When they arrived at the bistro, however, they learned that a private celebration dinner was being held. It was a small party, so there were still tables available, just no private rooms.
Noreen asked Vincent if he minded, offering to find another place if he did. He said it was fine.
They had just been seated when a group of people swept in through the entrance, clearly the guests for the party. Noreen paid them no mind as she perused the menu.
Yvonne Laurent was busy greeting the other wives when she looked up and saw Noreen sitting at the most prominent table in the main dining room. Her brow furrowed instantly. She summoned a waiter, whispered a few instructions, and then led her guests into a private room.
Noreen had just finished ordering when a man who looked like the manager approached their table, his expression apologetic. “My apologies, but there seems to have been a mistake by the staff. All our tables have been reserved for the evening.”
“I see. We’ll find somewhere else, then.” Noreen and Vincent stood up to leave.
Just as they reached the door, they ran into Mrs. Naylor herself.
“Miss Gilmore!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up. “Are you here for dinner?”
“Mrs. Naylor,” Noreen greeted her, explaining, “I was hoping to support your business, but it seems you’re fully booked. We’ll have to try again another time.”
“That can’t be right. We should have tables on a weeknight,” Mrs. Naylor said, puzzled. She immediately pulled out her phone and called the manager.
Whatever was said on the other end made Mrs. Naylor’s expression flicker, but when she faced Noreen again, her smile was as warm as ever. “The manager made a mistake. Of course, we have a table for you. In fact, I’ll open up my personal private room.”
This was turning into quite the ordeal. If it weren’t for Mrs. Naylor’s kindness, Noreen would have been long gone.


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