Read Online Halfway to the Truth by Anthony Mays - Free Book Online Page B

you Reese. If memory serves me correctly, you like Vodka Cosmopolitans. I’ll have one ready when you arrive.” He hung up his phone.
    She returned her receiver to its cradle. She was quite impressed with his recollection of their short, first meeting. And, he seemed to have a way to calm her fears about meeting with him. Maybe this will all work out , she thought grabbing her purse and dashing down the hallway.
     
    The news building was only about five miles from the historic district where the restaurant was located but, being new to the area, Reese misjudged her drive time. Her route took her along Ogeechee Road which turned into West Victory Drive. She turned north along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard running into a series of lights which caused her delays. She finally made a right turn onto West Congress arriving at Bistro Bistro, but had to wait to find a parking spot nearby.
    When she entered the restaurant, Gino met her and escorted her to Nikolaus’ table.
    “So sorry I am late Mr., uh, Nikolaus,” she caught herself saying as she slid into the booth across from him.
    He raised a glass of red wine in a salute to her arrival. “Not a worry, some women are like a fine wine, they’re worth waiting for. Plus I never met a woman yet who was on time, so I factored in a few extra minutes. The important thing is that you’re here. Let’s toast to a new friendship.”
    She raised the glass that was conveniently sitting in front of her and clinked it with Nikolaus’ glass. “To a new friendship,” she said and then took a sip.
    “How do you say a toast in Greek?” she invited.
    “We usually say ‘stinygiasou’ which simply means to your health,” he replied holding up his glass again.
    “Uh, right. I’ll go along with that.” They clinked glasses again.
    “So Reese,” he said, putting his drink back on the table. “I suspect you’re wanting to see me involves more than friendship?” He gave her a wide smile turning the conversation back her way.
    Reese recalled her earlier conversation with Doug about Nikolaus seeing through her, but decided to play the cards in hand.
    “I’m new to Savannah,” she started, “and I need to make new friends. Our last meeting you made quite an impression on me. I thought you were charming and, of course, not bad looking either. You must have thought the same about me, because I noticed you couldn’t take your eyes from me. Shelley told me a little about you, so I feel it’s only fair you learn something about me.”
    She could feel her mouth going dry, so she grabbed her drink and took another sip. He quietly continued gazing at her with his dark, beautiful eyes and she started to get nervous.
    He could see that she was becoming uncomfortable and reached for her hand. “It’s alright Reese. I don’t mean to make you uneasy, so let me ask you how you how do you know Miss Steward?”
    “Well, that’s kind of what I was getting to. I was recently hired as a reporter for the Savannah Daily . She was helping me to get settled and we came here after putting my apartment in order. I’ve only known her a little while; I hope you’re not mad at me?”
    “Why would I be mad?” he said. “I’m delighted that you’re here. And, being a new reporter for the newspaper, you must be very proud to be here.”
    “I was just a little worried you might think different of me when you learned I was a reporter.”
    “Nonsense!” he said, patting the back of her hand. “Shelley undoubtedly told you that Mr. Williams and my father have had some differences, but that has nothing to do with me or you. Does it?”
    “No, no. Of course not. I’m glad it’s out in the open. But…”
    “Ah-h-h! There’s the word ‘but’,” he interjected, pulling away from her. “You think I must be like my father don’t you?”
    “Oh no, nothing like that! It’s that I need to ask you for a favor.”
    Intrigued, he said, “Okay, ask. Then we’ll see if I want to grant it. But