He hadn't trusted himself to be able to finish the workday if he'd checked from the office. Sure enough, he found a message that read: I've been kicking myself since yesterday for not getting your phone number. I don't know your weekly schedule, but how about dinner tomorrow night? Do you know where the Japanese restaurant is on Hudson? Garret wanted to take him to dinner? So nervous his hands shook, Otis tapped out a reply: I got your rose. Thanks! Does seven o'clock work for you? After microwaving a dish of frozen manicotti, he returned to his laptop to find: You're welcome, and it's a date. *** Otis had often passed by the popular restaurant of the unpronounceable name, never once feeling the temptation to enter. With its gold painted walls and sloped roof, it appeared designed to resemble a Japanese shrine. What a shame he hadn't come here before. Inside was warm and cozy, silk lanterns hanging above each table, the atmosphere further enhanced by the delicious scent wafting from the grills set up at each table.
