Thread: A first peek (att:A.J.)

A.J. was already inside looking at the changes that had been made to the floor plan and smiled. He was finally satisfied with the finished product on the inside and was now convinced that the restaurant was ready to open. He looked towards the front doors as he heard a knock. With a nod, Keela disappeared to the back of the restaurant and into the kitchen.

He walked cautiously to the door, but was relieved to see it was Mackenzie at the door. He smiled through the glass as he unlocked the doors and opened them. He says sincerely, "I'm glad you could stop by. I was hopeful you would come by. Please come in."

Mackenzie smiles. "I know the original reason for me coming may no longer be an issue, but I hoped you wouldn't mind. I think it will be important for us to be ready. Last night should have proven that. Any one of us could have to leave at a moment's notice. Any affairs that need to be taken care of should be shared."

Mackenzie's jaw drops as she fully takes in the restaurant. "Oh, A.J. It's beautiful." She turns to him with a huge smile. "Thank you for letting me have a sneek peek."

A.J. smiles at her response as he closes and locks the door behind her. He turns to see the big beautiful smile on her face and he could see a glimmer of exactly what Kendov saw in her. He inclines his head in a humble manner and says, "Thank you. I really do appreciate you still wanting to visit." He then pulls out his cell phone and sends a quick text message.

He looks around at the restaurant himself, again and smiles as he says, "It took a lot of work and restarting the inside a few times but I think we finally got it right." As he finishes Keela approaches from the back. She's wearing a dark red spaghetti strap dress and stiletto heels in red as well. As she approaches she says, "Good evening. I am Keela Ryanne. It's a pleasure to finally get to meet you." She then extends her hand to Mackenzie.

Mackenzie frowns slightly when A.J. sends off a text. "I'm not keeping you from something, am I?"

She turns when she hears the woman approach. Mackenzie smiles and sticks her hands in her pockets. "Nice to meet you, Keela. I'm Mackenzie." She looks apologetically at Keela's hand. "I'm sorry. I have a touching issue. I mean no offense." She looks to A.J. hoping he will help smooth this over and back to Keela. " I appreciate you being willing to meet me and show me this wonderful place."

A.J. shakes his head at Keela and she gracefully lets her hand come to relax at her side and she says, "I can certainly understand that and there is no offense taken. I'd be more than happy to give you a tour of the place if you would like." A.J. smiles at Keela and says, "That sounds like a good idea. Would you like the tour, Mackenzie?"

Mackenzie notices he did not answer her question, but she tries to let her heightened paranoia diminish. Am I ever going to get back to trusting people again? She nods to Keela. "I would love the tour."

A.J. says to Mackenzie as Keela starts giving the grand tour, "And no, you aren't interrupting anything. I was sending a message to Keela to let her know it was ok for her to come out."

Mackenzie nods. It's not their fault you've had your mind screwed with. A.J. has never done anything to make you question his loyalties, in fact, quite the opposite. "I'm sorry, A.J. I'm still recovering from last night. Will you forgive me?"