Chapter 10
A LICE LEANED FORWARD on the counter of the food truck, still riled up about the weekend. Valencia told her to stop playing it over and move on.
“It’s done, mi querida, let it go.” She started to sing “Tomorrow” from Annie in Spanish. Easier said than done. She studied the edge of her sister’s old building knowing it was wrong to take the job. But how could she know Carrie would be there? Knowing her sister, Carrie had already been deleted from her contacts, removed from her social media. Tabby would be just as inclined to pretend her best friend for over a decade did not exist. There was no way for Carrie to make things up to her. No way for Carrie to tell Tabby about the event. It amazed her that Carrie would cling to Delany’s best friend, unless they both filled a need.
“Can I get some tacos?”
Alice snapped up, Delany waiting on the sidewalk. “What are you doing here?”
He smiled, his hands resting on his hips. “Katy loves your food. Plus, you left before I could pay you. ”
“Hello, guapo.” Valencia slid up next to Alice doing a long, deliberate once over on Delany. “What brings a tall drink like yourself our way?”
“Do you practice these lines at home?” Alice lowered her voice.
Valencia tickled her side and leaned into the counter by the windows.
“Something tells me you know how you like your Cuban food.”
“I know how they do it in Puerto Rico,” he said.
“Mama or papa?”
“Mom. My dad was never around.”
Valencia spoke in rapid Spanish. Delany smiled and answered back. They started a conversation Alice could not understand a word of. At one point Valencia tilted her head toward her and said something. Delany glanced at her and smiled, his reply making Valencia laugh. Alice wanted to slink down the wall. They weren’t mocking her, but the playful look in Valencia’s eyes did not quell the dread over what they were discussing.
“I’ll have your lunch in a moment, mi querido.” Valencia stood fully. “Go talk to the man outside,” she said to Alice.
“What did you say about me?”
“Learn Spanish, and you’d know.” She smiled wide and went to cook. Alice slid her apron off and squeezed past Valencia to get to the back door. Delany found her a moment later.
“For you.” He gave her the check. Alice slid it into the pocket of her short mustard colored jumpsuit. “I like your tattoo.” He bent slightly as she pulled back her shorts to show off the two peonies with a collection of leaves around it on her mid-thigh.
“Thank you. They’re my favorite.” She found it hard to breathe.
“I didn’t realize who you were.” He stood and crossed his arms loosely. Alice shook her head, not sure what he was talking about. “I overheard what you said to Carrie Beaumont. ”
“Lovely.” Alice stepped back. “I never meant…”
“I didn’t want to push your sister out.” Delany said over her. Alice studied his eyes, a dark night she wanted to get lost in. They appeared honest, not taking her in and thinking about other things like Harry’s always did.
“Do you know how many hours and sacrifices my sister made for that place? Those three are nothing without her. I—” She shook her head. Going off on this millionaire would do nothing. It was just another acquisition to him. “Thank you for the money and the opportunity. If you will excuse me…”
“Are you free this weekend?” Delany asked when she turned toward the truck. Alice faced him again, ready to ask if he was serious. “My sister’s getting married, and her caterer canceled.” Alice cut off her smart-ass reply. “She was at both events. Loved your food…”
“She’ll do it!” Valencia said from the back door of the truck. “Your street tacos, mi querido. Do come back now.” She winked and went back into the truck. Delany chuckled to himself.
“I really don’t think…”
“It’s at his parents’ house on the bay. A hundred people. She loves charcuterie and food like this. She said to tell you to have fun.”
Alice took a deep breath. It was one thing to say yes before she knew who Macon was, but agreeing to an intimate family event. But if the caterer did call to cancel six days before any other credible caterer would be booked, or charge them a fortune, not that he couldn’t afford it. If his sister loved what she did on Friday—her mind raced with ideas.
“I can pay whatever you need to pull this off. I have access to food suppliers…”
“Don’t tell me you own a local farm or something.”
“Would it help if I did?” He smiled, Alice’s heart racing. Oh, he was good. See it as another job, another chance to prove her moxie and maybe get some work. She could not take Carver’s disappointed sigh if he found out she turned down a gig. The clock was ticking on Valencia leaving. She hated to say yes, but the benefits outweighed her hesitation. As long as Tabby never found out.
“Okay,” she said.
Delany smiled before he caught himself. “I’ll have Katy send you the info.” He paused. “Any chance I can get you to eat lunch with me?”
She laughed. “Don’t push your luck, Mr. Clare. Tell your sister I’ll see her Saturday.” She went back into the truck. Valencia shook her head from the window.
“Girl, why aren’t you pursuing that?” She cocked her head and let out a low moan. Alice sat on the stool they kept under the counter.
“Come with me this weekend, maybe he has a girlfriend you can chat up.”
“You went on a date with him, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Alice tried to forget how lovely the night had been.
“Must have been some damn good drinks.”