As they waited for their dinner, the soft hum of conversation and clinking silverware filled the restaurant. Suddenly, a tall man in a chef's coat emerged from the kitchen and made his way toward their table, a broad grin on his face.
"Xavier!" the chef called out warmly.
Xavier stood, smiling, and greeted the man with a brief but familiar hug.
"Lewis," he said with fondness. "Good to see you."
When Lewis's eyes landed on Cassidy, his grin widened mischievously.
"Aha," Lewis teased, looking between the two of them. "So this is why you've been hiding her."
Xavier gave an exasperated look. "Lewis—"
But Lewis was already stepping forward, extending a hand toward Cassidy. "Lewis Fontaine. I run the kitchen around here."
Cassidy stood and took his hand politely, offering a slight smile. "Cassidy."
