High class

Apparently, your half brother is making some very good paychecks over at the DSD. He is treating you and Mia to a meal at the Perla d'Oro--the Golden Pearl. It is the most expensive restaurant in town, even their Fettuccine is exorbitantly priced. Nick must have news; you hope he isn't buttering you up for something awful. You already worry about him enough with him off doing who knows what top secret things for the government.

Adjusting your brunette bob, you decide you've primped enough and smooth your form-hugging black dress at the waist. This is completely unnecessary; you are just so nervous! This is exacerbated when Mia walks out of her room with her black hair in a messy bun and her modest, but noticeable still, cleavage displayed by her v-neck shirt. Her jeans just add the final straw. You just give Mia what she calls the "mom eyes", and she turns around to change.

After an extra 45 minutes with Mia's shenanigans and the traffic, you arrive at the valet line, fancy luxury cars being driven by polished professionals, rather than nervous teenagers. Handing the keys of your average, run-of-the-mill SUV to one of the valets, you and Mia walk into the restaurant to find Nick already has a table. You take your seats and order Shirley Temples for the table. Once the waiter returns, Nick orders the House Special, the most expensive and delicious course, consisting of steak, a soup, and tiramisu. Once you finish, engaging in catch-up small talk, Nick's look becomes more serious.

"So what is this all about?" you ask, pushing Mia's phone down, your eyes again moving her to do what you expect of her.

Nick clears his throat, clearly uncomfortable. You knew he had news he didn't think you'd like.

"Well, something has happened. One of our operatives is missing, and this is confidential information, but you're family and I trust you guys. Anyway, a colleague of mine has gone silent, no contact from them in three days. She was stationed in South America, but that's as specific as I can get."

"So, you have been sent in to rescue her?" you ask, already knowing the answer.

"Yes, I--"

"Listen, Nick, I loved the meal tonight, but I'm proud of you. You don't need to buy your way into my acceptance. You're doing your job well."

Visibly relaxing Nick replies, "thanks. That means a lot, because I leave tonight."

You say your goodbyes at the restaurant, Mia giving her half uncle a **** hug. You and Mia head back to the house while Nick heads off for the airport. He never did stay long.

If work hadn't drained your energy, you would have considered hitting the town on this perfect Friday night. As it is though, you drive yourself and Mia home and the two of you head off to your rooms to crash.

The next week is pretty much business as usual until Thursday night.