Chapter 37 #3
Will leaned in closer, his voice warm. “I told you, you’re the star tonight.”
Before I could respond, a gentle chime rang out, silencing the hum of conversation in the room. The crowd turned toward a small platform near the center of the dining area, where Lori stood with a microphone in hand, Lucas standing just behind her.
“Good evening, everyone,” Lori began, her voice clear and commanding. “Thank you all for being here tonight for the soft opening of Pier and Table. This restaurant has been a labor of love, and none of it would have been possible without an incredible team.”
She gestured toward Lucas, who stepped forward, his polished British accent immediately drawing the crowd’s attention.
“I’d like to echo Lori’s thanks,” Lucas began, his tone steady and confident.
“This restaurant has been a dream in the making, and seeing it come to life tonight has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this happen—from our incredible chef, Jasper, and the kitchen team to the floor staff who have made tonight seamless. ”
A wave of applause spread across the room, and Lucas continued, “And, of course, this wouldn’t be Pier and Table without the vision of Natalie Bradford. Her creativity and design expertise have made this space unforgettable. Natalie, thank you for bringing this dream to life.”
The applause grew louder, and my cheeks burned as all eyes turned to me. Will nudged me lightly, murmuring, “Go on, take your bow.”
I gave a small wave, too overwhelmed to do much more.
Lori stepped forward again, raising her glass. “Let’s toast to Lucas, Jasper, Natalie and to the team. To the start of something truly special. Cheers!”
“Cheers!” the crowd echoed, glasses clinking throughout the room.
As the applause faded, Meredith and Evan appeared beside us, both holding glasses of champagne.
“Well,” Meredith said, grinning as she took in the room, “look at you, Natalie. The toast of the town.”
Evan raised his glass toward me dramatically. “To Natalie, the woman who can do no wrong. Except maybe choosing this guy as her plus one.” He nodded toward Will with a teasing grin.
Will smirked. “Careful, Evan. That’s a bold statement coming from someone who’s spent most of the night following Natalie’s sister around.”
Evan chuckled. “Can you blame me? He turned to Meredith. “What’s your secret?”
Meredith tilted her head, smiling slyly. “I don’t give away my secrets. You’ll just have to keep guessing.”
“Fair enough,” Evan replied, clinking his glass against hers.
The repartee between them was light, and I could see the beginnings of something playful and easy forming between them.
As the night continued, the four of us moved through the room, chatting with guests and sampling Jasper’s hors d’oeuvres. At one point, Meredith pulled out her phone, snapping photos for social media. She turned her lens toward me and Will, tilting her head critically.
“Come on, you two,” she said. “Stand closer. You’re a team tonight, aren’t you?”
Will slid his arm around my waist without hesitation, his hand resting lightly on my hip. “How’s this?” he asked, his tone teasing.
Meredith snapped the photo, her expression satisfied. “Perfect. You two look like you belong together.”
Evan leaned over to peek at the screen. “Not bad,” he said with a grin. “But I still think you’re going to need me to make these photos go viral.”
“Nice try,” Meredith said, slipping her phone back into her bag. “I’ve got it covered.”
Later, as the evening wound down, the energy in the room softened, transitioning from lively buzz to a quieter hum. Guests began filtering out, full and happy, their faces glowing with the satisfaction of a memorable night.
Meredith, however, wasn’t quite ready for it to end. “This place is amazing, but I feel like celebrating,” she said, glancing toward Evan. “What’s around here? I could use a nightcap.”
Evan raised an eyebrow. “I know a great cocktail bar just down the block. What do you think, Will? Natalie? Up for it?”
I smirked. “You two have fun. I’m calling it a night.”
Evan shot Will a glance. “What about you? You coming along?”
Will shook his head, his hand resting lightly on my lower back. “I’m good. You two go have fun. But, Meredith,” he added, narrowing his eyes playfully, “don’t let him get you into trouble.”
Meredith laughed. “No promises, but I’ll keep him in line.”
Evan gave me a mock-serious nod. “I’ll make sure your sister behaves herself.”
Will grinned, shaking his head. “If anything, you’re the one who needs babysitting.”
Meredith rolled her eyes at them both. “All right, we’re out. See you tomorrow, Nat!”
The car ride back to my house was quiet, the kind of comfortable silence that didn’t need filling. Will’s hand rested lightly on my knee, his thumb tracing small, absent-minded circles that sent warmth through me.
When we pulled into my driveway, he turned to me with a small smile. “You know,” he said, his voice laced with humor, “Sarah and Todd might be my favorite people right now.”
I tilted my head, confused. “Why’s that?”
“They’re playing house tonight,” he said. “All four of my kids are over there, and I’m pretty sure Todd is regretting every decision he’s made that led to this moment.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Sounds like they’re getting a crash course in parenting.”
Will grinned. “Yeah, and meanwhile, I’ve got the night off.” His voice softened as he looked at me.
My heart fluttered, but I couldn’t resist teasing him. “So, does this mean you want to sleep over?”
“Absolutely,” he said, his tone steady and certain.
I smiled, my cheeks warming as we pulled in the driveway.
Will came around to open my door, offering his hand as he helped me out of the passenger seat.
He followed me to the front steps as I unlocked the front door.
Outside, the night was quiet, the air cool and crisp, but inside, there was only the steady hum of something that felt like possibility.