Floor-to-ceiling windows encircled the large, blindingly white room, and Cherry felt like she’d stepped onto the bridge of a posh spaceship. A girl in a suit stood behind the front podium and smiled as they approached. She was about to welcome them when a fussy man with helmet hair brushed past her with open arms. “My fair ladies! How are you?” He executed a low bow. “Ardy, darling. How nice of you to grace us.” “Alan! What are you doing in the States?” “Making the semiannual rounds to all my American restaurants.” He bobbed as he spoke, rolling back on his heels. “And this is not Spanner, is it? Or is it?” “Alan, this is my friend Cherry.” “Ah!” Alan was overwhelmed with delight, clutching his heart. He shook Cherry’s hand. “My second favorite berry. Judith!” He whirled on the girl behind the booth. Her name tag said kate. “The best table in the house.” Judith or Kate flipped through her register, but Alan had a better plan. “Arrêtez-vous! Ridiculous!”
