The waiter brought the appetizers. The aroma of olive oil and balsamic vinegar filled the air.
Hale dipped a piece of bread in the vinegar, took a bite, and his eyes lit up. "It's delicious!"
"Of course it is. This is aged Italian balsamic vinegar," Archibald said. He tore a piece of bread into small chunks and handed some to Ella and Alex. "If you want to eat this again, just call me anytime. I'll bring you here."
"Do you come here every day?" Ella asked.
"At least once a week," Archibald said seriously. "No matter how busy I am, I have to eat well. That's my life philosophy."
Alex chewed on his bread while looking at Archibald. "What kind of job do you do?"
"I'm a Member of Parliament—the kind of person who argues on TV."
"Did you win the arguments?"
Archibald was momentarily stunned, then laughed. "Most of the time, yes. Even if I lose, it doesn't matter. I can fight again next time."
Alex nodded and continued eating his bread.
