Chapter 12

As the deputy CEO of his family’s large company, Calvin had been dreading the dinner that would be had after the stakeholders meeting all day. His palms were sweaty, and his stomach was in knots. He hated these kinds of events- the ones where he was required to schmooze with potential investors and valuable clients, pretending to be interested in their bland conversation while all he really wanted was to go home and lie in bed.

But his best friend Lucas had convinced him to come to dinner at a small restaurant they had been to once before, claiming that the food was incredible and the atmosphere was inviting. Calvin trusted Lucas’ judgment, so he reluctantly agreed.

Thomas had never had time to visit or had any liking for sugary pastries and tiny restaurants. But on this particular evening, the smell of freshly baked apple pie wafting through the air drew him towards the small restaurant in the downtown area.

When they arrived, they were welcomed by the sound of clinking glasses a