-skinned person, I can't stand the constant attention.
Harrison's reading the menu. I ask in a low voice, "Why don't we go to another place? I feel like I'm a clown."
He doesn't respond to me and continues to read the menu.
"How about we eat here next time? I..." I'm full of anger. If the waiter hadn't stood by my side, I would have said it loudly.
"How would you like your steak cooked?"
I subconsciously reply, "Well-done!"
I've never actually had a steak, so I'll just have it well-done. To my surprise, Harrison laughs after I said that.
"Sorry, Madam. We only have rare, medium rare, medium and medium well. I recommend you medium well."
What else could I say at this time? I nod like crazy, trying to forget how embarrassed I am.
I wonder if Harrison took me here on purpose. Maybe he just wants to make fun of me for being raised in the barn.
Why doesn't this restaurant have well-done steak?
"He is right," Harrison suddenly says, "There's no well-done steak in a real western restaurant. Some chefs will kick out people who order it." "Really?" I'm surprised.
"Get used to it. Every industry has its own set of rules."
I stared at him until the waiter served us.
I try not to speak when I'm eating. On the one hand, I have nothing to say. On the other hand, I don't want to make a fool of myself again.
I've been embarrassed enough for today.
But this steak tastes really good. If only I hadn't said well-done!
Halfway through the meal, a beautiful woman comes over to toast Harrison. She glances at me and I suspiciously pick up my wine. But the next, she's talking to Harrison. I drink up my wine without saying anything.
"I thought I mistook you for someone else. Aren't you gonna introduce your date?" The woman asks in a sweet voice.
"Don't you already know she's my date?"
I look at the woman. She's extremely charming and sexy, and she sounds like a siren.
Compared to her, I am like an ugly duckling standing next to a white swan.
The woman nods and turns around to greet me enthusiastically with a smile. "I'm Harrison's friend. Is it the first time you've been here?"
I nod. "Yes. Nice to meet you."
"What's your job?" She asks.
"I've just been dismissed." It's kind of disgraceful but I don't like lying.
She's very surprised at my answer, and then gives a look of realization. "Harrison's a generous man. Congratulations."
With those words, she walks away in high heels.
I sit in my seat, holding the knife and fork tightly with my hands and making a gallant attempt to hide my tears.
"Upset?" Harrison asks in a slow and unhurried tone.
I raise my head to stare at him. Of course, I feel upset! He has no idea how hurtful those words are!
Is it my fault to get fired? Why would that woman take it for granted that I was kept by him? I don't want her so-called congratulations at all!
"In a way, she's right."
How dare he say that?! I get furious. "So you're saying I'm being kept..."
I'm stunned. The knife and fork fall to the ground, making a noise. The waiter comes over and gets me new ones. I thank him mechanically, but all I can think about is his words. Yes, I'm kept by Harrison. I have no income. He paid my debts and my mother's medical bills.
I think back to the night I stood naked in front of him. If he hadn't said no, I would have technically been his mistress. He has done everything a sugar daddy does except sleeping with me. Harrison's just finished his steak and is elegantly wiping his mouth. He's just as graceful and distant as when I first met him.
After spending so much time with him, I forgot we were from different worlds.
"Do you know why you were allowed in here?" He leans back in his chair and asks in a low voice.
I answer with a wry smile, "Because you're rich. You can ignore the rules."
"Not only that," he says in a gentle voice, as if he has been amused. "I'm rich and powerful."