Instead of speaking, I just nodded.
Thankfully, Erik was wise and didn’t question me further. He simply squeezed my hand, silently letting me know I wasn’t alone in this strange new world as he led me through the casino to one of the many onsite restaurants.
The restaurant we entered was lively and decorated with opulent, dark wooden chairs and tables. Deep jewel-tone fabrics and interesting art were immaculately displayed on the walls for viewing ease. They boasted a European menu with a fusion of French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, German, and more. Whatever that meant. Seemed like it would have been easier to just say there was something for everyone as long as you had money. Because the prices were nowhere near affordable. Light piano music played in the background, and the seats were tall, button-backed velvet throne-like chairs which would have looked more appropriate in a castle than in a swanky restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.
Just as I was scanning the entrees, someone standing at the entrance reviewing the menu from a podium stand caught my eye. A tall Black man I recognized stood next to another familiar face.
Memphis and Jade.
Just as I was about to stand, Memphis’s dark gaze met mine, and a huge white smile slipped across his face. My chest filled with excitement, and I waved wildly catching both his and then Jade’s attention.
“Friends of yours?” Erik asked.
“Yes, they were supposed to be in the auction but something…happened,” I noted distractedly as the two made their way over.
I stood up, and Memphis pulled me into his hulking frame, embracing me. “Girl, I’m happy to see you,” he murmured in a low rumbling timbre reminiscent of a megastar soul singer.
I snuggled in and tightened my hold, allowing myself a moment with my new friend. We hadn’t known one another long, but for some reason, being auction candidates had connected us in a way that was hard to explain. I chalked it up to a shared experience or maybe just people meant to be friends. Whatever it was, those ties ran deep, and I was glad to see them.
He let me go, and I turned to Jade, tugging her into my arms. She stood stiff as a board but patted my back and gave me a slight smile. It was the best I could hope for with Jade. The woman so far had been entirely composed, outside of when I saw her running from the stage sobbing earlier this evening.
“What happened to you guys?” I dipped my head closer to the two, trying to keep my tone at a whisper.
Jade’s lips flattened into a thin, compressed line, but she didn’t speak. Memphis lifted his chin toward something over my shoulder.
I spun around and whisked my curls out of my face. “Oh my goodness me. Memphis Taylor, Jade Lee, meet my um… fiancé, Erik Johansen,” I said, making introductions.
Erik held out his hand and shook both Memphis’s, then Jade’s. “Please, sit down. Join us.”
Memphis’s eyes widened. “I’m afraid this place is a bit too rich for my pocketbook, brother. We checked the menu and were about to go somewhere else…”
My heart sank and I instantly looked to Erik for help. Why? I didn’t know. It was a natural response, and once I did it, I couldn’t take it back. This man, my intended, had already shown he’d take care of me and my needs, whatever they were.
Erik shifted, curling his hands around one of the two open chairs at our table and pulling it out. “Nonsense. You will be our guests. Friends of Savannah’s are friends of mine. Please.” He bowed slightly. “My treat, of course. It’s been a long day, I’m sure we all need to eat and relax. I’d be honored if you’d join us.”
I preened under Erik’s kindness, then as if lulled by a supreme sense of security, I stepped to his side and wrapped my arm around his waist, allowing my front to rest against his side. “Yes, Erik’s right. I’d love to sit with friends this evening. Besides, we need to catch up.”
Memphis shrugged. “If you really don’t mind, it’s cool with me. If it’s cool with Jade?” He looked at her and waited for her reply.
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Johansen. Thank you.” She was back to being prim and proper as she took the seat Erik offered and sat down.
Memphis eased his bulky frame into the last chair, and we all took our seats.
While drink and food orders were taken, I reached under the table and grabbed Erik’s hand where it rested on his thigh. I curled my fingers around his and waited for him to look at me. His eyes widened as he interlaced our fingers.
“Thank you,” I mouthed, and he gifted me one of those enormous, gorgeous smiles that dug deep into my soul to a place I found he’d somehow taken possession of in a single day.