Chapter 49: Feed Me
** Harper ** To Harper's great relief, Eli wasn't too insistent on prying — at least not yet — and that saved her the embarrassment of recounting all those drunken questions her coworkers had posed about the personal relationship between the two of them. They popped the rosé, and the conversation slowly changed direction, flowing back to the table in front of them as they toasted and started sampling the treats.
"This turned out nicely," Harper commented with relieved contentment after a few digs into the charcuterie board. "I got these from a tapas restaurant downtown. Took some work to convince them to let me do a takeout order, since it's supposed to be fine-dining and all that, but it's totally worth the effort."
"I would've loved to see how you won them over with your charm." Eli winked, not missing a single opportunity to slip in a teasing compliment. "Though I now feel frighteningly flattered that you went such an extra mile to 'thank me'. Especially when it's really supposed to be my job, to invite you to a fine dinner to celebrate your promotion."
"You already invited me to a fine dinner last week," Harper pointed out.
"That was for the web novel. Different cause." He raised his wine glass to her. "Isn't it amazing to think that we always have something to celebrate every weekend? Your life is so full of exciting news. Congratulations again."
They clinked their glasses. The bubbling rose pink glowed crisply against the candlelight, and Harper thought that she'd be quite happy if this series of celebrations could keep going. Not because she enjoyed bathing in success and glory ... but because she liked having an excuse to hang out in Eli's company, to have dinners like this with him every weekend.
"Speaking of the web novel," Eli continued, "how is that going? You've been so busy with work that I barely hear you talk about the book anymore."
"Oh, did I forget to tell you?" Her thoughts snapped back to the book, which had indeed been left in an unfortunate state of semi-neglect in the past week. "I'm getting back on it, and I even took your advice to add a Chapter at the amusement park. The latest update apparently gathered quite a few ... thought-provoking comments. You should see them and have a good laugh."