Chapter 17 #3
Looking at my mom, I said, “You really said that to Daddy?”
“And more. I trusted your vision from the beginning. Your business plan was realistic, backed by impeccable research and sound financial projections. As for the aesthetic, this place looks like the mood board you showed us. To your dad’s point, we would’ve loved more involvement, but honestly, it wasn’t needed.
Every move you’ve made has put you in a position to thrive. ”
“I’m so glad there aren’t any cameras around,” I said while wiping away tears.
My mom laughed and my dad shook his head.
“Thank you for allowing us to document your opening,” my mom said diplomatically.
“You all commandeered my soft opening, but this moment almost makes up for it.”
“We needed to showcase our tight-knit relationship and nothing could depict a better picture of that than today. Us, present and supporting each other. That’s The Gold Standard.”
My dad’s words pulled at my heartstrings, reminding me of the motivational speeches he’d give us as children.
“I haven’t heard ‘The Gold Standard’ in a long time.”
“No need when you’ve been embodying it every day, mi amor.” He hooked his index finger then nicked my chin. After checking the time on his watch, he said, “We need to get back to the hotel. I have a call in an hour.”
“I can’t wait to see how this place comes alive with patrons.” My mom beamed.
My parents hugged me once more before they left for their hotel near the Baltimore Harbor. Soon after they left, I joined everyone else as we prepared for tonight. I stopped by each table to ensure the silverware and place settings were spotless and laser lined.
We had two serving windows tonight. The first seating was from four to six and another from eight to ten. The second seating was the one my parents would attend, along with any food influencers and other restaurant owners in town.
The nerves leading up to today were nonexistent. I was too focused on setting tables, buffing wine glasses, and assisting with food prep. Just as I finished helping our sous chef Penelope mash plantain in a wooden pilón, I heard my name being called.
“There she is,” Carmen said, pointing my way.
I pushed the food over to Penelope, then wiped my hands on my apron. My eyes lit up when Nadir appeared from around the corner. He returned a smile just as endearing. I led him to my office then removed my apron before hugging him.
“What are you doing here so early?”
He held my chin, peering into my eyes. My heart skipped a beat as I held my breath.
“I wanted to see you before you get swept into the chaos.”
I smiled. “Thank you. I needed this.”
“How are you feelin’?”
“Good. My parents left not too long ago.”
I went on to share my parents' reaction to my restaurant and the sweet moment we shared afterward. Nadir rubbed my shoulders and neck while listening to every word. His eyes never left mine, which made staying on topic arduous. By the end of my story, my shoulders were relaxed.
“What did you just do to me?” I asked, rolling my neck, feeling looser all of a sudden.
“You were tense.”
“I was?”
His cheek lifted into a half-smile. “You’re running off pure adrenaline right now.”
Inhaling, I nodded then sighed. I stepped closer, pressing my chest against him. Nadir’s pensive eyes swept my face, then lingered on my lips before returning to my eyes.
“Thank you.”
Nadir dropped a kiss on my lips, then said, “Anytime, Goldie. I’m gonna head out. I just needed a second with you. Ry wants to kick it at 8Ball tonight, so I won’t be able to stay after closing.”
"Aw. I love that the guys are doing something special for him too. I like how the baby is making you and Ryder grow closer.”
Nadir chuckled. “Your ability to make everything sentimental is impressive.”
“You’ll see.”
Nipping my neck, Nadir sighed. “Call me later. I’ll wait up for you.”
“Okay,” I breathed when he kissed my neck.
“In case I don’t get to tell you later. You are talented, a visionary, and unstoppable.
Brie & Bordeaux will be successful because you are the brain behind it.
Later on, you can lay on my chest and lament about what you didn’t like.
As for today, I want you to be present and experience every moment.
Can you promise me that?” We locked eyes as I nodded.
His head tilted to the side and his eyebrow rose. I smiled. “I promise.”
Before parting ways, I kissed him like my life depended on it. Nadir’s ability to anticipate my needs left me speechless. My lips on his seemed to be the only way to convey my gratitude. I knew my message was received when he smiled against my mouth.
After Nadir left, I made my way to the tasting room to see how the charcuterie prep was coming along.
I held on to Nadir’s words through the rest of prep and the first serving.
Whenever I became overwhelmed or felt the onset of adrenaline, I inhaled slowly.
On my exhale, I’d look around and ground myself.
The weight of the moment was enough to bring me back to the present.