“Are you?”

Grace came back to earth and realized they’d passed her apartment building. “I’m sorry, Oscar. I live back there. But you can stop here and I’ll walk.”

“No, that’s okay I’ll turn around.” Once he’d made a U-turn he turned to her. “So are you purposely avoiding my question or did you not hear it when you were in la-la land?”

She turned to him, feeling terrible. She hadn’t heard a thing he said for the past five minutes. “I didn’t hear you.”

“I asked if you’re seeing anyone?”

“Uh, no. Not at the moment.” She saw his lips curve into a smile. “But I am talking to someone. So you know… I’m just playing it by ear right now.” She bobbled her head, wondering if he’d bought it. She hated awkward situations like this. The last thing she needed was one more person at her job making her feel uncomfortable. “Here it is.” She pointed at her apartment building.

She thanked him and got out before he could start talking again. Next time, she’d take the bus.

CHAPTER 9

Sal finished his round of golf with Jason. The entire time he’d thought of Grace. He kept thinking about the expression on her face when he’d asked her about the guys who picked her up. At first blank, then defensive, then downright heated.

He was one to talk about first impressions. He had to wonder what kind of impression he was making on her with his accusatory remarks and insinuations. If she thought he might be an ass**le before, he’d just confirmed it this morning.

They reached the parking area. Jason turned to Sal before they went their separate ways. “Thanks for another good one. You sure everything is okay? You were real quiet today.”

Sal nodded. “I’m good. I just got lot going on at the restaurants.”

“Anything I can help with?”

“Nah, nah, nothing bad. Just been real busy.”

“All right, man.” Jason tapped Sal’s fist with his own. “I’ll see you next time.” Then he stopped. “Oh hey, almost forgot. I talked to Spence the other day. He’s thinking Vegas for the bachelor party.”

“Really Vegas? I thought you didn’t want anything big.”

“Eh, Spence can be persuasive. It won’t be anything crazy, just a little gambling, drinking, and hanging out with the guys. You better be there.”

“When is this?”

“In a few weeks. I’ll let you know.”

“I’ll be there.”

Sal hadn’t taken but two steps when any thoughts of Jason were obliterated and Grace was on his mind again. It was almost annoying.

Alex’s house was, as expected, loud and overflowing with food. Why his mom thought all this noise and company would make Valerie feel better was beyond him. But Valerie had managed to somehow get Alex to let her move from the bedroom to the front room where she lay in the oversized reclining chair.

Sal walked over to greet her as soon as he walked in. “Hey sweetheart, how we doing?” He rubbed her huge belly.

She gave him a half smile. “I just want all their little parts to finish growing already, so they can take these babies out.”

Every time he saw her she was much bigger than the last, but he wouldn’t tell her and make her feel worse. “Almost there, Val.” He kissed her forehead. God, he felt sorry for her, she looked so damn uncomfortable.

Alex doted over her, bringing her another pillow and Sarah stood behind her, massaging her neck.

His mom had made too much food as usual. It was overkill. Sal leaned on the island in the kitchen, trying to decide what he’d try first. Sofia walked in with a tray and the first thing out of his dad’s mouth was, “More food?”

“Yeah, our newest cook made it.”

Just like that, she had Sal’s undivided attention. Eric, her fiancé, walked in behind her and waved at everyone

“You got another cook?” Angel sounded almost annoyed. “Didn’t you just hire one last week?”

“Actually, this is the bartender Alex hired last week,” Sofia said, setting the tray in front of Sal. “She’s just as good in the kitchen.”

Sal glanced at Alex who was smirking. “Try it, Sal. Alex and I had some of her cooking today. She’s a keeper.”

Alex finally moved away from Valerie and made his way to the kitchen, smiling. “Yeah, a keeper, Sal.”

Real discreet. Sal didn’t even look at him, he grabbed a fork and took the foil off the top of the tray. “What is it?”

“An enchilada casserole.”

It looked good. Sal put a forkful in his mouth. It was good. Really good. He nodded, not wanting them to see just how excited he was about this. Of course, this was just one dish, but damn one thing was for sure—she could cook. “Pretty good.”

He knew Alex wasn’t buying his nonchalant act. Alex took the fork from him and dug in. After chewing for a second, he spoke with his mouth still partially full. “This is going on the menu.” He turned to where Angel was sitting. “Angel, try this.”

They were all standing around now, digging in and Alex took a plate over to Valerie, when there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Alex yelled.

Isabel, Valerie’s best friend and roommate before she married Alex, walked in. “Oh, honey,” she said, as soon as she saw Valerie and rushed over to her. She obviously hadn’t seen her in a while.