Thickening the Plot || Klaroline
Happy birthday, @thetourguidebarbie! Rather than taking weeks to finish and post a complete fic, how about some mini cupcakes instead? It's been a minute, but writing for you has always been a fun experiment. Thanks for the prompt, I hope it whets the appetite!
restaurant industry exes
Tucked between the reception desk and the host stand, Caroline's small office was less a haven for her administrative work than a prime eavesdropping spot for any activity in the Salvatore Manor's guest entry. She dropped her head to her hands, gently massaging her temples as she silently pleaded for patience. Already overstimulated with her phone's constant buzzing with dodged calls and ignored emails, she was annoyed at April's too-bright voice right outside her door.
"Welcome to Giuseppe's at the Salvatore Manor, how many in your party?"
"Just one, love." Caroline jerked to attention, her eyes wide at the familiar voice. World renowned for his taste and business acumen, Klaus Mikaelson had deigned to step foot inside a mid-tier hotel, let alone one in Mystic Falls, Virginia. As much as she would like to promote the restaurant's uptick in attention, that growing success couldn't possibly be enough to land on his radar. No, his reason had to be far from business-like. "But I would be most appreciative if you could spare a two-top in case my partner joins me after all."
Partner? It was bad enough he was in her town, but to not come alone felt like adding insult to injury. Kol could be stomached, but if Rebekah or Elijah even looked at her wrong, she might actually go to jail. Mom would just love that.
She could just hide in here, then sneak out while he was too busy critiquing the menu to notice. All she needed was for him to be seated facing the garden windows and an empty lobby to avoid anyone asking for assistance. "Two things, totally doable," she muttered to herself. Logging into the reservation system, she checked which table April had selected; not by the windows, but slightly obstructed by the fireplace. "Doable," she repeated.
Slipping from her heels and into her sneakers, she texted Elena and Bonnie a quick promise to be back for the closing shift. Elena almost immediately replied with a question mark, but Caroline spared no time to explain while her window of opportunity was closing. She peeked around her door to see April already returned to the host stand. Now or never.
With a deep breath and a facade that everything was completely normal, she strode out of her office and made for the front door. Head high and shoulders straight, she could almost feel the weight of the Miss Mystic Falls tiara on her head. People had often remarked how lucky she was to receive such an honor. Caroline scoffed at the memory, she had worked her ass off for that award and everything else, too. Like hell was she going to let luck take credit for her effort. If anything, bad luck was the only luck in her life, but it would not bring her down to-
"Hello, love."
