The Atelier was busy.
Weekend evenings usually were.
The main dining hall carried its usual warmth, soft lights, polished tables, quiet conversations, and the aroma of food drifting continuously from the kitchen.
Inside the kitchen, Elena stood near one of the preparation counters, checking a sauce when Daniel suddenly walked in.
He looked unusually amused.
Elena glanced toward him.
"Do you need something?"
Daniel didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he leaned slightly closer.
"She's here."
Elena frowned.
"Who is here?"
Daniel's smile widened.
"With a man."
Elena stopped what she was doing.
She slowly turned.
"Who is here with a man?"
"Monica."
Silence.
Daniel continued,
"She brought a man for dinner."
Elena's eyes widened.
"Really?"
Daniel immediately laughed at her reaction.
Elena put down the spoon in her hand.
"I want to see him."
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
"Do you want to disturb them?"
Elena paused.
That was true.
