Chapter 3
I keep my eyes on the sidewalk. “Stop following me.” When I turn, I meet his ice-blue eyes. His expression is unreadable. He throws up his hands. “Done.”
I go home, jump in the shower, and get ready for work.
Then I head to the pub and work my shift.
The hours pass, and at six p.m., I'm done.
My phone rings. It's Julia, another waitress and a good friend of mine and Bianca's.
“Hi, Julia. What's up, girl?” I hear her cough.
“Hey, Nora. I'm sorry to ask, but I'm really sick. Could you cover my shift?” I chuckle.
“Of course! I hope you feel better.” As I hang up, Bianca comes toward me.
“Hey, Uncle wants to talk to you.” I nod and head for his office.
I knock on the door. Renzo turns and waves me inside. “Shut the door, Nora.” Oh God, what did I fuck up? He brings his hands together. “Nora, what are your plans after college?” I shrug. “I don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead.”
He smiles. “Well, I'm not getting any younger, and I've talked to Bianca.
I plan to retire in five years, and I'd love for you and Bianca to take over the restaurant, if you're interested.” I was stunned.
“Are you sure? I'm not family.” He smiles and shakes his head in amusement.
“Nora, you may not be biologically mine, but I love you as though you were. I want you and Bianca to run this place together.” I smile. “Yes! I'd love to!”
He stood and hugged me. “I know you've had a difficult past, but you have a family now. That's what matters.” A tear slips down my cheek. Renzo wipes it away and smiles. “I hope those are happy tears.”
I nod. “They are.” He smiles down at me. “Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Why don't you get up onstage and sing? Bianca's been dying to hear you again, and the restaurant is pretty quiet right now.” I smile and nod.
When I return to the main dining area, Bianca has already set up the microphone. I decide on an upbeat song: “Tuxedo” by Clare Dunn.
He don't need no coat and tieDon't need no black and whiteHe don't need no red copper cameras flashing in his eyesOh, no
'Cause his feet are on the groundAnd he's grounded in his bootsMy baby looks so sexy out there working in his boots
Oh, you should knowOh, my manHe got them real strong handsAnd after working all day out in that hot sunshineHe comes walking in always lookin' so fineOh, my heartLights up like shooting starsHe like a knight in shining armour with them blue jeans onDirty white tee and my baby don't need, no
Tux, tux, tuxedoTux, tux, tuxedoDon't need noDon't need noTuxedo
Just then, I see Owen, Lee, and Graham walk in. Graham watches me intently as I sing.
I don't need no diamond ringsDon't need no shining carsHe makes me feel so fancy when I'm laying in his arms
Oh, you should knowOh, my manHe got them real strong handsAnd after working all day out in that hot sunshineHe comes walking in always lookin' so fine
Oh, my heartLights up like shooting starsHes like a knight in shining armour with them blue jeans onDirty white tee and my baby don't need no
Tux, tux, tuxedoTux, tux, tuxedoDon't need noDon't need noTuxedo
He's like a George Strait choir typeHe knows the difference in wrong and rightAnd he gives me just what I likeAll night
And he's mine, all mine...
I can still feel Graham watching as I leave the stage and go behind the bar to help make drinks before the evening rush.
Bianca comes over to collect drinks for her tables. “Nora, that was amazing! Looks like you've got a secret admirer, and he's gorgeous.” She gestures toward Graham. I roll my eyes. “Not interested.”
I look up to see Owen coming toward us. “Hey, you were great up there. You can really sing.” He rests an elbow on the bar and turns to Bianca, holding out a hand.
“Hi, I'm Owen.” She smiles and shakes it.
“I'm Bianca.” They start flirting while I make drinks for her customers.
Owen turns to me. “So, are you and Bianca just coworkers?” Bianca answers before I can. “No, she's my sister.”
Owen looks confused, which isn't surprising since we look nothing alike. She giggles. “Not biologically, but my family has basically adopted her. She's my sister and my best friend. Why do you ask?”
He smiles. “Well, maybe you two and another girlfriend could go out with me, Lee, and Graham this Friday.” My eyes widen in horror.
I cut Bianca off before she can answer. “No, I'm good. Thanks for the offer, though.” Before she can protest, I pick up the drinks and deliver them to her customers.
When I glance back at Owen, he looks baffled by my response. He returns to his table.
I come back to the bar to find Bianca still standing there, glaring at me.
“What the fuck, Nora? Why are you acting like an ice queen?” I grit my teeth.
“Look, Bia, I'm not interested in hanging around men, or getting to know those gym freaks and their overinflated egos.” She rolls her eyes and walks away.
Later that week, on Friday, I walk into work, and Bianca and Julia hurry over.
“Hey, Nora, we're going dancing tonight.” I shake my head.
“I don't like dancing.” Bianca catches my hands.
“No arguments. You're coming. I brought a dress and heels for you.
We'll get ready here and go after work.” I sigh and head to the bar to make drinks.
That evening, the three of us crowd into the bathroom.
Julia, a brunette with sun-kissed skin, puts on a short hot-pink dress.
Bianca wears lavender with a plunging neckline that shows off her amazing cleavage.
Then she produces a bright-red, two-piece dress with a crop top.
I shake my head. “I'm not wearing that.” She smirks.
“It's this or naked. Your choice.” I roll my eyes and snatch the dress from her.
Once it's on, the top and skirt hug my curves, leaving my toned stomach completely exposed.
“Bia, this dress makes me really uncomfortable.” She takes my hand and leads Julie and me toward the door.
“Nora, it only makes you uncomfortable because you look fucking hot.” Julie chuckles.
“I have to agree with Bianca.” I sigh and shake my head as we head for the club.