Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
Nikki
I’m in awe as I stand in our restaurant and look around with a wide grin on my lips that refuses to leave my face. The night is positively humming with energy, the kind filled with anticipation that makes your skin buzz.
Finished. It’s finally finished down to the very last detail and it’s exactly what both Victor and I have dreamed about. It’s rustic, yet modern, with exposed beams overhead and rock walls that whisper of past times.
Victor’s vision of a huge bar is the heart of the room, made from reclaimed wood Victor and I searched high and low for. It was made by a local vendor who put every ounce of his love into it. The gorgeous bar stretches long and wide, and is polished to a gleaming sheen. I smile as I watch the bartenders shaking cocktails and pouring wine for our loved ones, who seem to be as happy as I am right now.
Beyond the bar is our open kitchen, the true star of any restaurant. Everyone gets to see the gleaming stainless-steel counters, custom brick wood-fired oven, and a massive copper hood that gives the whole area an inviting, warm, sophisticated glow.
This is the stage where we’ll cook and entertain for both our neighbors and our vlog. Yep, I said our because my audience absolutely adores Victor and loves when we do shows together. It’s been a year now, and we’re barely heated up. It keeps getting better and better.
On the stage we’ll cook, entertain, and nourish those we care about. Everything we do will be visible to everyone in our restaurant... and on our vlog when the cameras are rolling. We’ve situated them around the kitchen so all we have to do is click a button and get started instead of having to move a tripod around. I’ve become much more technologically skilled... thanks to Victor.
Tonight’s our pre-grand-opening. Tonight is about our friends and family. Tomorrow we’re officially open to the public. I can’t believe it’s already happening. It was so frustrating in the beginning, but with the help of all of the people in this room, we got it done.
I move to the massive patio doors and step outside onto the huge wooden deck which spills onto a sprawling patio adorned with strings of soft, twinkling lights that crisscross above. Magic. It’s pure magic.
A tiki bar stands to the side, its thatched roof giving it a tropical vibe. The bar’s surrounded by stools carved from driftwood. More of our loved ones are out here, laughing as they lean over the bar to shout out drink orders to Amelia who’s somehow managed to turn into a master mixologist in a matter of weeks.
Near the edge of the patio is a large fire pit encircled by cushioned benches where flames crackle and pop, casting flickering shadows on the faces of everyone gathered around the comforting heat. This is where Dale is sitting, entertaining a group with one of his wild sea stories, making everyone laugh as he animatedly gestures with his missing-finger hand. He’ll be entertaining for many years to come. I might have to dress him up as a pirate and have him stand out front inviting guests inside. This thought makes me chuckle. He’d really get into that role.
I weave through the crowd, nodding, waving, and talking to everyone. Perfect. Today’s absolutely perfect. I’m stopped by Anna and Gretta who own the bakery and have come in several times to share tips with Victor and me. Right now they’re holding plates piled high with colorful pastries they’re giving to the guests.
This is another reason I love this town. We all work together. We don’t want our restaurant to run anyone else out of business. We want to support one another. There’s room for all of us to thrive, and I have no doubt they have the best goodies in town. Baking’s never been my strong suit even though I have a major sweet tooth. I’ll still be stopping at their bakery multiple times a week.
“Nikki, this place is a dream. You and Victor have made it absolutely beautiful,” Anna gushes as she gives me a hug. “I’m so proud of you. I knew from the time you were a little girl skipping into our shop after school for cream puffs that you’d do something wonderful with your life.”
“Yes, darling, you’ve done very well,” Gretta adds with a smile.
“Thank you both so much. You gave me my first love of food with all of your goodies,” I tell them.
“You better still be coming in,” Anna says.
I laugh. “I was in yesterday,” I tell them. “Nothing will keep me from your scones and bread.”
They beam at me. Then Gretta winks. “Where’s that handsome man of yours? We enjoy talking to you, but we love watching that man walk away. What a nice booty he has.”
This makes me laugh hard. “I’m not sure where he’s run off to, but don’t you worry, he’s as excited about our place as I am and most likely will be making a grand entrance. He’s kind of a diva,” I tell them. They giggle like little girls.
I move along and find John, my favorite chicken farmer, who will keep us well supplied. He’s arguing good-naturedly with Chief Mitchel about whose barbecue sauce is superior. They stop me when I walk past, John lifting a mason jar filled with some concoction he’s positive will be a huge hit. He’s most likely right. I’m sure it will have a spicy kick to it. The man burned his tongue years ago and his idea of spice is much more extreme than the rest of the world’s.
“Nikki, you have to try this,” John says, thrusting the jar into my hand. “It’s my secret sauce and I won’t give you the recipe since I make it myself, but I’m telling you, you’ll want it on the menu.”
Chief Mitchel rolls his eyes. “Oh, please, Nikki, don’t encourage this man. His secret sauce tastes like regret and depression.”
Many people burst out laughing at this. I hesitantly take a taste and smoke comes out of my ears. I cough. “I’m not sure my customers can handle this,” I tell him, quickly guzzling about half of the drink in my hand to try to get the fire from my mouth. That was a tiny taste. I can’t imagine a full bite.
John waves his hand in the air. “You’re all weak. Spice is essential for a healthy gut.”
“I’m not sure you have a gut left,” Mitchell says with a laugh.
I move away and find Mrs. Jones whose crush on Victor worked to our advantage. Then again, she has a crush on many people, but would never act on it because she’s been married to her husband for forty years now and they really do love each other.
My favorite thing about Mrs. Jones is the feud she’s had with Sasha’s mom over blackberry bushes for so many years. I don’t know when it began. She sidles up to me with a glass of wine in her hand.
“Well, well, little Miss Nikki Sands, you’ve gone and done it. This place is so beautiful it brings tears to the eyes. I’ll be coming in here with Mr. Jones weekly. Everything I’ve tasted so far tonight is absolutely fantastic. You are missing something, though. You need blackberry tarts. I’ll be sure to bring you lots of the berries from my bush.”
I laugh at this. “I’d love to make some blackberry tarts, and they’ll be even better from your specially grown bush,” I tell her.
She beams at me. “Wonderful. I love that you’re going to do a seasonal menu. It makes this place that much better,” she says. She then spots Carol in the corner and zeroes in on her as she turns. I laugh, wondering how loud this will get. At least it’s entertaining.
As I continue my rounds, I see Robert standing with Chief Mitchel who must’ve gotten away from John. Where there’s a bar and the chief isn’t on duty, you’ll find him there. He works hard and sees a lot in life. A drink at the end of the day is essential. I move over to them. Robert has been a true friend to both Victor and me, but especially to Victor. He’ll be bummed to not see Victor in his bar cooking now.
Robert beams at me as he pats the bar. “This is gorgeous, Nik. I love it. You’re putting my poor bar to shame,” he says.
“Your bar’s wonderful and still the it place to hang out,” I assure him. We’ll have to go back and forth between each other’s places.”
“I’m not worried at all. We’re a family here,” he says. “Seriously, though, you and Victor have created something special here. We’re all greatly impressed and blessed you brought your vision to life in our wonderful town.”
“I really appreciate that, Robert, and more than appreciate all of the help you’ve given us.” I lean in and give him a hug, feeling a warmth that has nothing to do with the tiki torches blazing all over the patio.
“Are you trying to pick up on my woman again?” Victor asks as he suddenly appears at my side. I laugh.
“I should’ve known you’d come out of hiding if I hugged another man,” I tell him with a laugh. He pulls me to him and gives me a kiss.
“You’re absolutely stunning tonight, Nik,” he whispers in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers through me.
“I was about to say the same to you. It isn’t often I see you dressed up,” I tell him. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt, a fitted vest, and crisp blue jeans. Slacks would be far too much to ask of my humble man. I think he’s perfect just the way he is, more than perfect, actually.
“I’d steal this woman away from you in a heartbeat if I could get away with it,” Robert says with a wink. “You got one of the last good ones left.”
“Trust me, I know,” Victor says. He then shakes Robert’s hand. “Tonight’s amazing. I’m so glad to have you and everyone we love here. This place truly couldn’t have happened without you.”
“Don’t be getting all mushy,” Robert says, but he’s beaming at us.
“That’s it for the mushy stuff,” Victor says before he steps to the bar and gets a drink.
Before I can add more, Sasha and Courtney arrive. “We’re stealing your girl,” Sasha says as she takes my arm and starts pulling me away. I laugh as I send a wave Victor’s way. He doesn’t try to interfere. There’s no stopping us when we’re on a mission, and my friends seem to be on one for sure.
They pull me away from prying ears as we step down onto the beach. It’s a nice break to get away from the noise for a minute. We turn and look back at the restaurant, at all of our friends and family enjoying each other’s company with delicious food and drinks, and soft music playing. From this view, the restaurant is even more beautiful all lit up. I can’t believe we’ve done it. I’m still in awe.
“What has you ladies dragging me away?” I ask.
“Your restaurant is open, and it’s been a year since you and Victor came together, and yet we still don’t see a ring on your finger,” Sasha says as she pointedly looks at my hand.
I let out a groan. “Really, guys? This is why you pulled me away?” I don’t let them know this sends a ping through my heart. I’ve been starting to wonder the same thing.
“This is important,” Courtney says. “Is it you or him? Is he dragging his feet? We can rough him up if it needs to be done.” The funny thing about this is it’s only partially a joke. My friends aren’t above beating someone up if they hurt one of us. This makes me laugh as I shake my head.
“Please don’t beat up my boyfriend. The two of us are just fine. We’re better than fine, actually, we’re perfect together. That’s all that matters in the end.”
Sasha narrows her eyes, studying me. “I know you’re happy, but don’t you want more?”
I give a sigh. There’s no lying to my friends. “Sure, I want more. I want it all, but there’s no reason to rush it. We’re happy, truly happy. Each day I’m with him gets better and better,” I say.
Courtney grins. “So, you do want to marry him, but you’re waiting for him to ask?”
I shake my head. “I’m not waiting. We haven’t even talked about it. If it happens, it happens.”
Sia appears, seeming to dance right out of the fog onto the beach. I laugh. She looks like a mermaid who just came from the ocean in her sparkly teal dress.
“You could always ask him,” she says with a mischievous grin.
I quickly shake my head. “Not a chance. I’m an old-fashioned girl in that area,” I say.
“I love when a girl asks a guy, but I have to admit, I’m old-fashioned on that as well,” Sasha agrees. “There’s something utterly romantic in a man dropping to his knees for the woman he loves.”
We all sigh. “Maybe that’s why we like the men asking, because they’re usually so strong, but in that moment, they’re so vulnerable, giving us everything.”
“So, to be clear, you do want him to ask?” Courtney asks.
“Yes, but I’m not in a hurry. I know this is a shock, as I’m usually the impatient one of our group, but I’m happy with Victor. If it happens, it will be at the right moment. We’re locked together now, and that’s good enough.”
“Good enough has never been enough, but we’ll give him some time before we rough him up,” Sia says. This makes me laugh again.
“Don’t you girls mess this up. I’m enjoying the moment. You should be happy I’m calming down,” I tell them.
We walk back to the restaurant and the moment I step onto the patio, Victor catches my eyes across the crowd and beams at me. I smile back, feeling the familiar flutter in my chest as our gazes lock. We’re fine. We’re perfectly fine.
“I need to see my man,” I tell the girls as I start making my way toward him. He meets me in the middle and holds out his hand.
“May I have this dance?” We’ve kept our promise to each other and dance together more nights than we don’t. It’s beautiful and my favorite moment of the day.
I slip my hand into his and smile as he pulls me close. We gently sway to the music in the middle of our restaurant, surrounded by our loved ones. His warm hand on my back and the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear are all I need in this world. I’m happy, I’m so very happy.
“I love you,” he whispers. I squeeze a little closer to him.
I close my eyes as I take it all in. “I love you,” I murmur.
Yes, I want to marry this man, but for now, this is enough. I let all thoughts of wedding and what-ifs drift away on the gentle ocean breeze, choosing to live for the moment. Laughter and music surround us, and it’s all enough. What’s important is I’m content and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be with exactly who I’m supposed to be with.