39 Dinner 7

Seeing a rusty pickup truck pull up in front of one of the most high-profile restaurants in the city, the guards who were in charge of keeping trespassers out walked up to it threateningly, as if they were ready to assault the driver in case he caused trouble.

"Heyo! How do I get to Private Booth 1? I need to pick someone up!"

Yet, hearing a cheery voice from the person who had a broad smile on his face while getting off the truck, the guards stared at him as if he was mad.

They all knew just what kind of people had the power to reserve Private Booth 1. Although Les Avantis did need months of reservation in advance, someone with little to no influence could still enter if they had enough money.

The private booths were different. Along with money, power was essential to have the authority to reserve one.

Even the lowest private booth required one to be at the level of the Mayor of a City. As the number of the private booth rose, so did the status required.

As for Private Booth 1, only those at the very top had the authority to book it.

The last time it had been booked, the one who had done so was actually one of the only 5 Generals in the United States who advised the president on matters related to the military.

Yet, someone in such an old car that looked like it would fall apart at any moment had pulled up in front of them and was asking about that booth?

Just as they were about to apprehend the man due to suspicion, a waiter hurriedly ran up to them and said, "Send him in. He is here to pick up a guest in Private Booth 1."

Seeing the confirmation, the guards were shocked.

Without hesitation, they all bowed in apology and said, "We are sorry we doubted you. Please enter."

After all, it was quite possible that this could be some eccentric billionaire who liked rusty vintage cars.

They had all seen their fair share of rich weirdos, hence, they had no mood to stake their jobs on the possibility that this was someone normal.

Looking at this scene, Luke didn't know what to think.

His cheery smile before had mainly been because he had been hoping to not get into trouble.

Growing up in a simple family, he had never been exposed to this side of society. Just looking at the curb, he saw cars parked there that were worth more than what he would probably earn in a lifetime.

By the deferential treatment he was getting now, Luke understood just what kind of power the one his dear friend Liz was dealing with had.

After being led to a door, the waiter left. Although Luke had been startled at many of the fantastic sights he had seen inside, they had all taken second place due to the growing worry that he was feeling inside for his best friend.

Knocking, Luke received no response.

Fearing the worst, he prepared to knock again, but he heard a weak, breaking voice ask, "Who is it?"

It was almost unrecognizable from Liz's strong tone that he had gotten so used to hearing. As anger started to rise inside of him, he controlled himself and put on a smile on his face before saying, "Express clothes delivery!"

As the door suddenly opened, Luke saw a sight he would never forget.

There stood his childhood friend and the person he valued most in the world, with an expression as if she had just seen her savior.

He had seen her dress in the picture Mary had shown him, so he was shocked to see that it had been torn and transformed into this state.

"Dress."

Handing over a shirt and jeans almost unconsciously, Luke saw Liz smile weakly before showing her index finger to indicate that she needed a minute before closing the door.

After a minute during which the worry inside him only grew, the door opened to reveal Liz who had changed into the casual clothes. The dress was in her hand, and she looked at Luke and said "Let's go," before walking towards the exit.

On the way to the truck, both of them completely ignored the looks they got from all the people in the restaurant.

After they got in, Luke started to drive, keeping his questions to himself as he knew that Liz would speak when she was able to.

After reaching the diner his family owned, Liz got off and entered through the back door without asking why he had brought her here instead of her home.

As she sat on the counter while lost in her thoughts, Luke quickly made a pizza from the ingredients left.

Silence still reigned, but due to their familiarity, it wasn't an uncomfortable one. Instead, it was a silence that only emphasized that he was there for her.

After the pizza was done, both of them walked to a table before sitting down.

Liz didn't touch the food, but she stared at it with a lost expression on her face.

After a few seconds, she finally moved her chair to Luke's and collapsed into his arms, beginning to cry loudly while he patted her on the back, telling her that it was all going to be OK, just like the many, many times he used to when Liz was just a snot-nosed kid.