Nestled in the heart of a quaint little town, the family restaurant exuded an undeniable charm. Its wooden facade, weathered by years of stories and laughter, welcomed guests with open arms. The front door creaked softly as patrons entered, as if it were whispering tales of hospitality and culinary delights that awaited them within.
As per usual Laney was leading the way, looking for just the right table to sit at. Her Dad had always done this no matter where they were in the World as she always picked somewhere they could relax and just not be bothered.
The centerpiece of the restaurant was a magnificent oak bar, where patrons gathered to share stories and indulge in spirited conversations. Behind it stood a team of skilled bartenders, their hands deftly pouring colourful concoctions and mixing classic cocktails. The bar was adorned with shelves of carefully curated spirits, each bottle holding the promise of crafted libations that would delight even the most discerning palate.
Having spent some time in the pub trade business, it was always the little things that Stu-E picked up on while Laney kept looking.
“Found it, Daddy!”
Amongst the bustling charm of the restaurant, a particular table nestled near the window held a special allure, drawing the attention of Laney. The table, adorned with a crisp, white tablecloth, awaited their arrival with an air of anticipation, as if aware of the moments it was about to witness.
Positioned strategically, the table offered an unobstructed view of the world beyond, a window into a tapestry of life unfolding outside. It captured the soft glow of the setting sun, casting a warm, golden light that bathed the surrounding area, as if painting a picturesque backdrop for their cherished moments.
The chairs that accompanied the table were of solid wood, worn with age, yet still sturdy and reliable. They stood as a testament to the countless conversations, laughter, and shared meals that had taken place over the years, their warm patina a testament to the memories etched within their very fibers.
It had been a while since Laney had been brought to somewhere like this by her dad, unfortunately they were often the victims of bad time keeping as nine times out of ten it was always just somewhere cheap and cheerful, but this place was very different.
As Laney gracefully settled into her chair, her feet dangled above the ground, swinging with youthful enthusiasm. She gazed up at her father with bright eyes, filled with anticipation and wonder, eager to find out what sort of wonders the menu might hold. Its pages, filled with vibrant descriptions and tantalizing photographs, held the promise of culinary wonders to be explored. The young girl's eyes widened as she eagerly scanned the offerings, her finger tracing the words, imagining the flavors that awaited her taste buds.
The father leaned in, his voice gentle and soothing, guiding his daughter through the menu with care. Together, they deliberated on their choices, engaging in a dance of shared decision-making and gentle compromise. The table seemed to hold its breath, as if sharing in their anticipation, ready to bear witness to their culinary discoveries.
As the waiter approached, the father and daughter exchanged a knowing glance, their connection unspoken yet profound.
“Would you like me to take your order?” the waiter asked, Stu-E just smiled and nodded. “If the Boss is ready!” Laney looked up at the waiter and smiled.
“I’ll have pepperoni pizza please.” Her Dad shook his head, what was the point of going through the menu if she was just going to order what she normally orders. “I’ll go with the Rib Eye steak, medium rare please, with peppercorn sauce.” Laney now shook her head, wondering why he always just orders the steak! “And any drinks?” enquired the waiter.
“Large beer for me thanks, don’t care what brand and....” He leaves his daughter to decide, normally she would just go for a Coke but today she fancied something different. “I’ll have a milk, please.”
Off the waiter went, taking the menus with him and scribbling the order down on his order pad. While Laney pulled out her phone to play on Snapchat, Stu-E sat back in his seat and took in the view in peace and quiet. Time seemed to suspend itself, the rest of the restaurant fading into a hazy backdrop until the sound of his pint of beer being placed on the table broke his quiet contemplation.
Laney takes a sip of her milk and goes back to playing on her phone, making weird faces. “Daddy?” she says to which Stu-E replies, “Laney” in a mocking voice, copying the way she says the word ‘daddy’ dragging the last letter for longer than necessary.
“Are you wrestling on the next show?” He shrugs his shoulders, “I am not entirely sure to be honest, I’ve still not heard from Butch but he’s got a lot on his plate at the minute but I’ll no doubt hear something soon, why, anyway?”
“No reason, it was good to have my own t-shirt and see lots of people wearing it and cheering for me. I can’t wait for Mammy to see it, and Caitlin. I think I’m gonna like being with you at the wrestling.”
He takes a swig of his beer and sighs.
“I’m glad you are having a good time; we are getting this chance where I can show you just how I made a lot of money through the years. Just remember, though, darling, the business isn’t all fun all the time.”
“Yeah, like the other week when you lost.”
“That’s not exactly what I meant, Laney, but thanks for reminding me! Sometimes in this business, people take themselves too seriously or they get obsessed about something and make bad decisions. There’s a few guys all causing trouble right now, and when some people are in that frame of mind, accidents happen. Always remember what I’ve said to you, if anything happens.”
“I know, Daddy.”
As the conversation between the 8-year-old girl and her father swirled with tenderness, like an unexpected interlude in a heartfelt melody, the waiter approached, carrying a tray adorned with their much-anticipated dishes.
With careful precision, the waiter placed a steaming plate before the young girl. As if a magician unveiling a captivating trick, a delicious aroma wafted from the dish, swirling with the unmistakable scent of a freshly baked pepperoni pizza. The girl's eyes widened, sparkling with delight, as she took in the sight before her—a golden crust, adorned with a vibrant tapestry of toppings and gooey cheese that melted invitingly.
The table, momentarily forgotten in the presence of such culinary splendor, watched as the girl's small hands reached for a slice, the cheese stretching and stringing as she lifted it triumphantly. Her father, his attention momentarily diverted, leaned in with a smile, admiring the sheer joy on her face. The table seemed to understand, respecting the beauty of the moment, holding its breath as if to preserve the memory.
As if in perfect harmony, the waiter then presented the father with his dish—a magnificent rib eye steak, tender and perfectly seared. The plate exuded an irresistible aroma, a tantalizing melody of charred meat and savory seasonings. The steak, glistening with mouthwatering juices, rested upon a bed of vibrant greens, enticing the senses.
The father's eyes widened in appreciation as he took in the culinary masterpiece before him. The table, now fully aware of the significance of this interruption, seemed to lean in, eager to witness the man's reaction. With a grateful nod, the father's eyes met the waiter's, silently conveying his appreciation for the gastronomic delight that had been placed before him.
The table, now a stage for culinary exploration, held its breath as the girl and her father were about to embark on a feast that would not only satisfy their hunger but also nourish their souls.
The moment broken by the noise of a vibrating phone buzzing against a set of keys in Stu-E's pocket. He takes the phone out and smirks, it’s his reply from Butch.
“You’re more than welcome, man! You and Laney have been a breath of fresh air since you came back. At least we don’t have to worry about any ridiculous drama with you. I know Sean’s pissed about the way he lost and I know you didn’t know anything about what Fallen and Legion did but it might be worth just reaching out to him. He’ll appreciate it. If you need anything in the meantime, just let me know. Details for the next Havoc will be posted soon.”
The phone is placed back in his pocket, and he smiles at his daughter, “I reckon that sounds like we’ll be action next Havoc too, Laney!”
She’s lost in the moment with a mouth full of expertly baked pizza, so casually sticks her thumb up to acknowledge what her Dad just said, who looks down at his steak and grabs his cutlery. He’s about to cut into his meat but his mind wanders back to that text from Butch.
“I’ll be back in a second, Laney.” Stu-E doesn’t look for a response as he knows how much she likes pepperoni pizza and heads outside of the restaurant, taking his phone out as he walks and scrolls through his phone book.
The restaurant’s exterior, an exquisite blend of rustic charm and timeless elegance, beckoned passersby to step inside and experience a world of culinary delights. It also meant more people would divert their attention towards the venue rather than Stu-E who was trying to make a phone call, and just hearing a dialing tone.
Looking at the building, fashioned from sturdy brick and adorned with ivy that crept along its walls, exuded a sense of history and grace. The ivy, with its verdant tendrils, wove a natural tapestry, embracing the structure as if nature itself sought to become an integral part of the restaurant's story. Soft sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting a dappled pattern on the façade and adding an ethereal touch to the ambiance.
“Sean?”
He pauses, it is Sean’s voicemail, unfortunately, as he waits for the automated greeting to get to the point where he can leave a message, he glances back up at the restaurant he just randomly came across while looking for a toilet.
A wooden sign, weathered by the passage of time, proudly announced the restaurant's name in elegant, swirling letters. It swung gently from an iron bracket, its creaking melody welcoming guests like a melodic invitation. The letters, painted a deep, rich hue, mirrored the warmth that awaited within.
“Sean, it’s Stu-E, just dropping in. I’m guessing you’re busy with everything going on. I just wanted to say thanks for the match, and I hope next time we’re both at 100% and we don’t have any daft distractions. If I had known you’d been attacked before the Stun Cutter, I wouldn’t have went for the pin.
Anyway, I’m just out having food with Laney and found this great place. I’ll send the location on WhatsApp and I’ll stick $500 behind the counter for you and your pal to have a meal on me. Hope you’re both on the mend really soon. See ya around, bud.”
He hangs up the call, while looking through the large, inviting windows that frame the front of the restaurant. Laney’s on her fourth slice of pizza now, he glances around again before heading back inside to his daughter and his steak.
Message Thread
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