Twenty-four ~ Evelyn

We arrive at the foot of the Heron Tower.

I must be nearing the end of my quota of shocking experiences by now.

Adrian hands the keys to a valet and guides me inside.

The Tower is the second tallest building in London. It's mainly offices, but also hosts two restaurants.

That narrows down my options.

Restaurant A is the highest twenty-four-hour restaurant in the city.

Restaurant B is a fusion restaurant just below. It's laid out across the thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth floors.

Either way, we're going up. The question is, how high?

The city wraps around us as we scale the side of the structure. The glass capsule leaves little to the imagination.

Ade squeezes my hand. I admire how minute mine looks compared to his.

Stepping out of the lift, we're immediately immersed in elaborate colours.

Torii gates outline the hallway before giving way to a monochrome bar. My eyes catch continuously on new decorations as I attempt to take in the space.

We're lead up a floating staircase, ceilinged with greenery that flows into the main seating area.

The enchanting space is encased in glass and completed by grand high ceilings decorated with a bamboo lattice. I absorb my lavish surroundings as I mindlessly trail after Adrian to a table in the corner.

A smile tugs at my lips as Ade pulls the chair out for me before taking the seat next to mine. My anxiety sings with relief at the avoidance of any ungraceful shuffling in my tight dress.

"This place is incredible!" I beam at Ade, who gives me a dimpled smile in return.

Scanning the menu, I'm pleased to find that, for the most part, the prices aren't diabolical. But, they're definitely at the upper end of what I'd usually spend at a restaurant.

I take my time to decipher the menu as I read it a second time. All of the items use intriguing and slightly intimidating flavour combinations.

A bubbly voice turns my head.

"Hi!" Lizzie calls.

She's wearing a navy blue dress with an asymmetric neckline. The dark colour emphasises her sky blue eyes.

Her matching blue stilettos, extending her tall frame, do little to deter Lizzie from dipping to embrace me in a hug.

"Hey!" I automatically hug her back.

After greeting Ade, Lizzie sits on the other side of me.

"So, what do you think?" She tilts her head towards me expectantly.

"It's magical! Was it hard to reserve?" From the glimpses I've seen on Instagram, the restaurant always appears fully booked.

"I know a guy." Lizzie chuckles with a wink.

Is there anywhere she can't get into?

I have to don a green uniform in order to freely gain access to off-limits areas. Although, that certainly has its perks. Exploring the roof of Hampton Court Palace last summer immediately springs to mind.

"Shall we go for the Taste of Samba menu?" Lizzie chirps, waving a menu.

Locating the correct section of the menu, I find four set menus ranging from seventy to a hundred pounds per person. My budget demon cries internally, but why not throw caution to the wind for once. If the décor is anything to go by, the six course meal will be incredible.

"Sure." Ade chimes in before looking to me for confirmation.

"Sounds good!" I smile at the siblings.

We decide on our set menu moments before our waitress' melodic voice joins our conversation.

Adrian passes me the drinks menu opened to the mocktail page. I give him an appreciative smile before looking over the options.

Lizzie orders the Lychee Cooler cocktail and I order the Amora. It sounds perfectly fruity and sweet.

However, Ade's choice of a Saffron-Shiso mocktail incites a look of intrigue. Adrian simply shrugs off my confusion with a smile.

The small gesture electrocutes the bee in my chest, as I feel heat begin to puddle in my cheeks.

Lizzie commenced her reel of questions shortly after the waitress' departure. Flattered by her enthusiasm, I integrate some of my own questions into my answers.

I learnt that she studied modern languages and linguistics at the University of Oxford, like Ade. But, she wishes to complete a fashion related masters in Paris.

Angela plans to join Lizzie in France, once she graduates, to help set up a business.

Lizzie's passion sparks blue flames in her emotive eyes. I have no doubt she'll surpass her aspirations with such determination.

I'd also love to do a masters, however for paramedics it takes three years rather than one. So, I want to spend a year out on the road after graduating to build experience first.

Our conversation is only interrupted by the arrival of the first course. The table is gifted with edamame, plantain chips and green bean tempura.

The enticing smell of the crunchy trio has my mouth watering in anticipation.

We enjoy the food in an appreciative silence with the occasional hum from Lizzie.

The courses keep flowing. Each designer dish takes on it's own personality to bring a new wave of joy to your taste buds.

As the sky darkens, the soft fire-fly glow of the hanging lightbulbs takes precedence over the room. Plunging us further into an enchanted forest.

Gazing over my shoulder at the open space, I realise the surrounding tables are still unoccupied.

Surely a Friday night would leave no empty seats?

"How odd, the neighbouring tables aren't being used." I voice my confusing observation.

"I suggested we reserve a section, to give us more privacy." Adrian fills in the blanks.

Glancing once more at our position, I feel silly for not realising from our clearly calculated location. We're facing the corner, giving us an unobscured view of the illuminated city, whilst also providing other diners with only a view of our backs.

Thinking back to how our mini golf date came to an abrupt end, I internally praise and thank Adrian's meticulous nature.

The divine chocolate banana cake signifies the finish line. Whilst every melting mouthful brings me bliss, me and my food baby are relieved there's no more food to come.

Scooping up the last piece, a maturing man joins us at the table.

He's dressed immaculately in a black suit with an identically stiff tone.

"How was your meal this evening? I hope you found everything to your liking?" Although he spoke to the table, the man directed his attention to Adrian.

"It was lovely, thank you. The waitress was very attentive." Lizzie was not so easily deterred from voicing her opinion.

The man entertained Lizzie with a smile before addressing Adrian once more, "Everything has been taken care of sir. Please, do join us again soon."

After receiving thanks from Ade, the man takes his leave.

Confusion stirs and snags at my chest, 'taken care off'? In what sense?

I place my hand on Adrian's wrist before asking "What does he mean, taken care off?".

"I sorted it when we made the reservation." Adrian partakes in my hushed tone with a smile.

"I can pay for myself." I don't like to owe anyone a coffee, let alone a much larger amount. The concept fills me with unease.

"I don't doubt that for a second, but I'd like to treat you." The warmth in his gaze slowly melts away the uncomfortable sensation.

"Are you sure?"

"Certain."

"Thank you." The words have scarcely left my mouth before they're briefly replaced by Ade's soft lips, filling me with his warmth.

I bite my lip, trying to retain the lingering heat, as Adrian's eyes remain on my lips.

A soft chuckle from Lizzie shimmies a blush up my neck.

"Sorry, I'm still trying to convince myself that Adrian hasn't been possessed!" She exclaims through laughter.

Ade rolls his beautiful blues and I bite back my own laughter.

"I used to think he'd melt like the Wicked Witch if he showed affection to anyone!" Lizzie barks.

Adrian rises, tiring of his sister's antics, and pulls back my chair before offering me a hand.

This seems to only fuel Lizzie's fire as she doubles over, arms clutching her stomach.

The dignified young lady's unrestrained form emanates great joy.

"Would you like a lift home, or will you be too preoccupied with rolling around on the restaurant floor tonight?" Adrian comments snidely, breaking the barrier holding back my own laughter.

Ade pinches his temple and slowly shakes his head at the sight.

"Sorry." I choke, pulling myself back together.

It takes Lizzie a few more minutes to regain her composure and stand.

On our way out, an orange glow captures my attention. I follow it, bringing me to a section of the glass which overlooks a rooftop bar.

A vast oak tree, adorned in thousands of fairy lights, dominates the area. Bathing its surroundings in a sunset hue.

A bow dances along the strings of a violin. Its owner sits on the bar, her skirt flowing over the counter.

"We can come back for more mocktails someday, if you'd like?" Adrian's breath tickles my neck.

"That would be nice." I fall into his touch momentarily before walking to rejoin Lizzie on her way to the lift.

The valet has already pulled the car around by the time we walk onto the street.

"I'll see you soon!" Lizzie pulls me into a hug, "I'm meeting Angie at a bar down the road. You're welcome to join us?"

Adrian glances at me before replying, "Thank you, but we'll leave you to your girls night. Can I give you a lift?"

"It's a two minute walk." She points down the road, "You can see it from here."

"Fine." Ade sighs, "Text me when you reach Angela."

Lizzie nods as she turns, beginning a half-strut, half-bounce down the road.

She fades into the London crowd before we get into the car.

Looking forward to wrapping myself in the soft sheets whilst snuggled against Ade's chest, I don't protest as he sets off towards his apartment.