Feta and Freeways
Page 27
Stephanie, however, disagreed. “What a great idea, Gabby. I can’t take her because I’m scheduled to work at De Luca’s. Renata, you should go. It’ll be fun. I’m sure Tony would pick you up.”
“Hey, what about me?” said Bryan as he thumped his chest. “Am I chopped liver or what? I’ll come get you, Renata.” His eyes lingered overly long on her body, and Tony cleared his throat.
James and John also chimed in with offers to escort her.
“No offense, but I have known you boys far too long.” Stephanie turned her gaze away from the trio. “It should be Tony. I can trust him to be a gentleman.”
Renata watched as Tony glanced at the men with a grimace at the rebuff they had received. He turned his attention back to her. “If you would like to go, I’d be pleased to give you a ride and help you get acquainted.” His eyebrows rose, daring her to turn him down.
A sliver of courage rose to the surface as Renata’s eyes darted to Stephanie and back to her friend’s handsome employer. “That would be fine. Thank you, Tony.” She wondered if he even heard her as her tentative words came out softly. Her gaze dropped to her hands clenched around the cup she held.
Brian snorted and stalked off. John and James faded out of the group to join him, mumbling their goodbyes. The tension left Renata’s shoulders at their departure.
Paul smiled as he switched his sleeping son to his other shoulder. “You can rely on Tony. I may be his brother-in-law, but there’s no one I would trust more than him. His parents set a high standard for any man to follow.” He turned to look into his wife’s eyes. “As I learned when I was courting his sister.” They smiled at each other.
Gabby and Paul turned to go. “It was nice meeting you, Renata. Bye, Steph. We’ll see you later at Mom’s, right, Tony?”
“Sure. And Paul? Watch out, I’m eager for a game of football.”
“You got it.” Paul gave Tony a fist bump to the shoulder as they left to visit with other people.
Tony turned back to Stephanie and Renata, since their group had shrunk to three. “What are your plans for this afternoon?” He sipped his coffee.
“I have some unpacking to do,” Renata answered.
Tony frowned. “Sounds like a less than relaxing way to spend the day. I will pick you up around six-thirty on Thursday. I work until six when my brother will come to fill in for me. I apologize in advance if I arrive smelling like garlic.” He winked.
“You are forgiven in advance.” Renata giggled. “Does that mean we won’t be bothered by vampires?” She glanced up at him.
Where did that come from? I can’t believe I said that! A cute guy looks at me, and I become mush? Oh, I am in trouble. Haven’t I learned anything from the past?
Tony laughed, nodded and lifted his Styrofoam coffee cup in salute. “Till then.”
Stephanie led Renata away. She resisted the urge to look back at Tony.
What had she gotten herself into?
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