No Reservations

by Natalia Banks

  “I’m okay,” I say. I will be. It’ll take some work and time, but I’ll right all the wrong done in my name.

  We walk a few more steps and she takes a deep breath. I sense she’s depressurizing all the things on her mind and in her heart. Her hand slips in mine and I know she doesn’t blame me. But that doesn’t change anything. I still blame myself.

  “Your father’s a good man,” I say, a bitter taste on my tongue. “He deserves better.”

  She shrugs. “I think he’s got a good champion looking out for him.”

  I look down at her and she smiles. “You’re good to him,” I say, planting a kiss on her forehead. Her grin grows.

  “Oh, I know. But I was talking about you,” she says, turning to lead the way back toward the car. “It’s cold. Let’s sit in the car and talk with the heater on.”

  I nod and follow her. She takes my hand once more and we walk a few minutes in silence as I try to figure out how to get her to agree with the next part. She’s stubborn as hell, so I’m not sure how to get her to help me get her father into a better place.

  I’ve got ideas, but the last time I tried to get her to do something, it backfired. Well, I guess not last time. Last time she’d agreed to go to the charity ball with me. But the job I’d offered, she’d refused.

  So if I try to rectify things for her father, will she turn that down right out of the gate too? Or will she help talk him into it? I’m not sure where the disconnect is.

  “You’re being quiet now,” she says as we walk up on the car. She stops and I turn to her. The whole place is quiet, as if everyone has left already and I can’t help myself. I lower my head and press a kiss to her lips.

  Chapter 19

  Cindy

  The kiss is over too soon as he pulls back, leaving me standing there like an idiot; head back, eyes closed, lips ready for more, deeper, longer loving.

  I open my eyes and find he’s studying me. “Was there more?” I ask and he arches an eyebrow at me.

  “More…?” he asks and I roll my eyes at him. Like he doesn’t know what I’m asking. What an ass.

  “More to talk about?” I ask in a playfully mocking tone as I walk around to get in the passenger side of the car. We both sit down and close our doors in unison. He’s quick to kick on the heat and slow to speak his mind. But I know there’s more. I can feel it. It’s like he’s looking for just the right way to break bad news.

  “Just say it,” I say and he glances at me in surprise. I meet his gaze and hold it with my own. “Whatever’s on your mind, just say it. The suspense is killing me,” I tell him, resisting the urge to shift in my seat.

  He grins like he’s enjoying my discomfort and I kind of want to smack him over the head. Jerk.

  “Your father is a good guy,” He says. “I talked to the people who worked with him before and they had nothing but good things to say about him. Everyone was surprised when he got fired.”

  He seems sad and angry and I wonder what’s going on in his mind. What isn’t he telling me? But I nod. What he’s saying sounds about right.

  And Gavin continues to speak. “They said he’s got a passion for food and is actually a really good chef. He stepped in to cover for the Sous Chef once and nailed it better than the person doing the job.”

  I grin, remembering the look on dad’s face when he’d come home that day. He’d been so thrilled, like his zest for living had been revived. I know he’d hoped with everything he had that the position would be permanent. He’d done so well and he knew it. Everyone had been so grateful he’d saved their asses.

  But things had just slid back to normal once the Sous chef came back. He’d been disappointed, but still grateful he had a job when so many people are worse off than he was. Because that’s the kind of guy he is. When life screws him over, he smiles and makes the best of it. It’s a trait I admire.

  “So,” Gavin says, and I tune back in to what he has to say. “I was wondering if he’d take a full position as a head chef.”

  Excitement bubbles up in me but Gavin holds up a hand to cut off the torrent of words boiling over in me. He continues to speak before I can. “He’s got the qualifications. We’d be lucky to have him.”

  I try to swallow back my excitement and just listen. There’s a catch. There always is.

  “I’m going to be opening a new kitchen not too far from here,” Gavin says and I feel that surge of excitement welling up again. “It wouldn’t be a terrible commute. I would also issue a public apology for the turmoil caused.”

  I shake my head. “You don’t need to humiliate yourself. I know you’re not the reason this happened.” He seems surprised and I can’t help but smile as I talk. “I’ve gotten to know you pretty well, I think, over the last week. You’re a good guy no matter how hard you try to convince me otherwise.”

  He nods. “It’s easier to be the monster people expect than someone they don’t” he says in a tone so soft I have to strain to hear him over the heaters.

  That makes more sense than I’d like to admit.

  “I think dad would love it,” I say, thinking about how incredible of a Christmas gift this is. This will fix everything, all of our problems, everything. “Thank you,” I say, leaning in to kiss him.

  He kisses me back, then pulls away. “Don’t thank me,” he says, his dark eyes twinkling. “I didn’t do it for you; I did it because it’s the right thing to do.”

  I kiss him again, a grin on my face. Look at him throwing my words back at me, after slightly twisting them to fit this situation.

  “You’re cute,” I say and he shakes his head. “He’s going to be so happy,” I say as I pull away and settle into my seat. Lifting my hands to the heaters, I enjoy the warmth, but it finally feels like my very soul is warming over from the ice that had formed around it the day dad came home and told me he’d been fired.

  We’ll be a little behind on bills, but we’ll catch up pretty quick. And a job like that with higher pay means he’ll have a chance to start some savings. Things are finally looking up for us.

  “When do you want to tell him?” I ask.

  But Gavin shakes his head. “When do you want to tell him?” He asks and I blink in surprise. He doesn’t even want to be the one sharing the good news he made possible? I think that, in my mind, is the mark of a truly good person. When someone does something amazing and doesn’t even want credit for it. He really is doing it because it’s the right thing to do. And that warms my heart more than any Christmas carol or present.

  I don’t care what anyone thinks or says. Gavin Rossi is a good guy. Maybe he wasn’t always. Maybe he wasn’t before. But he’s only ever tried to do right by me and mine, and that’s what matters to me.

  “How about now?” I suggest and Gavin puts the car in gear with a grin.

  “I thought you’d never suggest it,” he says, giving me a quick kiss before pulling out of the parking lot and pointing the nose of his car toward my house.

  Chapter 20

  Gavin

  “Dad!” She shouts as she walks into the dark house. I’m hit by the cold first and wonder why it’s so chilly inside as I follow her in. She walks over and touches the thermostat before walking back toward a bedroom.

  She pushes in through the door and I follow a bit behind, wanting to be respectful of his home and space, but also worried.

  I hear her talking in his room, then I see them both emerge from his room. Her father walks over and pulls me in for a hug. “Thank you,” he says, and I pat his shoulder, feeling like an ass that this has to happen. I mean, he shouldn’t have been fired in the first place.

  “I’m sorry for how you were treated,” I say, with all the honesty in my soul.

  He pulls back and looks me dead in the eyes. “Don’t apologize for the sins of others.”

  It’s not that simple. “I should have known. I should have been more careful. You suffered because I wasn’t vigilant.”

  But he’s quick to shake his head. “And there will
be no suffering. You’ve righted the wrong, so breathe easy.”

  I nod, feeling a tightness in my chest as I catch Cindy’s eyes over her father’s shoulder. Her father pulls back and I see a twinkle in his eyes as he lowers his voice. “Get her home safe, okay?” he says and I nod.

  “I will,” I promise understanding he’s giving me his blessing. I appreciate his trust. “I’ll have details for you in a few days, okay?” I tell him and he nods. “In the meantime,” I say, taking a check from my pocket, “This is your first paycheck. It includes all the back pay you’ve lost and the first check for being the new head chef.”

  He takes it and I see his eyes scan it as his hand begins to shake. His gaze meets mine and I nod, wanting him to know it’s not a mistake. “It pays a bit more than your old job,” I say as if in apology. But he pulls me into another hug and thumps me on the shoulder.

  “Thank you,” he says, pulling away and giving Cindy a hug. “I love you,” I hear him whisper. She whispers it back as I turn to leave, feeling like my work here is done.

  “Wait!”

  I stop in my tracks on the front stoop and turn to face Cindy.

  She seems suddenly shy. “Are you leaving?” she asks and I nod.

  She says nothing and I realize she’s wanting me to invite her home, but isn’t willing to invite herself over. I offer her my hand and she’s quick to take it. Hand in hand, we walk toward the car in silence.

  Overhead, the stars twinkle and shine.

  “I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight,” Cindy says as we stretch out in the bed. We’d come right in from the car into the bedroom and curled up in each other’s arms.

  “Would a hot bath help?” I ask and her eyes light up. Together we get up and walk toward the master bath. I run hot water in the tub and she gets undressed. Sitting on the tile seat around the outside edge of the tub, I roll up my pants and dangle my legs in.

  She walks over, totally naked, and I drink her in like a dying man in the desert. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” I say, loving the way her hip bones jut on either side of her flat belly. Her arms cross protectively over her navel and I try to figure her out.

  “I’m too skinny,” she says, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of red.

  I reach a hand out to her and she walks in and laces her fingers with mine before stepping into the tub and relaxing back between my legs. “I think you’re perfect. If you want to gain weight, that’s fine with me. Because I don’t just love your body. I love you,” I say, realizing too late what I’ve said.

  She looks up at me, her face surprised and filled with warmth.

  I make myself busy and pour some lilac scented gel on a pouf and begin to scrub her down with gentle circular strokes. Silence settles between us and I’m glad. I’m not sure I can face what I just told her.

  Not because it’s not true, but because I’m not sure she was ready to hear it or that I was ready to say it.

  “I love you too,” she says, her words gentle and warm in the space. With her head titled back, she reaches up and grabs the back of my neck before gently urging me down to kiss her lips.

  “Make love to me,” She whispers and I run the hand that’s resting on her shoulder down her chest, over her belly, right to the delicate juncture between her thighs. There’s nothing I’d like more, but I’m going to take my time.

  I’m going to make her come right here in the tub again and again, then I’m going to use my tongue on her and savor the sweet nectar of her pussy before I finally give in and give her what she’s asking me for.

  “Tell me you love me again,” she whispers in my ear and I plant a tiny kiss on her neck as the stinging hot water rises up to her pert little breasts.

  “I love you, Cindy Handberg,” I say so there can be no doubt in her mind that I mean her and only her. Her lips meet mine and she moans as my fingers tease her clit. I can’t imagine a place I’d rather be and certainly not a person I’d rather be with right now.

  As the night ticks away and the morning sneaks up on us, I whisper words of love and touch her. “Merry Christmas Eve,” I tell her and lift my chin. Her gaze follows mine to the window and I hear her gasp of pleasure. Outside, the little white flakes of snow are drifting toward the earth once more, enveloping us in a promise of a white Christmas.

  Chapter 21

  Cindy

  I wake alone and sit up in bed. What is it with Rossi always leaving me alone in the morning? He’s a sinfully early riser, I guess.

  I stretch and feel my thighs slide sexily together on the moisture left from last night’s long, slow lovemaking. My whole body feels the stretch and I realize I’m sore in places I didn’t even know I had, as my back bends and my stomach stretches.

  Rolling onto my side to stretch harder, I see the note on the bedside table. It’s a Christmas card, open, showing a beautiful light blue background embossed with sliver snowflakes. I pick it up and open it.

  Below the printed Merry Christmas! In a cheerful cursive font is a familiar slashing, bold writing.

  Cindy,

  Sorry I won’t be there to take you to the event tonight. I’ll have someone bring you and I’ll meet you there. Please make yourself at home. Take your time getting ready. In the bag behind this you’ll find some useful things.

  Gavin Rossi

  I frown, sad he won’t be taking me himself tonight. But it sounds like it’s just someone else driving me and he’ll meet me there. I can live with that. It’s not like he’s blowing me off.

  Curious, I take the light blue bag with its silver tufts of tissue paper sticking out of the top. Taking the paper out of the top, I peek in and gasp. Inside are so many things, unopened, ready for me.

  I take out the hairbrush first. It’s pretty with a silver handle and thick bristles. It looks more like something to look at than to use, but I drag it through my hair. It works the tangles out gently and perfectly, without causing the static I expect. When I’m satisfied I look less like a monster and more human, I sigh in relief.

  Dumping the make-up out, I stare at everything, cursing my very limited knowledge of the stuff.

  A loud knock at the door surprises me. “Who is it?” I ask, feeling like an intruder all of a sudden. Rossi wouldn’t knock. He’d come in; it’s his house.

  “It’s Annie, miss.” The wavering voice is accompanied by a face in my mind’s eye. She was the lady who’d opened the door to Rossi and I the very first time I’d come here. Pulling the sheet to my chin, I tell her to come in.

  She walks in, a smile on her old face. She clicks her tongue at me. “Missy, missy, no need to be modest around me. I’ve seen it all,” she says and I can’t help but smile.

  “Sorry,” I say “I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

  She nods. “Mr. Rossi gave me the holiday off. But I knew his plans and thought I might be able to help.”

  I sigh in relief. “You’re a godsend,” I say and she laughs.

  “Not at all. Let me go get coffee,” she says and I get up. On the other side of the room I see the dress. Rossi must have brought in the mannequin this morning. I have to remember to tell him he’s lucky I don’t startle easy.

  I pick up several of the perfumes that had fallen out of the bag and smell each one before settling for something fruity and sweet. Spritzing it between my breasts, on my neck and wrists, I inhale the beauty of it and stare at the dress.

  Unzipping the back, I take it off the mannequin and step into the bodice before realizing it’s not going to fit past my hips. So I step out of it and dig under the skirts to find the bottom of it so I can pull it over my head.

  “Oh, dear, let me help.” I hear Annie say and suddenly, it’s like the sea has parted. I find where my head goes and she helps guide it over me.

  “Thank you,” I breathe as she zips me up and fastens the hook and eyelet. I adjust my breasts and realize it’s tight and pushes them up. In one fell swoop, I look like I have bigger breasts and a tinier waist, wider hips, and I feel beautif
ul.

  “Turn,” she says and I catch sight of myself in the full length mirror through the open bathroom door. “Beautiful,” she says, peeking past me as I place a hand on my belly. I feel faint. The girl in the mirror has my face, but that’s not me.

  “Now, your face,” She says and I sit on the stool she brings up. “In the bathroom,” she says, and I get up and move the stool. She brings in the bag of make-up and I sit under the bright lights as she walks around me.

  I watch her as she digs around and begins to fuss over my skin.

  “So Rossi gave you the holiday off?” I ask and she nods.

  “Gave us the week of off,” she corrects, dabbing some cream on my eyelids before rubbing it in with a fingertip. “He’s a good man.”

  I nod, agreeing with that whole heartedly.

  “I’m glad he finally found a good woman,” she says, her eyes focused on what she’s doing around my eyes.

  “Me?” I say, feeling stupid. “I’m just an everyday person.” I’m nothing special.

  “Well, he seems to think you’re extraordinary,” she says and I feel my heart warm. I do my best to sit still while she continues to make me up. It feels like she’s using a ton, but when she finally steps back, I don’t see a ton. It looks like she’s just brought out all the best of me and downplayed all my flaws. I look… beautiful.

  Is this how Rossi sees me?

  “Thank you,” I whisper as Annie comes back and fastens the necklace around my throat. The thing is heavy on my skin, and cold, but so very beautiful. I reach out to stroke the jewels, hardly able to believe the girl in the mirror is me. I look like someone else. Someone with poise and grace, beauty and style.

  Someone who belongs on the arm of Gavin Rossi.

  Chapter 22

  Gavin

  Fucking hell. I hate having to run errands on Christmas. I would have loved nothing more than to stay curled into Cindy’s sweet warmth all day. But no. Shit to do.