Page 40 of Semblance

I examined Shadow’s profile as he drove, his pensive eyes fixed on the road. He was stunning to look at and the mystery surrounding him was nothing short of intriguing.

I really had to stop thinking about Shadow like this. I had convinced myself that there was no meaning behind these dates. The contract I signed proved that much.

“Are you cold?” Shadow asked, breaking the silence between us. I shook my head.

“Usually I hate the cold, but for some reason tonight, I find the air invigorating,” I replied. “Why? Are you cold?”

Shadow shook his head. “I’m never cold.”

“You’re one ofthosepeople. Don’t tell me you enjoy long winters.”

“I’m impartial to it.”

“Man, I absolutely hate snow,” I said. “Find me a warm place to be and I’m there in a heartbeat.”

“Like a destination resort?”

I shook my head. “Too typical,” I replied. “I’m not a fan of lying around while the sun bakes my skin. Give me exploration any day.”

Shadow cocked an eyebrow and smiled. “So you like adventure?” he stated in a playful way that had me wondering what his version of adventure meant.

“You bet. There’s so much history and so many interesting places to discover in the world that I just can’t see myself lazing around a beach all day.”

“Any place in particular you dream of visiting?”

I shook my head. “I try not to think about places I want to visit. Vacations have never been in my budget.”

“You have at least ten thousand in the bank from the gig at my place,” Shadow pointed out.

“No,” I replied. “I need to pay of my debt and that money’s going to have to last me for the rest of my University studies. Food and tuition don’t come cheap.”

“I can make some calls at the University,” Shadow said. “The Midnight Society has strong influences there.”

“Don’t you dare!” I snapped. “It’s bad enough I owe you for the condo. I’m not going to owe you for my tuition as well. It’s something I need to do on my own.”

Shadow shrugged. “Suit yourself. But the offer is always on the table.”

“I don’t even see the table,” I said. “I will support myself through my studies, thank you very much. I don’t need a sugar daddy paying for me.”

Seconds later we pulled up to the Black Swan. The establishment was a lavish affair, its patrons dressed in expensive outfits that were typically seen on a red carpet.

Inside, extravagant chandeliers hung from the ceilings that were decorated with beautiful murals that belonged in old European churches. The antique tables were hand carved with the highest degree of craftsmanship, intricate patterns decorating the rich wooden surfaces. Three-storied windows lined the walls of the room, offering a spectacular view of the tranquil night sky.

A waiter dressed in butler garb greeted us with a wide smile and led us to our table, though hidden underneath his pleasant demeanor, I sensed he was looking down on me, for whatever reason.

Maybe he could smell the scent of student poverty.

When Shadow and I were both finally settled in, I couldn’t hide my excitement of being able to dine in such a magnificent looking place. Sitting inside the Black Swan, with its renaissance architectural influences, made me feel like I was on a European vacation as the queen of fine dining this evening.

“This is amazing,” I said. “This place is like a natural treasure. I can hardly believe it’s only a restaurant. Just look at the building and how everyone’s dressed in this place.”

“The food here has been the talk of the town,” Shadow said. “It’s one thousand dollars for a three course meal. I hope it’s good.”

It wasn’t.

The appetizer was four paper-thin slices of raw beef, decorated with some fancy looking leaves and served in an over-sized bowl that gave the illusion that I was getting a substantial sized meal. As I stared at the two hundred dollar dish, all I could think of was,where’s the damn food?

“What is this?” I asked, pushing the tiny portion of food—that could barely feed a gnat—around with my fork.

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