Silly is right. “Not my business anymore, Jeff. Don’t want to know, to tell you the truth.” Unless it includes Cole’s failure which will make my day.
“Fine, fine. But don’t try and fob me off. I want to come and see you, check out the new place. I would like to come to your opening night, but prior commitments and all, darling. You know I can give you a good write up. I’m nothing if not brutally honest, and you’ve never disappointed me yet. So how about it, Lena? Book me a table please?”
“Of course, how could I refuse? Let me check the book.” She walked over to the desk and thumbed through to the weekend, running her finger down the list of tables. “Listen, Saturday is pretty full already, but I can give you a table on Friday if that suits.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you at 7 sharp. Is it BYO?”
“Yes, but we have some lovely wineries in Mudgee. I’m sure you’ll find something on your way out here to suit.”
“I know I will. Can’t wait to catch up. Ciao.”
Nor can I. She replaced the phone and stared out to nothing thinking about what Jeff said. The restaurant was going downhill. After all her hard work, Cole was letting things get on top of him. It was no longer her problem but it still cut to the core regardless. She’d worked her butt off to make a name for herself and the bastard had taken it all from her, and now wasn’t even looking after it properly. Such a waste.
“That’s a somber look. Anything I can do to help?” Adam peered at her from the raised platform, a small smile tipping the corners of his mouth.
You are just what I needed to see right now. Lena watched him, aware of the heat racing through her body. No matter what she told herself, he brightened her day just by being there. She wanted to keep him at arm’s length for longer but it was getting harder and harder to do. Perhaps it would be nicer for her to give in to her heart, but did she really want to go down that path again? Adam was nothing like Cole. Nothing at all.
“No, it’s okay, really. Just an old client from Sydney wanting to come and have a meal and do a review.” I’d like you to meet him when he’s here though.
He walked down and his face brightened with a full on smile that melted her heart just a little more. “Is that a problem for you? If so, you could have told him no thanks.” Adam stopped in front of her and lifted her chin so she was looking into his eyes.
My God, he’s gorgeous. No wonder I dream about him. Lena licked her lips and noticed the change in his pupils. “It’s all good. It’ll be nice to see him again.” She closed her eyes as his lips came down on hers. Without any encouragement, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave herself over to the moment. When she paused for breath, Lena looked into his eyes and smiled. “You do know I promised myself I wouldn’t get involved again, don’t you?” But the heart wants what the heart wants.
“But?” Adam grinned and tightened his arms around her waist.
“I can’t seem to help myself when you’re around. You are a bad influence on me, Adam Chapman.” And I think I like it.
“I aim to please.” He dropped a kiss on her nose. “Now, is there anything I can help you with for the big opening night?”
Opening night. “Heck, I don’t really know. I think I have it under control, but you know things can change in a moment. I have all the food here, I have to prep but that’s easy enough.”
“Staff?”
“Yes, organized. I got two of the kids from the school function as waitresses. They seem to be on the ball and it can’t hurt to give them a go, see how it all works out.” She rested her head against his chest and listened to his heart thumping. The steady beat soothed her nerves and gave her a sense of peace.
“I’d better get back to it. Thanks for the hug, I needed it.” And I enjoyed it.
“There’s plenty more where that came from. Ask and you shall receive. I’ll be back later on. Wouldn’t miss this night for the world.” He gave a smile and clicked his fingers for Spencer to follow, leaving Lena alone once again to prep for her opening night.
Lena had booked at table for her parents and Adam, determined they would have a meal they didn’t have a hand in as they had at the school function. She wanted them to savor the joy of eating at her restaurant as guests, not workers on a short break shoveling down what they could between service.
* * *
Adam watched Lena in the kitchen. Kyle was by her side working with her despite her earlier protests that he should join his grandparents and Adam at the table for a meal. The kid has the knack for fitting right into the job. He was definitely his mother’s son and would make a great chef one day. He only hoped Lena could convince him to take up formal training.
“I am so proud of our girl. She’s worked so hard to have her own place and make her mark.” Sofia dabbed at her eyes with her napkin.
Ben patted her hand, smiling as he watched their daughter work. “Stubborn and determined. Guess she got the best of the both of us my love.”
Just as well, Adam silently agreed. Sofia’s Italian fieriness and Ben’s dogged determination and wisdom were blended perfectly in their daughter. The night was going well. All the tables were full of people who appeared to be enjoying their meals. Service seemed to be going off without
