CHAPTER FOURTEEN - *PLAYFUL CONVERSATIONS

Lisa's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, I'm sure I can meet and exceed those standards. I have extensive experience in high-end establishments." Erik's expression remained neutral. "I see. Well, I look forward to experiencing your service in the future. For now, though, I believe Anna was in the middle of taking my order." Dismissed, Lisa retreated, leaving Anna to finish with Erik. As she walked away from his table, Anna couldn't help but feel a small thrill at Erik's obvious preference for her company. Throughout the evening, Anna found herself constantly navigating between Erik's attentive gaze, Mark's simmering anger, and Lisa's attempts to prove herself. The tension in the restaurant was reaching a boiling point. As Anna's shift neared its end, Erik motioned her over to his table. "Anna, I hope I'm not being too forward, but I was wondering if you might like to join me and some friends at a club nearby after your shift? It's a lovely place, very exclusi