Well, I /would/. Only this is a /vegan/ Establishment. Who: Nikola and Mavis When: Recently, last week in April (before the wedding) Where: Out to Dinner What: Dinner Date between old friends Rating/Warnings: Low low low. Status: Complete!
Nikola and Lulu had had a dinner with Mavis before this. Nikola was thrilled (though he kept that fact closely guarded) that his old colleague (and friend)’s daughter was around. She’d been a really interesting kid, and he’d taught her all sorts of things about computers and electricity from an early age. He remembered that she soaked up things like a sponge, and he wasn’t surprised when she decided to come out here for college.
He’d picked her up and they were in the car on their way to some restaurant Nikola had looked up. He knew Mavis was a vegan, and he had to find a restaurant that would cater to her dietary restrictions.
“I hear they have delicious hummus here.” He said. He’d taken a look at the menu before deciding on the place, and that was one of the only things he could imagine eating.
“I hope you heard right,” Mavis said, her eyes twinkling as she smiled at him from the passenger seat. “I happen to be a hummus snob.”
You’ve heard of wine snobs, right? And foodies? It was something like that. She just wouldn’t mention those few bites of cheese she’d had the other night. And really, she would have found something to eat, no matter where he’d brought her, because it would have been the polite thing to do. “So how goes the wedding-planning?”
“Very well.” Nikola said with a nod as he pulled into the parking lot. “I’ve let Lulu take care of most of the preparations. It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony and an extravagant reception.” He turned the car off then climbed out and fished his jacket out of the back seat. He slipped it up onto his arms as they made their way into the restaurant. This was a rather elegant place, Nikola noted, even though some of the people weren’t dressed properly for the payscale.
Mavis had no doubt that Nikola’s wedding would be a grand affair. She was honored that she’d been asked to stand up with them as their flower girl, and was very much looking forward to it. And as for tonight’s dinner, well, she’d opted for a simple ‘little black dress,’ figuring that it would be appropriate in almost any setting. Mavis looked good in little black dresses anyway.
Mavis was going to be in good company. They had another girl who would be standing with her--the daughter of Lulu’s business partner. Nikola had only seen her briefly in passing, but she seemed like another wonderful girl.
He led the way in, and soon they were sitting at their table in the back, menus in hand, waiting for their waiter. “...I hope this place is up to your standards.”
“I’m sure it will be more than adequate,” she said, smiling. Oh, she was well accustomed to upscale dining, with her father; but she had a feeling she was going to have to get used to peanut butter and ramen noodles before long.
Not if Nikola had anything to say about it. He’d show up to her place week after week with groceries if need be. Mavis’ father, of course, would have his head if he let her eat poorly. “I think I’ll have the roasted garlic hummus,” he said, catching a waiter’s attention and lifting his menu to hand over. “With pita, of course.”
Mavis was determined to stay within her budget, and be as independent as she was able. But she was glad to have support, and people she could turn to in a pinch. She smiled as she ordered hummus and pita, and a small salad. “Thanks again for dinner,” she said, when they were alone again. “I should hear back on my job interview soon.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. You’re already looking for a job.” Nikola nodded. That was good for Mavis. He approved. The waiter came by, and they placed their orders. The good news about a place like this and food like Hummus, there wasn’t a lot of cooking involved. They’d have their food soon. “Where did you apply? Where was your interview?”
“I interviewed at the Baxter bakery,” she said, “I applied at a few other coffee shops, too, but I have a good feeling about Baxter’s.” She smiled. “I’ve met some pretty cool people already.”
“Oooh, Baxter Bakery.” Nikola gave a little nod at the thought. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a better croissant than they have at Baxter Bakery.” He paused. “Though, the amount of butter in those... They might kick me out of this restaurant for admitting to having eaten something like that.”
“Shh!” Mavis teased, grinning as she held a finger to her lips. “I don’t want to know about all the things I’m not supposed to eat!” At least she could get her lates with soymilk. “But I can bring some next time we get together, if it turns out I do get the job.”
“I’m sure your boss will come up with things you can eat. Avoid all that dreadful butter and lactose... eggs... whatever else it is you avoid.” Nikola said, reaching for his water glass for a sip. “I’ll have to come and visit you, should you get the job. Save you the hassle of having to make a delivery."
"Basically everything that doesn't grow out of the ground?" She grinned. Yeah, it could be kind of a pain keeping strictly vegan. But she was nothing if not perseverant. "I'll look forward to seeing you, though."
“Or out of the sea?” Nikola asked. “You do eat seaweed, don’t you?” He wasn’t sure exactly her preferences. Honestly, there wasn’t much he did understand about veganism. He was the top of the food chain, and he liked it there. “Of course."
"Yes, I do," she said. And yes, she probably could have simply eliminated lactose and dairy from her diet and been perfectly healthy, but she found that she preferred raw foods, and eating organically anyway. Maybe it was just a phase, and her preferences would change; maybe not. "You do know I won't be offended if you want to order a steak, don't you? I don't want to be one of those people who says my way is the only right way. Maybe it's not the right way at all! But at least for now, it's my way."
“Well, I would,” Nikola glanced around the restaurant. “Only this is a Vegan establishment.” He leaned in a little, breaking into a smirk, and whispering as if it was a conspiracy. “They don’t serve my kind here.” After that, a wink.
Mavis laughed softly, little knowing just what kind that might be. Or that she would soon discover that she herself was one of them. “Next time, we can go to your kind of restaurant.”
“It’s a date.” At least they had wine here. Nikola raised his glass in a toast.