She stepped aside immediately and stretched out her arms, bending them then flexing them. They were stiff.
“Sorry about that. So what do you think?” she asked, trying to change the subject.
“I like it,” Riker said but didn’t take his eyes off of her.
“Good. I know they’re a bit pricey, but I think they add a classier ambiance to the booths. I have a surprise for you guys. I hope you like the idea. It won’t take a lot to maintain, but it’s definitely unique.” She ran her hands across the smooth granite of the table.
“Okay. What is it?” Nash asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“Do you see these lines?” she asked, and both men leaned forward to look at the square cut out they hadn’t noticed before.
“Press that button on the side of the booth wall.”
Nash pressed the button, and slowly the center square in the table opened. It revealed a small grill, on coals.
“What is this?”
“Kind of like a hibachi grill, right in the table. It is run by propane and the control panel is right here. The heat is low, and doesn’t cook the food, but rather, warms it up and keeps it hot. The kitchen servers would special deliver a platter of prepared items. Grilled shrimp, chicken, and beef on the skewers, and a few other specialty items. It will be ordered by the platter, and it’s part of sitting in these specialty booths.”
“Holy shit, Chastity, I’m impressed,” Riker stated, and she smiled, feeling relieved that they liked it.
“Good. The plan tomorrow is to actually have you both experience what it will be like in your new place, Hidden Treasures.”
“Hidden Treasures?” they both responded at the same time.
“Yes. Colt and I feel like the name of the club should change with the rebirth of the place. You need something unique and classy. This is the new place, the new clientele, and the new staff, for the most part.”
“Hidden Treasures, huh?” Riker asked.
“No,” Nash responded.
Chastity was surprised at Nash’s tone. “Why?” she asked.
“No. The Jewelry Box has meaning.”
“Nash, she’s gone, and really, we never liked that name. It wasn’t how we envisioned our place,” Riker replied.
Chastity wondered what they meant by “she’s gone.”
“Why don’t you two discuss it? I think you’ll find that the name is just as important as the changes and what is now being offered here. Throughout the restaurant and club there are hidden treasures. Just like this table with the hidden grill, there are other secret compartments around. Some offer tokens for free drinks or discounted meals, and others offer gorgeous pictures or illusions to be admired. You’ll see tomorrow, as you both get to experience some of the things we’re working on. I’ll leave you two alone, and I’ll be in the kitchen going over the recipes for the new menu.”
* * * *
Nash ran his fingers through his hair.
“What the hell is wrong with you? I kind of like the name,” Riker stated.
Nash turned to stare at his brother as if shocked by his statement. Riker was checking out the grill.
“That name was Maggie’s idea.”
Riker looked up from the grill. “No it wasn’t. She wasn’t even into picking out a name. She threw that one out there and you grabbed onto it.”
“It’s all we have left of her.”
“It’s time to move on, Nash. It wasn’t like we were married to her.”
“You never could admit that you loved her. You always held back.”