rat-a-tat

Nellie’s took a moment to adjust to the change in atmosphere, her stomach had finally managed to capture her attention and she’d been thankful for the restaurant’s proximity. “Bonjour.” She smiled as she approached the host stand. “I- uh, really have no preference; unless one offers better lighting?” The girl let her gaze focus on the restaurant behind the guy. “Perhaps the l-lounge? It will only be me.”

“They are both equally dark,” he commented, gesturing to the mood lighting installed in the ceiling. “The lounge is what I suggest to our lonesome guests.” He paused, realizing he had made a mistake. “Je m'excuse, not lonesome, but... single.”

“Hey!” Héctor greeted the younger man with a cheery grin; with delicious scents reaching him on the spot, he had a feeling the restaurant had been a great choice for his lunch break. “Don’t judge me but, this is the first time I’m daring myself to try French food so– if you think one of those places is better than the other for a first timer…” He chuckled. “I’m in your hands!”

Remy practically winced at the man’s chipper disposition, but remembered that Antoine had instructed him to be agréable. “Welcome, then,” he plastered on his best customer service grin. “If you are dining alone, I would suggest the lounge.”

“Bonjour,” she said with a shy smile. “Je m’appelle Perrie.” She looked around the room, her eyes wide as she took in all the decor and the food. “Well, this is the first time I’ve been here, actually…What would you suggest?”

Remy perked up as she answered halfway in French. He straightened his shoulders, then turned around to view her options. “Well, the lounge is my favorite, because it is more intimate, and there will be a pianist in there in a minute. Some people prefer the dining room because it is, how you say, more grand.”

“Shit.” Hopper only managed to hold back his annoyed groan because he was too busy catching his breath; he hadn’t really paid attention to where he’d gone into, at least he’d lost them. “Wherever–” He ran a hand through his hair, trying to fix it as he focused on what the guy had said. “Wherever’s quiet.” He replied dryly, tightly clutching the small bag in his hand.