Page 5 of Angels Are Falling

He took her hand and gripped it for a moment. “Call me Kai,” he told her. Not us. Just her. He didn’t extend the same invitation to me when I greeted him the same way.

Their handshake was odd as well. When he shook mine, it was a firm businessman’s grip: two seconds, done. But with Amelie, he took her hand differently. Not exactly a shake, just a hold. His thumb grazed her knuckles once before he let go.

I almost said something, but the kids were already firing off complaints.

“My head itches,” Bella whined. Because of the hat she refused to leave at home.

“Jamie’s touching me,” August huffed. Although he was mature for his age, he was still eight, and Jamie had a knack for mischief.

Jamie placed his hand millimeters away from August’s face. “I’m not touching you,” he sang, deliberately taunting his twin.

Amelie and I spared exasperated sighs while Kai appeared amused. “I had the restaurant set up a kids’ nook,” he told us before turning to the children. “Do you guys want to check out the chocolate fondue?”

Their eyes lit up like it was Christmas.

“Can we?” Bella asked eagerly, eyeing the cascading layers of rich, molten liquid.

“Y-yes, of course,” Amelie told her, sounding surprised by the thoughtfulness Kai had put into this dinner.

Kai guided the children to the far end of the room, pointing out everything the restaurant had to offer. The space carried the expected luxuries of a high-end establishment. Expensive paintings on the walls. Plush velvet chairs, the color of wine. Flower arrangements so elaborate they looked like they’d required a committee. Crystal chandeliers threw light across the ceiling’s intricate gold detailing.

But it was the features designed for children that stole the show. There was the kids’ buffet, complete with a chocolate fountain. Next to the table stood a large structure resembling a cave, its walls covered in shimmering crystals and geodes.

Our jaws dropped. The chairs inside the fake cave were designed to resemble natural rock formations, with plush cushions for seating. The tables were filled with art supplies. There were dimly lit alcoves with pillows, blankets, and iPads for a cozy movie night. There was even a small cascading waterfall that fed into a koi pond with orange- and gold-colored fish.

When Kai noticed our incredulous expressions, he explained, “This restaurant is famous for entertaining kids during private events. That’s why I chose it.” A tall brunette materialized out of nowhere. “Meet the on-site babysitter, Sasha.”

Babysitter? We had mentally prepared to entertain the kids throughout dinner. Was this the life of a zillionaire? Every detail was meticulously planned for a simple dinner.

“I’ve already vetted her references,” Kai added. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Amelie and I glanced at each other. Mind? This had turned into a mini retreat, and we rarely had a night out.

“This is very thoughtful,” I told him. “Thank you.”

“I should be saying that to Amelie.” He turned to her then, fully, and held up his palm. The fresh scar cut a zigzag across the center. “She was the one who saved my favorite hand,” he said, looking directly at her. For some reason, it felt like a private moment between them, as if I weren’t there.

Amelie turned beet red at the compliment, which was strange, because my wife didn’t blush often. She deflected, she laughed things off, or she shot people down with a well-timed comment. She rarely blushed.

The kids sprinted to each attraction while Sasha brought them servings of mac ’n’ cheese, nuggets, and fries. We were led to the “adult” table, where we were provided menus with pretentious dishes and fifty-dollar cocktails.

As we browsed the menu, the kids laughed loudly at the opposite corner of the room. They were thrilled by the luxuries we could never afford. Servers roamed around with trinkets, such as toys, mini cakes, and Disney-themed mocktails. Even the managers spared no effort to keep them occupied. The adult section was segregated, and clearly, the staff had been instructed to give us space.

Odd.

There was something orchestrated about how effortlessly everything fell into place. What kind of conversation did Kai plan on having that required such privacy?

The server wheeled in a bar cart to make our cocktails tableside. Smoke from the liquid nitrogen evaporated into the air, yet the server didn’t make a sound throughout the show. Every item was noiselessly dropped off at our table, and dirty glasses were cleared too stealthily to notice.

Throughout cocktails, Kai spoke of his successful tech company. He also owned hotels, restaurants, apartment buildings, vintage cars, planes, you name it. I struggled to keep up with his accomplishments. He was determined to leave an impression on us, or at least on me, which caught me off guard. I had come here assuming I would be the one trying to impress Amelie’s affluent patient.

The conversation lulled, and I found myself analyzing Kai. He watched us like a hawk, as if dissecting our interactions and calculating how to use them to his advantage.

I was overthinking it, I reassured myself. I wasn’t used to eccentric moguls, that was all.

Amelie placed her warm hand over mine. She could tell I was in my head and carried the conversation. “You know, Kai, I had no idea you were such a big deal. Perhaps it’s a good thing. I would’ve been way too nervous to dress the wound of the man who manufactured my phone.”

“Glad you finally figured out who I am.”