Lunch at Viv’s, Pt. 3

“Adding another hot girl to your harem, Daddy?” Viv asks out of nowhere.

Everyone on the table didn’t even notice her arrival due to wanting to cheer up Brooke after her open admission to possibly having facial and body dysmorphia. You all say hi to Viv and congratulate her on the spotlight.

“Anyway, got room for one more?” Viv flirtatiously and teasingly asks.

“At this table or Daddy’s harem?” Stella asks back, in a teasing tone as well.

“The latter, obviously.” Viv answers nonchalantly. “I was planning to sit on Daddy’s lap anyway.” Viv jokes.

“Hey now, only us girlfriends can call him that.” Stella remarks.

“You’d also probably want to refrain from sitting on a customer’s lap while cameras are on.” Celeste says from behind her.

“I just wanted to drop by and say that I have to go to our branch office here for a few hours, but I’ll see you all later tonight. I made reservations for dinner and got us guest-listed to a club here in the city, so we’re all good on the plans later already.” Celeste mentions.

“Oh! Can you add Brooke to the reservation and guest list?” You ask your cousin.

“She’s already on it.” Celeste answers, and Viv does finger-guns and clicks her tongue.

“I called Viv to mention that I’m going with you guys tonight after our run. I guess she already mentioned it to Celeste.” Brooke explains.

“She did. So everything’s set for tonight. Reservations at 8:30 at Dorsia.” Celeste informs all of you.

“Ooh~, I heard they have a great sea urchin ceviche!” Brooke reacts excitedly. “I’ve always wanted to go there but reservations are impossible. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a food critic would have no problem with getting reservations though.” Brooke adds.

“That place sounds fancy. I hope we’re not underdressed.” Tanya comments, reminiscent of her concern when you brought her to that French restaurant on your first date.

“You’re all dressed perfectly, don’t worry. It’s fancy but not fine dining.” Celeste assures Tanya.

“Anyway, I have to go now. See you all later.” Celeste says goodbye before making her way to the exit.

“Well, camera-guy’s gone. Can I sit on your lap now?” Viv jokes, causing you to awkwardly laugh.

“Why are you suddenly so flirty with my Dad?” Stella asks Viv.

“Evil lesbian was warned by Daddy not to go after his daughter, so I’m going after Daddy instead.” Viv jokes back.

“This daughter doesn’t need Daddy’s protection. You wanna go after me? You can try.” Stella says with fake arrogance.

“You make out with Cassie once and you’re already challenging the evil lesbian.” Tanya jokes, but Brooke and Viv react simultaneously with a “WHAT!?”, that was reminiscent of yours and Stella’s when you found out about Tanya and Cassie. Viv looks around her customers who may have looked due to the noise and brings her hands together and starts bowing, apologizing for possibly bothering them with the sudden noise.

“What?” Viv repeats much quieter after turning back towards your table. “When did that happen? Oh my god! Details!” Viv asks giddily.

“Oh how the turntables.” Stella jokes, pointing out how it’s now Brooke and Viv who are out of the loop on bombshell gossip.

“Is making out with Cassie a requirement to be a girlfriend of yours?” Viv jokingly asks. “Cuz if so, I’ve already submitted my application the other night.” Viv adds before winking at Cassie. “But if Daddy needs to see, I’m ready to do it again.” Viv adds, before leaning her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her hand and makes a kissy face towards Cassie who sinks lower in her chair. Viv laughs upon seeing Cassie’s embarrassment.

“If you tell me everything that happened during your night out the other night, then I might be willing to spill some secrets.” Stella offers Viv a deal. Viv laughs at the offer.

“Oh please. First of all, I don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Viv jokes. “Second of all, I’m pretty sure you made out with Cassie during that foursome last night.” Viv reveals.

Brooke gasps in shock at that revelation. Brooke looks at you, then Tanya, then Cassie, then Stella, and all of you have the guiltiest of body languages.

“Hi, Chef Nguyen?” your waitress from earlier approaches Viv, blushing from obviously hearing what Viv just said.

“Is that girl summoned by sex talk? Jesus Christ.” Stella comments under her breath. That poor girl must think you’re all sexual deviants with how much she’s heard from your table already.

“Yes?” Viv asks the waitress in a serious voice, completely changing her demeanor.

“Ms. Hoffman wants to see you.” the waitress informs Viv.

“Tell her I’ll be in her office in two minutes.” Viv informs the waitress before she slinks away, blushing deep red at what she’s heard from her boss about your foursome.

“Oh man, this was fun already, and I’m still at work. If this is any indication, tonight’s going to be bonkers.” Viv comments, going back to her more easy going demeanor.

“I’m not drinking.” Brooke comments.

“Neither am I. Pretty sure Celeste wouldn’t either if she has to catch a flight tomorrow.” Tanya adds, making Viv boo both of them.

“Tonight’s supposed to be chill Viv, don’t scare Brooke off.” Tanya warns her.

“Fine.” Viv answers defeated.

“Don’t you have work tomorrow? Didn’t you have to get here early on Mondays?” You ask her, after remembering she knocked on your door to quiet down with Cassie last week since she has to go to work early.

“Oh, that was just last week. Had to meet and negotiate with a supplier for fresh ingredients. Since that’s all settled, I can come in any time as long as my sous chef’s here.” Viv answers.

“So what you’re saying is, you can drink but we can’t? Sounds like someone has to drink for the two of us, Tanya.” Brooke goads Viv.

“HA! Like I’ll fall for that. It ain’t my first rodeo ladies.” Viv says.

“That was your exact reason the other night for us to drink more!” Brooke says.

“Yeah. Exactly. So why would you think I'd fall for it?” Viv retorts.

“Anyway, I’m going back to work, but like Celeste, I’ll see you all later tonight.” Viv adds before noticeably changing into professional mode once more.

“It’s hella creepy that she can change into boss mode in a snap.” Stella observes, and Viv turns around as if she heard Stella’s comment.

“By the way, your bill’s been settled.” Viv tells you guys with a wink before walking towards what you assume is the office area.

“She’s going to be broke by their grand opening with how much free food she’s giving away.” Tanya comments.

“So? Where do we go from here?” Brooke asks the table.

“I kinda want to go shopping for a dress for my date tomorrow.” Stella suggests.

“I’ll go with you. I have an idea what your boyfriend likes.” Cassie says jokingly.

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I’ll come with you too, in case you need a third opinion.” Tanya adds.

“I guess that’s the plan.” you tell them.

“Oh no. Nuh-uh, papi. You can’t see the dress before the date. That’s bad luck!” Tanya tells you with a very serious tone.

“What?” was the only thing you can say in reaction, as you’re confused if that’s an actual thing.

Isn’t what she said specifically for weddings?

“Looks like you’ll have some alone time in the city, Jay.” Brooke teases you.

“That’s why we need you to keep him company. We don’t want him to get bored, or lonely, away from us.” Cassie tells Brooke, and both you and Brooke begin to understand what it is they’re doing. Apparently, Stella wasn’t in on Tanya and Cassie’s plan though.

“Hey! Brooke’s getting a date before me at this rate.” Stella says, a bit of jealousy in her tone, and Brooke blushes at the thought.

“They’re just going to hang out sweetie. Your dad’s allowed female friends, right?” Tanya asks Stella.

“Fine.” Stella answers, defeated. “But no funny business!” Stella warns both you and Brooke jokingly.

Brooke just nods at Stella’s condition and you can’t help but feel embarrassed at the lack of subtlety your girlfriends are showing towards Brooke. You know they’re okay with you pursuing other relationships, but for them to openly campaign for you to be alone with someone seems overboard… or is it a test?

“Well, it seems like we have a plan. Shall we go?” Tanya asks all of you, and you all stand up ready to leave. You leave a generous tip for the amount of trauma the young waitress must have suffered from hearing about all the sexual stuff from your table.

“I actually thought our waitress would appear out of nowhere again when I mentioned ‘no funny business’. I guess she’s only summoned if you mention something that involves actual fucking.” Stella tells you under her breath.

“Bye! We hope you all enjoyed your meal!” the waitress says from behind Stella, who comically flinches from surprise.