Chapter 10
10
Happy stood by the limo, patiently waiting for the ladies. As soon as they cleared the doors, he opened the back of the limo and handed them in. “Where to, Boss?” he asked cheerfully.
“The Atlas, Happy. We may be there for a while, so you should grab something, too.” Pepper smiled at her driver/bodyguard/friend. “Oh, Lady Luka. This is Harold Hogan, better known as Happy. He takes care of things for me.”
“Ver heill ok sæll, Karl Hogan,” Luka graciously saluted the big man.
“Um, okay. It’s just Happy, though. I don’t need any fancy title, Lady Luka.” He side-eyed Pepper, wondering what the beautiful woman had said.
The goddess caught it and chuckled. “I wished you health and happiness, Happy. That was all.”
“Ah, right. Thanks, then. We should be there in a few, ladies.” He returned to watching the road.
They stopped directly in front of the restaurant about ten minutes later. Not that impressive from the outside, the eatery looked like a typical NYC storefront. But, once through the outer entrance, everything changed.
Warm, friendly, cosy, even though it was a large room, gentle piano playing in the background, the scents of roasted meats filling the air made the women’s saliva run and their tummies rumble. Luka lay a hand on her abdomen, grinning at her companion. “I do believe I am hungrier than I realised. The breakfast Thor brought was not very filling.”
“And all I had was the coffee,” Pepper agreed. “I’m starving!”
Greeted cordially by the co-owner, Pepper requested a quiet booth so they could talk without interruption. “But of course, Ms. Potts! We are not busy yet, it’s early. Why don’t you ladies sit wherever you like.” He waved a hand at the room in general, stepping back so the pair could choose seats.
“Thank you, Andre. We’ll start with an aperitif and coffee for me and tea for Lady Luka.”
“Menus? Or do you know what you want?” He asked, very accommodating. Pepper Potts was a very good patron and she brought him a lot of repeat customers.
“Oh, menus, I think. My companion has never been here and probably would like to see what is available.” She smiled, “What’s good today?”
“Always, steak, of course! And today we have fresh lobster, grilled salmon or sea bass, baby lamb chops, roast cornish hen, whatever you would like. If you don’t see something, just let Joyce know and the chef will prepare whatever you want. Come, sit and relax. I’ll have a snack brought for you while you decide. Shall I send the wine steward, or do you wish to wait until you’ve chosen an entreé?”
“We’ll let Josef choose, I think,” Pepper said. “He’s never gone wrong for me.”
Andre smiled as he handed them into each side of the booth. Leaving them, he scuttled into the kitchen. In only moments another man came out with a Mediterranean style antipasto, filled their water glasses and lit the table’s candle. He expertly shook out their napkins and laid them on their laps, bowed and left.
“My, my! These mortals certainly treat you like royalty, Lady Pepper. I was under the impression you are not. Was I mistaken?” Luka questioned, surprised. She sipped her water, examining the platter of snacks. Pepper only laughed, shaking her head ‘no.’
Pepper leaned closer and pointed out various items. Pitas, hummus, cucumber slices, taboule, kalamata olives, tzatziki, tomato with mozzarella and basil, falafel and feta cheese. She took a selection for herself, showing the goddess how to use the pita wedges as a scoop for the toppings.
“I would sample the offerings for taste before you take a lot. Just use your teaspoon,” she suggested. “Some of it is spicy and there’s lots of garlic.”
“Wise,” Luka answered. “As long as it does not seem ill-mannered. I have no wish to embarrass either of us.”
“Of course, you won’t!” Pepper consoled her. “Try whatever looks interesting. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of things you’ll like.” She picked up a pita and scooped up some hummus. Popping the bite into her mouth, she ‘mmm’d,’ happily.
Josef arrived at the table, a bottle of a white in hand. He presented it to Pepper before he popped the cork and poured her a small amount. She nodded acceptance and he poured a glass for each of them. When Luka appeared questioning, he bowed slightly, smiling. “To clear your palate before you order, milady.” He seemed to recognise that she was someone special. Luka cordially nodded her head once, taking a small sip.
The wine steward left, saying he would send Joyce over in a few moments. He cautioned the pair to take their time; Andre had told him to see they were given whatever they desired. Pepper thanked him and lifted her menu. “Shall we see what’s appealing? Then you can ask your questions while we eat.”
Choices made, salmon for Luka and lamb chops for Pepper, various sides as well, they settled in to relax and talk. Luka asked several questions she had about the Avengers she had met and their relationships. She learned there were more she had yet to meet, some who often stayed in their own apartments in the Tower. Others had their own homes or were staying at the Avengers’ training facility upstate.
While they spoke, several more people came in for late lunches, drinks at the bar, casual meetings, etc. One group even brought their pads, laptops and portfolios. They took the largest table in the centre of the room, having several servers clear space for them to work while they had drinks and ate.
Luka glanced over several times, seeming disapproving to Pepper. “Is there a problem, Lady Luka?”
“That group is rather... loud, don’t you think?” The goddess frowned. “Very inconsiderate of other diners.” Just then the group burst into rather raucous laughter, clinking glasses and one man even thumped the table. “They sound like a group of Odin’s warriors.”
“If they are bothering you, I could ask Andre to request they tone down the celebration,” Pepper soothed.
“No need, I can silence them easily. I do not even have to leave my seat.” Her hands lifted, beginning to glow with seidr.
“Oh, no! You don’t have to...” But it was already done. The sudden silence stopped several other tables, everyone looking toward where the noise no longer existed. Those of the affected table were acting startled and anxious, a couple even beginning to panic.
“Luka, please! Let them go! Stop whatever you did before someone hurts themself,” Pepper begged.
“As you wish, Lady Pepper,” the goddess waved a hand once more. As she did, she glared directly at the table full of shocked, upset diners. And some of them noticed, just as she wanted.
“How the hell did you do that?” one man barked at her. “What did you do?”
“You and your companions are rude and inconsiderate of others. You disturbed my meal, so I ended your chattering.” Luka spoke disdainfully, chin up and an eyebrow raised.
“Just by waving your hand?” A woman asked. “Who are you?” The gang of them were starting to notice how unusual this person was. Overdressed for a Saturday luncheon, though her long gown and intricate hairdo suited her, even in the shadow of the booth her beauty shone brightly.
“Never seen her before,” one guy commented. “I think I recognise the other redhead, though.” Addressing Pepper, he loudly questioned, “You come here often, don’t you? Think I’ve seen you before.”
Meanwhile, the commotion had been noticed, someone told Andre and he hustled over. Soothing any tables he passed, he came straight to Pepper. He totally bypassed the large group. He got a couple of frowns, but it was obvious who he felt were the more valuable customers.
“Do you require assistance, ladies? Is there anything I can get for you? Please, accept your lunches on the house. I will speak to our other guests.” The poor man was practically vibrating, he was so worried about losing Pepper’s business.
“Do not fret, minn fjol,” Luka reassured Andre. “I have quieted them already. There will be no more disturbances.” She smiled graciously, plainly pleased with her solution.
“Uhh...” The owner was at a complete loss. He looked to Pepper for help.
“It’s alright, Andre. Lady Luka is Thor’s sister. An Asgardian goddess? She has magic, but I asked her to do nothing else. So, problem solved?”
“I hope so. I will ask them to tone it down anyway. They were getting a little too rowdy, even if it is only Saturday lunch.” He turned to Luka. “Thank you for solving that so quickly and quietly, heh, heh. What you can do is amazing. I hope you will not think badly of us. We are normally a much more peaceful place.”
Luka nodded and smiled. “Nothing I am not used to. If you ever saw Asgard during a feast...” She shook her head, chuckling.
The owner headed for the noisy table and had a short conversation before coming back to the women. “Excuse me, ladies. This gentleman wishes to apologise for upsetting you.”
Sighing, Pepper nodded okay. The guy reached for her hand before he really noticed Luka. “You’re Pepper Pots aren’t you? Stark’s CEO? Really sorry the kids got so loud. We just closed a big deal and they wanted to celebrate. Lot of hard work went into it, you know?”
“I am and I do,” Pepper said shortly. She just wanted to finish eating and get Luka back to the Tower before anything else happened. Unfortunately, she would not be that lucky.