The lawyer was slick, smooth and kinda cute and has the most immaculately, manicured hands that Anzu had ever seen.

"Okay, Anzu, if you would sign there for me please." He jabbed a near perfect fingernail onto the contract. "It's right there, see?"

She was almost tempted to ask if she was blind, since it was the only line that had signed here, in pencil with a cross. "You mean where your secretary has helpfully drawn a little cross?"

He quickly amended. "I didn't mean to patronise you."

"Sure you didn't." She drew for a pen and signed her name. "I am just glad it's over."

Duke Devlin didn't look like he shared the feeling. Congratulations, Anzu!" He held his hand out. ""And I wish you success for the future."

"Thank you." She replied, hoping not sound smug or triumphant because she knew she should be neither. She was just lucky, though some people say there is no such thing. She picked up her light pink silk jacket and gave Duke a grateful smile. He had guided her though all the paperwork concerning the purchase with the care of a soldier negotiating a treacherous minefield. Most importantly of all, he kept the whole think quiet. She owed him. "Would you like to have lunch with me?"

He blinked before asking, "Come again?"

"Me and you, you know have lunch together." She glanced at her watch. "Say one O clock? In the New Hampshire?"

"The New Hampshire? You mean Atem Mutou's place? I would love to but we won't get a table today, not on such short notice." Duke mentioned.

"I know that." Anzu smiled. "Which is why I took the precaution of making reservations a few weeks ago."

He frowned. "You were so positive that we would have gotten though today, weren't you?"

"Pretty much. I knew the court hearing to get my licence was today and I didn't foresee any problems."

"Your are a very confident woman Anzu Mazaki." He told her softly. "As well as an extremely beautiful one."

It was a pity that some men saw a simple gesture as an invitation to form some deep and meaningful relationship.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Duke. This is purely a business lunch. A way of me thanking you for all your hard way, that's all and nothing more." Anzu informed him.

"Right." He began to clear his table.

Walking out of the office, Anzu sucked in the crisp summer air, scarcely able to believe she was back in the city she loved. Her visits over the last few weeks had been secretive but there was no need to hide anymore.

It was a prefect day, blue sky, golden sun. "Atem Mutou, prepare for some competition." She spoke.

It was just past one when she sauntered her way into the reception are of The New Hampshire, hoping that she looked more confident than she felt. The place had changed out of all recognition. When Anzu had worked there it had been tucked and swaged and covered with tiny sprigs of flowers.

Atem had clearly moved with the times. The carpet had disappeared and so had the chintz. Now there were bare, beautiful polished wood floorboards and simple curtains at the vast windows.

She remembered how overwhelmed she felt the very first time she strolled those doors but then she was just eighteen then and over nine years ago.

Walking to the receptionist, the woman looked up and asked. "How can I help you?"

"Yes, I am Anzu Mazaki and I have a reservation for two." She replied.

"Oh yes, Mazaki, Anzu. Your guest has already arrived." She gave Anzu a polite smile. "Have you ever eaten here before?"

"No." She responded.

She just made beds and cleaned the place.

"Then I will get someone to show you to your table."

Anzu followed one of the waiters, determined not to feel intimidated. Yet her heart raced with anticipation that she might see him again.

The restaurant was almost full and Duke rose to his feet as she approached. "I was beginning to think you stood me up."

"Oh one of little faith." She joked, smiling at the waiter, who was hovering like a saucer. "Some house champagne, please. We are celebrating."

"Certainly madam." He walked away.

Duke waited until he got his second glass before speaking. "Let's hope you still have something to celebrate six months down the line."

"Meaning?" She raised a brow.

He shrugged. "Just that Atem won't be overjoyed when he finds out that you're opening a new restaurant in the same town."

"Oh?" Anzu slid a green olive into her mouth and chewed on it thoughtfully. "Everyone knows he has an awesome reputation in the catering industry, surely he is man enough to take a little competition?"

"I should image he's man enough for most things." Duke remarked, dryly. "Just maybe not on the same street."

"Anyway, I don't think I'm going to be a serious rival, am I?" She shrugged.

"True but what if the customers start coming to you?"

"It's a free country and may the best man win."

"Or woman?" Duke murmured.

Anzu looked at the menu and said, "Let's order, shall we. I'm starving."

"Sounds good." Then you can tell me about your life story." He frowned. "You know, you hair is the most amazing shade of brown. I bet you use to dress up as a princess when you were a little girl."

"No! I was the one that wore rags and never believed in a fairytale ending."

Her mother was loving but ultimately foolish.

"Let's talk about you instead and then you can tell me all about Winchester." He began to talk and his company. To make witty small talk as adults always did.

Anzu was distracted by her surroundings to be able to concentrate very much. Even on the food. Weird. She hadn't bank on Atem still having an affect on her after all these years.

"Anzu." Duke said, suddenly.

She pushed the pudding plate away from her and looked up, "Yes?"

"Why did you invite me to lunch today?" He drank a mouthful of wine and refilled his glass.

"I told you at the office." She answered.

"I guess you did but I was hoping you would have changed your mind."

"No, I haven't." She rest back in her chair. "The lunch is a thank you."

"For what?"

For tying up the deal without any complications and for keeping it a secret."

"Oh yes." He sipped his drink and watched her. "I meant to ask, why the big secret?"

"I just wanted it to be a surprise, that's all." She answered.

He leaned across the table. "You told me you never eaten here before."

"Well, I haven't."

"But this isn't the first time you have been in here, have you?"

"What makes you say that?" She asked.

"Your body language. I spent my life observing a person's body language, it comes with the job." He replied.

"I use to work here when I was young." She told him. "But that was years ago. In my younger days."

"You are not ancient." He informed her.

"I'm twenty-seventy."

"Old enough to know better?" Duke teased.

"Don't think so." Came a silky drawl from behind Anzu's right shoulder. "Not if past experience is anything to go on. Right Anzu?"

She didn't need to turn around to know was standing behind her. She would have recognized that voice in the dark a million miles away.

"Hello Atem." She said carefully.