Mystery by the Sea by David Sal Read Free Book Online

riding in one he could feel the reason. The
comfort of the seat’s high-quality leather and the smooth, reliable ride were
some of the qualities that most impressed him. It also impressed him when Irma
parked in front of Mirador del Rincón, one of the most expensive restaurants in
the area. How expensive? No idea, but he was about to find out.
    They were both led to a table on
the terrace with a view of the bay. Lorenzo thought that if they charged him
for the view he would end up washing dishes to be able to pay for lunch. He
decided to put all of the rules of etiquette he knew into action in an effort
to ensure success. He saw the occasion as a business lunch where his goal was
to obtain as much information as possible. He got ready to pull out Irma’s
chair so that she could sit down, but she discreetly turned him down. At
business lunches men and women are considered equals, so any show of chivalry
is set aside. Evidently, Irma also considered the meeting to be a business
interaction.
    Once seated, the waiter, a young
man dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and vest, welcomed them and handed them
menus. Lorenzo became alarmed when he saw that the prices for the dishes were
not even printed on the menu. I guess it’s time to get out the credit card, he thought in defeat. Before getting to the restaurant he did not think he
would eat much, but the fact that he could potentially hear specific details
about what happened with Doris calmed his anxiety and awoke his appetite. The
waiter asked them if they were ready to order.
    “Yes. I’ll have this,” chose Irma
without hesitating, pointing to one of the items on the menu. A dish she had
certainly already tried.
    “The fish, perfect. And to drink?”
asked the waiter while jotting down a note about the order.
    “Just water, thank you.”
    “And the gentleman?” he asked,
turning his attention to Lorenzo.
    “I don’t know what to order. I want
everything,” admitted Lorenzo, smiling and slightly ashamed. He wanted to order
something that would satisfy his hunger but would not put his credit card at
its limit.
    “Can I bring you the special?”
suggested the waiter.
    “What’s in it?”
    “Shrimp with…”
    “Yes, yes, that one,” said Lorenzo
without letting him finish. “I love shrimp. Bring me that. I’ll have water to
drink, too, thank you.”
    The waiter picked up the menus and
left. Lorenzo let out a sigh and stretched out his arms. An uncomfortable
silence fell over them for a few seconds. He decided to comment on how few
customers were eating lunch there at that time. That was one of the reasons why
Irma liked coming to this restaurant. Aside from the good food and excellent
service, it was never so crowded that it ruined the experience.
    Irma then proceeded to chat about
whatever subject came to mind. Her daughter’s ballet classes, her son’s tennis
tournaments, her last cruise to the Mediterranean. Lorenzo could not care less
about her personal matters, but he did not dare divert her attention to what
did interest him. He could not believe that she was doing it on purpose. If
that were true, it would mean that she did not have the slightest intention of
talking and lunch would definitely be too expensive.
    The waiter arrived carrying a tray
with Irma’s order. It was an amazing dish with an abundance of succulent food.
An enormous fish filet with mashed plantains and salad, all presented in a way
that only an expert chef could do.
    “Here you are, miss. Would you like
anything else?” asked the waiter.
    “Not right now, thank you,”
answered Irma with a cordial smile.
    “Yours will be out shortly,” the
waiter said to Lorenzo.
    “Yes, please. Just seeing hers…”
    Irma smiled and started to eat. An
expression of pure delight registered on her face. Lorenzo could not see any
way to bring up the topic that would surely diminish her enjoyment. He had no
other option than to ask the question directly and see what would happen.
    “Where in