"Reservation for, Carlson." Brynn said coolly as she brushed her bangs out of her eyes.
The headwaiter arched his eyebrow first before warily eyeing his list. They widened slightly before he got his emotions under control. "Yes, Miss Carlson. Party of three?"
Brynn quelled the rush of pride, "Yes, sir."
He smiled tightly, "I am Gregory, your headwaiter. Would you like to be seated now, or wait at the bar for the rest of your party?"
Checking her watch, Brynn replied, "I think I'll wait at the bar."
Nodding sharply, he escorted her to a stool and gave her order to a waitress behind the counter.
Laughing giddily to herself Brynn tried to control the rampant butterflies inside her stomach. The chance to have the McCormick's part of their clientele would be proof that 'Picture Perfect' was in the big leagues.
She smiled delightedly as she rubbed her hands together. All she had to do was get through this dinner meeting, and they'd be headed for the stars!
Calming herself, she took a sip of her white wine. "Hello, my dear."
The charming soft drawl of Mrs. McCormick's made Brynn's smile widen as she turned and stood from her seat. "Hello, ma'am." She answered politely, leaning over to press a kiss in the air next to the lady's cheek.
"Miss Carlson." Mr. McCormick responded kindly, as he held his hand out to her.
Brynn nodded as she took his hand in hers, "Sir."
His eyes showed his appreciation for her firm handshake.
"Are you ready to be seated now, or would you like a drink first?" Brynn offered as her hand displayed the empty bar stools.
"I think we should order a drink and then take them to the table." Mr. McCormick affirmed, nodding his grey head slowly.
"Great."
After taking their drinks, Brynn motioned for Gregory. He nodded once, before ushering them to their table.
"Here you are." Gregory announced dryly. "Enjoy your night, Mister McCormick. And happy birthday."
Brynn started cursing herself vapidly. How could she not have seen it? What was she doing not paying attention?
She and the McCormick's stared blankly at the round table layered with balloon's, confetti, presents, and a table cloth with the words shouting 'Happy Birthday!' in bright bold letters that could be seen a block away.
Brynn gritted her teeth, "I think there has been a mistake." She explained tersely.
Gregory looked down at his book; "I don't believe so ma'am. You can look if you like." He answered, handing her the thin leather binder. "Carlson, party of three. Called to confirm birthday reservation tonight at eight."
Her eyes raking over the log, she felt her neck and cheeks warm. "I called once, sir. My secretary said she'd call to confirm it this afternoon." She snapped it shut with violence. "And she is not even aware of when her own birthday is, let alone Mister McCormick's!"
"Maybe we should do this another night?" Mrs. McCormick asked after she delicately cleared her throat.
Stiffening under the concerned stares, Brynn nodded silently. "I would greatly appreciate another chance. Maybe we could get together some other time." She asked with forced politely.
"We'll call you, dear." Mr. McCormick answered as he took his wife's elbow and led her out of the restaurant.
Gregory handed her the bill for the drinks. Sighing, Brynn handed him her credit card.
When he returned, she stood horrified as he took scissors to her Visa. "You card is maxed-out, ma'am."
Groaning, Brynn shuffled through her purse for the emergency fifty she kept in with her spare keys. Someone was going to pay for her bad day.