Grace’s dream was to have her own restaurant. She said she’d live to perfect it. The very thing he’d been trying to do with his family’s business for years and now he’d be dedicating his life to this. A smile almost escaped him, thinking about the hours he could spend talking to her about just this. But he sensed a change in her mood and thought better of asking any more.

After a full tour of the stock room, he took her upstairs to show her the banquet rooms. Only one was in use today so they skipped it. Her eyes didn’t disappoint when he opened the door to the remaining part of the huge room.

“It’s one big room with dividers,” he said, pointing at the ceiling. “We can break them up into smaller rooms.”

Adding to her expressive eyes, her lips parted slightly, distracting Sal for a moment.

“Has anyone ever had an event that would use the whole place?”

Sal chuckled. “My brother Angel’s wedding.”

She stopped looking around and turned to Sal. “It was this big?”

“Yep, a little over a year ago and let me tell you, this place was packed.”

“You’re kidding. You guys know that many people?”

Sal shrugged. “The majority of it were friends and business acquaintances of my parents they’ve met over the years through the restaurant. We also had a lot of family come over from Mexico.”

“All the weddings I’ve ever been to, have either been in someone’s backyard or didn’t even have a reception.” Sal stood at the door as she walked across the room to admire the mural on the wall. “Who did these paintings? They’re beautiful.”

“A friend of the family’s. He did the ones downstairs too.”

She turned to him, something changed in her eyes. “The one of the old lady?”

“Yeah, all of them.”

She seemed to stare out into space for a moment then looked back at the mural. “He’s very talented.”

Again, there was a shift in her disposition. The excitement she’d exuded throughout the tour of the restaurant was gone. She walked back toward him. “Thanks for the tour. I should get back to work now.”

“Something wrong?”

Her eyes met his for just a moment. “No, not at all. You have a beautiful restaurant. I just hope I get the opportunity to show you what I can do in the kitchen soon.” She walked past him and out the door.

Once back in the office Sal tried to concentrate on the inventory but his thoughts kept going back to Grace. Then he overheard her laughing with Melanie and damn it if it wasn’t the cutest laugh he’d ever heard.

When he was finally done, he went out into the dining room. Brunch was still in full swing. Alex was talking to a couple of women in a booth and he flagged him over. Both women turned to see who Alex had flagged down and smiled when they saw Sal.

“Sal, you remember Tracy from high school don’t you?”

Sal hadn’t the faintest. Before he could say anything Tracy stood up and threw her arms around his neck. “Oh my god! You guys haven’t changed at all. You’re just like I remember.” She pulled back and smiled. He still didn’t have a clue who she was but she was attractive that was for sure. She’d slipped her hand in his after the hug and she didn’t let go. “This is my cousin, Suzie.”

Suzie held out her hand and smiled. Sal shook it wondering if he could bluff his way out of this. “Yeah, it’s been a while.” He glanced at Alex who smiled like he knew Sal didn’t have a clue. He probably didn’t either, the ass.

“I’m only in town for a few days. I don’t live out here anymore.” Tracy turned to Alex. “I know you’re married now.” Then turned back to Sal. “Maybe you and I can get together and hang out.”

Those last two words coupled with the twinkle in her eyes had a certain connotation he’d heard all too many times. Alex excused himself when he got a call. The idea wasn’t a bad one, but he doubted he could bluff the entire night. Not that he thought admitting the truth now would revoke the invitation.

He pretended to consider it and continued to make small talk when he got the distinct feeling he was being watched. He remembered Melissa would be stopping by and he wondered if she was already there somewhere. Casually, he scanned the restaurant when he noticed Grace staring in his direction from behind the bar. She specifically stared at Tracy who was still holding his hand. The moment her eyes met his, she averted her stare and walked away from where she’d been standing.

~*~

“Good job today, Gracie,” Alex smiled, putting his hand over the receiver on his phone.

“Thank you.” She smiled back.

She’d walked in the back office at the end of her shift to get her things, and overheard him talking to his wife. He was so sweet and forever worrying about her well-being, Grace couldn’t stand it. Why couldn’t she ever meet a guy like that?

He winked at her and continued with his conversation. “I know, baby, but the doctor says you have to… ”

Grace sighed. She was so glad he’d been there the day she showed up to actually talk to Sal. Knowing what she knew now, she’d still be out of a job if Alex hadn’t been there. She thought Sal had finally started warming up to her Friday night, when he apologized for his behavior, but today he was back and forth from sweet to his ornery self. Even when he showed her around she couldn’t shake that feeling that he just wasn’t comfortable with her. He obviously still had his reservations about her.