Chapter 5
Daniela
The Lakeview Grill. It’s a restaurant Dex owns here.
Among other things. I’m heading there now, hoping I don’t almost hit another blur on the winding downhill road.
It’s hard to fully focus with so much beautiful scenery around you, though.
The mountains coated with dense green trees as far as the eye can see are a big change from the city. A good change, I think.
We ordered some food for dinner earlier and for some unknown reason, I volunteered to go pick it up.
As soon as they mentioned Dex wouldn’t be at his restaurant tonight, I took the opportunity.
It’s the least I can do since they’re letting me stay with them for free all summer.
Plus, I was itching to get out and explore .
The water looks like sparkling aquamarine glass as I pull into the lot, partially regretting my decision now that I’m here in front of his restaurant. But I suck it up and head inside.
The pickup area is by the bar, just as Layla instructed. I spot it as soon as I enter.
“Hey, can I help you?” a woman behind the bar asks with a friendly smile. Her honey-blonde hair glows under the dim light. She appears around my age. Maybe a bit older.
“I’m picking up an order for Layla,” I reply, matching her smile.
“As in Layla and Liam?” Of course she knows them. This is Dex’s restaurant, after all. I glance around, not seeing any sign of him, just as they promised.
“Yep.”
“Okay, give me one moment.”
She disappears through a doorway, and I lean against the bar, taking in my surroundings. I’ve heard it gets busy around here during the summer months, and it shows. Small and large groups are beginning to fill tables, and it’s not even prime dinner time yet.
A menu board catches my eye, and I perk up when I see a summer drink special with boba tea listed. My absolute favorite. Suddenly, I’m craving one.
The woman returns with a few bags in hand, looking curious. “So, are you a friend of theirs?”
“Yep. Maid of honor, at your service. I’m Daniela. ”
She laughs, the curiosity easing from her face. “Oh wow, I’m so sorry! It’s nice to meet you. I’m Carly. I’m so excited for the wedding!”
“Me too. And it’s nice to meet you also. Layla has mentioned that you’ve been very welcoming.”
“Oh, I just adore her. It’s not always the easiest transition, moving to a smaller town where everybody knows everybody. But I’m glad she’s still liking it.”
“I am too. If the town wasn’t treating her right, I’d march down here and kick its ass.”
Carly lets out a laugh, not appearing the least bit offended. I think I like her. “You’re exactly how Layla described.”
“I’m glad to know she hasn’t forgotten about her very best friend in the whole world already.” I grin, looking toward the specials sign. “Anyway, can I get a coconut boba to go?”
“Absolutely!” Carly’s enthusiasm seems infectious. “Dex just added it to the menu for the summer. I thought it was a little out of place for us at first, but it’s been a hit!”
“As it should be,” I reply.
“Do you know Dex? Well, of course you must. He’s the best man.”
“We’ve met,” I say casually. “Is he here tonight?”
“No…he normally would be, but…he said he was busy with something. I don’t know what. Do you want me to tell him you were asking for him? ”
“Oh no, that’s okay,” I say a little too quickly, shaking my head.
“Okay.”
“You have a daughter, right?” I say, trying to change the subject.
“Yes! Jessica. She’s ten, and she’s my whole world. Starting to get a little bit of that preteen sass, though.”
“Oh no. I teach eighth graders, so…I definitely get that. But she’ll grow out of it.”
“Hope so!” She laughs, crossing her arms. “I have her in a running club right now to get some of that energy out. She loves it.”
“That’s awesome.” I hate running, but of course I don’t say that.
“Okay. I’ll be right back with that drink.”
As she walks away, I take in more of Dex’s place.
The patio outside is lively, filled with people laughing, drinking, and eating around cozy fire pits.
It’s nearly dark, but the warm, flickering light makes the atmosphere feel inviting.
It looks like it would be a good time, but I’m not coming back anytime Dex might be here.
Carly returns with my coconut-flavored boba tea, still smiling, and I thank her before heading back to the house.
On the drive home, I try not to think about what Dex might be busy with on a Saturday night, or about the time I told him how much I’m obsessed with boba.