“I just realized our assistants will probably get to know each other well.”
“You’re right. Our schedules will need coordination.”
We pulled up in front of Delizioso. There were people on the patio drinking wine. I assumed they were waiting for a table. We got out, and River took my hand. He squeezed it almost like he was reassuring me.
He pulled open the door. The restaurant was spectacular. Candlelight made the crystal glasses sparkle. The whole ambiance was high-end and classy. Looking at the diners, the women were all in designer dresses and looked like they just stepped off the red carpet.The men all looked glamorous in their tuxedos. None of them looked as good as my man, though.
Then something happened that I wasn't expecting. The hostess’s eyes got huge, and she looked at me, our hands, and back at me. “Rinalto! Does anybody know? How did I not know? I’m your favorite.”
“Maria, you know I don’t have a favorite. Nobody knows because I don’t share my personal life.” She stuck out her lower lip.
“Rinalto?” One of the servers stared as he walked by, nearly dropping his tray.
The woman whom I now knew was Maria asked more questions. “Does Uncle Tony know you are here? Does my pop?”
“Nope. I told nobody I was coming. I didn't want them to make more of a fuss.” He smiled at me and squeezed my hand again. I wasn’t even clear what was happening.
“Do you have a table waiting? I didn't see you on the list. Did you book it under another name?” She started scanning her reservation book.
“I’m taking him back.” Her eyes got even more expansive. I didn't even know how that was possible.
“Rinalto, I am so happy for you. You two have fun. Mom and Aunt Jo are back there as well.”
“Well, that won’t add to the pressure.” I could feel his hand getting clammy. I started to put together pieces but was still quite confused.
We walked by the bar. “River, you are here?!” The man behind the bar half yelled across the room.
“Hey, Storm. Can you bring back a bottle of the Sun Harvest red?”
“It’s amazing to see you here.” He looked me up and down. “You must be a pretty special person for River to do this.” He didn’t say anymore, and my curiosity piqued.
River looked at me like he was expecting me to bolt any minute. I whispered to him. “Well, this has been an interesting turn of events. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the back.”
I could feel him relax a little bit. This time, I squeezed his hand. Relief crossed his face, and I hoped I conveyed we were in this together, whatever ‘this’ is.
We walked straight into the kitchen of one of the best restaurants in the city. I was sure an angry chef would threaten our lives any minute. Behind the line was a table with two place settings. He had me slide in and then moved in next to me so we looked out over the kitchen.
I expected to see the chef working diligently, preparing plates, and tasting food. When I did look up, I found four people in the kitchen staring directly at us. A guy with River’s looks but was more muscular than him walked into the kitchen.
“I hear someone is at the chef’s table tonight. Is Forest proposing again?” He turned the corner and stopped dead, which added to the people who looked our way.
“River? You brought someone to the chef's table? Wow. I would never have guessed it was you.”
“Well, it’s me. Since everyone around us seems shocked, come meet my boyfriend.”
“Stone, this is Aaron Gentry. Aaron, this is my brother Salvatore Stone Barallo. Mother gave us middle names related to nature, which we all use more than our Italian first names.”
“It's nice to meet you, Aaron. You must excuse our bad manners. We’ve all brought people back here from prom dates, engagements, promotions, birthdays, etc. It’s not something we offer to the public, but the family can book the table at any time. My little brother here has never used the chef’s table. I don’t think he has ever brought adate to the restaurant. He occasionally brings clients or other business acquaintances. We are all a little in shock here.”
“Thanks so much for all that, Stone. I am not embarrassed enough by my family.”
“I’m not putting you in a headlock, River. You should praise me for my restraint. Anyhow, I am your server tonight. What can I get you to drink? And do you know what you want to eat?” He sat down in the booth.
“Aaron, do you mind if I do the ordering tonight?”
“Please go ahead. I am just soaking this all in. So many questions.” I smiled at him, then at Stone.
“Oh. You claimed a sassy one. Aaron, you will fit right in.” Stone gave me a grin. “So much I can tell you about him. We should get together for lunch, oh better idea. I’m going to invite you over for family dinner.”
