Me:We haven’t even spoken today!
Tore:The memory of you from last night is enough. I want to see you again tonight, but I can’t.
Me:I get it. I’m wiped out. We should take it slow, anyway.
Tore:We should, but I’d rather not. One of the artists I collect is having an opening Saturday. Go with me.
Disappointment curdled in my stomach. I was scheduled to work, but a real date, where he shared something he loved with me? Turning that down was almost impossible.
Me:Can I get back to you? I’m supposed to work, but I might be able to figuresomething out.
Tore:I’d really love it if you did, Beatrice.
We texted back and forth for a little while, telling each other about our days. I knew he was still at work, but he didn’t seem in a rush to end our conversation. Sharing casual, easy banter shifted something between us. Like we’d been off-balance and a lever had been pulled, setting us into the proper place, moving forward instead of wobbling to the side.
Eventually, he had to get back to work, so I let him. And without dread, almost certain I’d hear from him soon.
I was making dinner when my phone pinged with a notification. I wiped my hands and checked the screen, staring in disbelief.
A new inquiry through my booking system.
Another company requesting weekly catering for their team meeting. For fifty people. That would be…
Alotof money.
It would more than replace my waitressing job.
My heart thudded. A huge part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind. Would it be crazy to count my chickens before they hatched?
Hell yes it would.
But…
I could give up my shift this once. And maybe, if this gig panned out long term, I could quit once and for all.
I wouldn’t know how to handle just having one job, but I could damn well learn.
My teeth dug into my bottom lip as I made my decision. I was going to do it.
Me:Hey, if the offer still stands, I’d love to go to the gallery opening with you this weekend.
His reply was immediate and exactly what I needed.
Tore:You’ve made my night, Beatrice. Thank you for making time for me.
Yeah, I’ddefinitelymade the right choice.
Chapter Twenty-four
Salvatore
Itwasn’toftenIforgot plans. My schedule was meticulous. My father and I shared a calendar, so one of us was always home with the kids. Usually, it was me, since his social life was far more exciting.
That was why, when I left my room, dressed and ready to meet Bea at the gallery, he knew exactly where I was going.
Except, where hethoughtI was going wasn’t the gallery.
“Tell Sam hi for me,” he said, rubbing his chin, silver brows furrowed. “Can’t remember the last time I saw that kid. He should stop by, see the kids, have dinner with us. Tell him I said so.”
