Chapter 6

Fake First Date

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Emil arrived at the Atlantic Prairie Hotel early, fifteen minutes before six, to be exact.

Just to be clear, he wasn't early only because he was looking forward to dinner with Robert (though that was undoubtedly part of it), but because Robert had a strict aversion to lateness (and an even stronger aversion to waiting). Robert got bored quickly, especially when left standing around. To him, being kept waiting was already a waste of his precious time that could have been spent working. It was one of the many things Emil had learned over twenty years of working with him: you could be late for other people, but never for Robert. Arriving early was far safer than arriving late, which could trigger his tendency to become impatient.

"Mr. Robert Vale has a reservation for two," Emil said to the dining receptionist.

"Oh! Yes," the female receptionist replied pleasantly. "Mr. Vale just called us. One of our ushers will escort you to the table he reserved."

"Thank you."

A male usher immediately led Emil to a private table near the window where he could see both the city lights and the sea beyond. As expected, Robert had chosen the best and most secluded table in the room. There was only one waiter assigned to them, and the cutlery resting on the white tablecloth, edged with gold, was made of fine silver. Beside it sat a bottle of expensive red wine, waiting in a bucket of ice.

It wasn't Emil's first time at the hotel, but it was his first time being seated at a private table with only him and his master. Robert usually booked business-class reservations to host dinner meetings with partners and investors. Tonight, however, was different. This time, the dining room was meant for just the two of them, and that alone made him feel so happy and excited, though he couldn't afford to show it, no matter what.

Relax... Emil gave himself a quick reminder. This isn't a date. Don't assume anything. Don't get excited, okay?

That's right. It was just dinner.

Nothing more.

"Perhaps you would like something while you wait for your companion, sir?"

Emil was immediately pulled out of his thoughts by the usher's sudden question.

"Ah, no, thank you," Emil replied politely. "I'll just wait for Mr. Vale."

And that was precisely what Emil did. He took his seat and waited for Robert to arrive. While he waited, he used the time to fix himself. He straightened his black tie, smoothed his dark, bluish hair, wiped his glasses, and ensured everything was in place, including the faint scent of his perfume.

After a few moments, Robert finally arrived.

The older man was dressed in a sleek, well-tailored black suit that gave him a sharp, professional look. His black vest fit perfectly across his broad shoulders, and beneath it was a neatly pressed black dress shirt that subtly outlined his chest. His overall look was finished with a pale blue tie that stood out against the dark ensemble. One of Robert's hands rested casually in his pocket. At the same time, the other held his jacket draped over his arm, making him appear confident and effortlessly composed.

The moment Emil saw his master heading in his direction, he immediately put on his usual calm, butler-like expression. He could not allow Robert to see how happy he actually was to see him, which could easily be misunderstood by the other. Emil didn't want any misunderstanding between the two of them, especially not one that could ruin a night he had waited twenty years for.

"Did you wait long for me?" Robert asked as soon as he reached the table. He handed his jacket to the server assigned to them, and then he took the seat across from Emil immediately.

"No, not really," Emil replied. "You're right on time, Lord Robert."

"Just Robert," the older man corrected him calmly. "You should get used to calling me by my name, especially in front of Grandma. Consider this a practice, understand?"

Emil nodded in agreement. "Yes, I'll remember that, Robert."

Emil did his best to meet Robert's gaze, though it took him more effort than he initially expected, because—God! His master was far too handsome for this to be easy for him, right?

Indeed, it was hard to believe Robert was already in his fifties. His build remained firm and well-shaped, and his face looked far younger than his age. In fact, Robert and his son, Eric, were often mistaken for brothers, something that is a bit unfair and envious, especially to others of their own age.

Once Robert settled into his chair, he immediately called over the waiter to place their order.

"What are you having, Emil?" Robert asked as his eyes quickly scanned the menu handed to him by the waiter.

"Hmm..." Emil glanced down at his own menu and said, "I think I'll go with the classic Steak Au Poivre, please."

"Alright," Robert said, pointing at one of the options on his menu. "I'll take something lighter like...this one. Cedar-Plank Salmon."

Emil glanced at Robert's choice. Then, before the waiter could walk away with their orders, he suddenly spoke up, catching Robert by surprise.

"Wait a minute," Emil said, raising a hand. "Does that Cedar-Plank Salmon have citrus in it?"

The waiter looked slightly confused as he responded, "Just a touch of fresh lemon juice in the glaze, sir."

"No, please cancel that," Emil said immediately. "Mr. Vale is allergic to citrus."

Robert raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. Before he could respond, Emil had already instructed the waiter to cancel the salmon. He had even chosen a safer option for Robert, leaving the older man momentarily speechless.

"As far as I know, you're here to have dinner with me," Robert said. He frustratedly leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms as he fixed his stare on Emil. "You're not supposed to act like my assistant and monitor my diet."

"Apologies, my lord—Robert, I mean," Emil quickly corrected himself. "I'm just...used to it.

Once, during a business trip abroad, Robert had accidentally eaten something containing lemon. Thankfully, Emil had been with him at the time and had acted quickly, getting him to the hospital before the situation worsened. Even so, Robert had ended up spending several days there.

So if Emil hadn't checked the salmon just now, Robert might very well have ended up in the hospital again.

In the end, Robert chuckled softly as he shook his head.

"I see. Perhaps I should be more careful with what I order next time, or you'll start dictating my entire diet."

Emil's lips arched into a faint smile and said, "I would never do that, unless I don't know the dish and there's a risk of citrus in it." Then Emil tilted his head slightly and asked, "Would it be all right if I order some dessert?"

Robert smirked. "I'll allow it, only if you promise not to order on my behalf without asking me first."

"I can't promise that," Emil replied calmly, "but I will try."

A quiet laugh escaped Robert as he shook his head again. "You know what? You really are impossible. You're even stricter than my grandmother to the point of being annoying."

"If that were true," Emil said politely, "you would have replaced me years ago."

For some reason, their conversation remained light as they waited for their food. Robert had momentarily forgotten that Emil was his employee, and Emil, in turn, had forgotten that Robert was his master. For once, Emil wasn't standing behind Robert. He wasn't hovering nearby just waiting for instructions or anticipating his next command.

Instead, he was sitting across from him, talking about silly things and sharing the occasional laugh.

And that simple difference alone made Emil's heart beat just a little faster than he intended.