Chapter 2 #2
“Ha,” she laughs, “I know how that goes. I’ll forget all else when I get going on a project. But are you sure about going on the trail hike? Are you supposed to be helping them tomorrow?”
“I’ve already helped with some of the bigger, heavier items. Believe me, there will be plenty to do tomorrow night and over the next few days.
Looking forward to getting outside for the day.
” I pull my phone out of my side pocket and send a text to Mom.
I set it on the counter and grin at Tiana. “All yours.”
She grins back. “I’ll warm up the lasagna while you find the plates and silverware.” She finishes unpacking a few bags before turning on the oven. “Shouldn’t take too long. I made this right before coming and didn’t refrigerate it. I’ve got a salad and garlic bread too.”
“Now I wish I’d brought a bottle of wine.” I start to explore cabinets, finding the plates and taking them out. Next, I look through drawers for utensils.
“Did I mention I’ve got that too?”
When I face Tiana, she winks. I smile and continue my task.
After she makes the salad, warms up the bread, and I open the wine, we're sitting down at the small table.
I take the first bite of lasagna and groan with pleasure.
“Holy heck, this is delicious,” I say after swallowing and loading up my fork with another helping.
“Mm, I can tell you like it.”
“Like it? I love it. Don’t you dare tell my mom I said this, but it’s the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
While I savor the meal, Tiana and I exchange small talk about ourselves.
When I ask about her family, she shares little, only that her parents live near Santa Rosa.
When I inquire about what brought her to San Diego, she simply says a change, so I leave it at that.
I don’t want to upset the perfect atmosphere by pressing for details she obviously doesn’t want to share, and I have no need to know.
Once my plate is clear and the salad bowl is empty, I start to rise to take the dishes to the sink.
“Gavin.”
“Hmm?”
“You can help yourself to more if you’d like.”
“Oh, I, uh, I don’t want to eat all your food.”
“Nonsense, I have plenty. Sit, eat. You know you want to.” She grins.
“If you insist.” I scoop out more lasagna onto my plate as she chuckles. “Can I offer you more?” I ask, holding up the spoon.
“No thanks. It’s a compliment, you know, when someone goes back for seconds. Means they enjoyed.”
I’m back in my seat, loading up my fork. “Oh, I am definitely enjoying.” I take several bites while she sips her wine. “So, I understand you’ll be celebrating your cafe’s anniversary next month?”
She cocks her head. “I am. Do you stalk me on Instagram?”
I sputter then grab my napkin to wipe my mouth. “No, no, I’m not a stalker. I’m a loyal follower.”
“I was kidding, and, thank you. Yes, three years in business. It’s been amazing, and I’m planning ideas for a week-long celebration, with something special for the actual anniversary date, which is Friday, the ninth. It also happens to be my birthday.”
“Yeah? Well, all the more reason to celebrate. Congratulations. I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.”
“Grazie. I’m planning on it.”
“Will you parents make it down?”
Her smile fades and the light goes out of her eyes, making me want to retract the question.
“I apologize, Tiana. That’s obviously a sore subject, and I don’t want to upset you.”
“No, no, it’s okay. How could you know?” She sets her wine down while rubbing her forehead with her free hand, releasing a sigh.
“As for them coming down to take part in the celebration? That’d be a no.
I doubt they even remember my birthday, nevermind the anniversary.
They aren’t pleased that I moved so far away, as my mother says.
Not once since I moved to San Diego have they visited me.
In fact, they’re pressuring me to move back home, and that’s the last thing I want to do. ”
“I guess you don’t have a close relationship with them?”
“I did, or so I thought. Until they wanted to set my path which included marrying a creep who just wants my father’s vineyard and winery.”
“An arranged marriage? Isn’t that a bit antiquated?”
I startle at her sudden outburst of laughter. “Right? Exactly what I thought. Let the man run the business while the woman is simply a pretty face. Pensiero ridicolo!”
Now I laugh. “Um, what?”
“Apologies. I said, ridiculous thinking.”
“Well, it is, and you’re more than simply a pretty face.
You have to be one hell of a businesswoman to run a successful cafe that’s been named one of the best in the greater San Diego for the past two years.
” She gives me a faint smile, and that’s better than her frown.
“Is that why you moved away?” I ask gently.
“Sadly, yes. Instead of standing my ground, doing what I wanted, and being adamant about not wanting Roman – he's the creep – I let him, and the situation come between me and my parents.”
“But have your parents made any attempts to bridge that gap? To see the situation from your point of view?”
“No and no. They are very traditional people. Despite the fact that my mother is very strong-willed and has a career of her own as a nurse, she still believes my father’s voice is stronger, and his word is the final say.”
I shake my head. “Pardon my bluntness, but that’s absurd.
A marriage is a partnership; an equal say between two individuals.
Not one-sided.” I stand and take both of our plates to the sink, this time ignoring her protest. “I’m not opposed to helping with the clean-up.
” I wink at her, trying to lighten the tension that ruined the mood.
As I start rinsing the dishes, Tiana moves to my side with the glasses, dumping the remainder of her wine in the sink.
Even without her body touching mine, I feel her heat.
And I smell that enticing scent, making me want to bury my nose against her neck and never resurface.
Suddenly, she bumps my hip with hers, and my gaze meets those intense hazel eyes.
“Thanks, Gavin,” she says softly.
“For what?”
“For the company, for sharing a meal with me, for preparing the cabin. Take your pick.”
“I pick all. Being with you is fun and easy, so thank you.” We stare at one another a moment before I look away; before I’m tempted to do something foolish like kiss her. I mean, I wouldn’t think it foolish, but would she?
With the way she’s looking at me then my mouth, maybe not.
Too soon to test that theory.
“So, what time should we head out tomorrow?” Tiana asks. “Should I make sandwiches, bring snacks, first aid kit?”
I chuckle and smile at her. “Just you.”