Can't Fool Me Twice: Sweet Contemporary Romance: Belles in the City Book 1

by Mayne, Debby

  "There are worse influences," Sunny said.

  "So answer my question. Is Dante what's got you all worked up inside? Because if that's what it is, I think the two of you need to go somewhere and talk it out."

  "We've talked and talked … and then talked some more, but we keep coming back to the same thing. He says he's sorry for what he did, but the fact remains that he did it. And I'm seeing other things that are red flags."

  "Red flags?" Mama lifted an eyebrow as she tilted her head. "Are they truly red flags or warnings that your hypersensitivity is creating?"

  "Sounds like you've had some therapy training," Sunny said.

  "Not training. But I will admit that I've spent some time in a therapy office."

  "Really?" As far as Sunny knew, Mama didn't have any issues.

  "Yes, sweetie. You're not the only one who's dealin' with stuff. Ever since your daddy took off, I've felt like I didn't deserve the love of a good man. That's why none of my relationships lasted very long after that."

  "But I thought—" Sunny clamped her mouth shut before she blurted that she'd always assumed Mama was perfectly happy on her own.

  "My childhood dream was to find a wonderful man, have his young'uns, live in a nice home, and build a wonderful life together—as a team. I didn't expect to be an old maid working at a series of dead-end jobs."

  "Mama, I would never describe you as an old maid." Seriously? Mama might be bumpin' into 50, but with so many people assuming they were sisters, it was obvious that most people didn't think she looked her age.

  "I wouldn't have been if your daddy had stuck around." Mama gave her an apologetic look. "But I'm sure it was worse for you than me."

  "Not really," Sunny said. "You did such a good job that I never felt slighted."

  "But I wasn't able to buy you all the things you needed."

  "Actually, that's not true." Sunny smiled at Mama. "You gave me everything I needed … and then some."

  "When all your friends got cute new wardrobes to start school, you had to make do."

  "And I never had a problem with that. It forced me to be resourceful with what I had."

  Mama laughed. "Resourceful? I reckon that's what you were. Remember that time you cut your thrift store dress in half, thinkin' you'd make a top and a skirt out of it?"

  "How can I forget?" Sunny said. "After we put the elastic in the skirt, it was way too short, and the top never hung right."

  "But you were a good girl, and you never complained."

  Sunny shrugged. "I never had anything to complain about. I had the best mama in all of South Carolina."

  "I'm certainly not gonna argue with you about that." Mama blotted her lips on a tissue, took one last glance in the mirror, and gestured toward the door. "Ready to go earn some nickels and dimes?"

  "Let's go." Sunny started for the front door, only glancing over her shoulder momentarily to make sure Mama was behind her.

  A cab came up the street right when they got to the end of the sidewalk. Before Sunny had a chance to do anything, Mama stepped out and lifted her hand.

  "Good job, Mama," Sunny said. "You're fitting in quite well."

  "Think I can fool people into thinkin' I'm a New Yorker?"

  "With that accent?" Sunny giggled. "Not a chance."

  "Are you ladies gonna stand there talking all day?"

  "Oh, I'm so sorry." Mama slid in first and Sunny was right behind her.

  "Where to?"

  Sunny knew the address by heart, so she told the driver where to go. He grinned. "That's Bubba's Diner. Great place."

  "We work there," Mama said proudly. "I'm one of the cooks, and my daughter runs the place."

  "No kidding?" The driver glanced at them in the rearview mirror, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "I've only been there once, but I had some of the best food I've ever eaten."

  Before Sunny had a chance to say something, Mama spoke up. "If you're ever in Harlem, I'll be runnin' the new Bubba's over there."

  "Is it open now?"

  "Nope, but it will be soon." Mama proudly lifted her chin. "It's going to be called Bubba's Home Cookin' in Harlem."

  "I'll be sure to keep an eye open for it."

  "And don't forget to tell all your cab driver friends too."

  He laughed. "I will." He pulled up in front of the diner. "Here we are, ladies." Sunny handed him some money. "Keep the change."

  The driver nodded. "Have a good day." And then he sped off.

  "Such a funny man," Mama said as they walked toward the diner door. "He didn't say much."

  "He said more than most cab drivers."

  "Looks like we're going to be busy." Mama pointed to the line that had already formed for lunch. "I better scoot on in and get to work."

  Sunny followed behind Mama whose family nickname used to be Fleet Feet. Some things never changed.

  Estelle approached with a smile. "Things should get interesting in a few minutes."

  "Things are always interesting around here," Sunny said.

  "I should have said more interesting. Riley's back." Estelle grimaced. "And he doesn't sound happy about your mother taking over his kitchen."

  "Why should he be unhappy about that?" Sunny asked. "He couldn't work, and someone had to do the job."

  "I know, but you understand the logic … or lack of logic in the mind of someone who feels threatened."

  "Riley should never feel threatened." Sunny liked him, and Dante spoke glowingly about him. "His job is secure … at least as long as he doesn't chop his whole hand off."

  "Yeah, but you know how temperamental and sensitive Riley can be when things don't go the way he thinks they should."

  Sunny cupped her hand over her ear. "Well, I don't hear any yelling yet, so maybe it's not too bad."

  "Maybe one of us should go check on things." Estelle glanced over at the table where she'd just seated a large group. "Why don't you make sure they're not back there pulling each other's hair out?"

  "Okie dokie." Sunny lifted her head, squared her shoulders, and headed straight back to the kitchen. As soon as she spotted them standing side-by-side, apparently engrossed in something, she stopped in her tracks.

  Mama glanced up, grinned, and wiggled her fingers in a wave before looking back down at the counter top where Riley was trying to show her something. His hand was inside a glove, but he didn't look unhappy in the least. In fact, he looked pretty pleased about whatever he was doing.

  "Looks like I have a lot to learn." Mama pointed to the counter. "Riley is showing me some biscuit making shortcuts that don't take anything away from the taste or texture."

  That sure was fast. Mama couldn't have been in the kitchen more than a couple of minutes. "I'm sure he can show you all kinds of things," Sunny said. "I told you he was good."

  "You sure did, sweetie, and you weren't kiddin'."

  Riley tried not to smile, but the corners of his lips twitched. Looked like Mama had already charmed the temperamental cook.

  "We have a full diner and at least a half dozen groups waiting to be seated." Sunny reached for an apron and put it on. "I need to get to work."

  "Don't worry about the kitchen," Mama said. "With me and Riley workin' together, I'm sure we can handle anything."

  Riley still didn't say anything, but the pleased expression said more than words ever could. He clearly liked Mama, and if the way she looked at him was any indication, she liked him too.

  "Are you permanently back?" Sunny asked.

  "I am, but in all honesty, it'll be a while before I'm up to speed." He glanced over at Mama. "It's good to have someone else to help out here."

  "Hey," one of the younger cooks said. "What about me? I've been here almost as long as you."

  "But this is your first cooking job," Riley reminded him. "It took me years before I got to be the head cook."

  Mama laughed. "It took me decades, and I've never actually had the title head cook. I've just had to be one without the acknowledgment."

  "That's
too bad," Riley said. "At least you'll get to show what you're made of when Dante opens the Harlem diner." He paused. "Any idea how long before that happens?"

  "Six weeks," came a voice from the door.

  They all glanced over and spotted Dante. "Hey," Mama said. "Six weeks? What do you want me to do in the meantime?"

  "You're doing it." Dante walked farther into the kitchen. "So how's the cut, Riley? Are you okay working?"

  Riley held up his gloved hand. "This thing slows me down, but I can still do the work. Your timing on bringing Twila in is perfect, boss."

  Dante gave a brief smile before backing out of the kitchen. Mama shot Sunny a curious glance, but she didn't say anything.

  "Well, I reckon I really do need to get to work," Sunny said. "Let me know if y'all need anything."

  "There is one thing." Riley winked at Mama before looking back at Sunny. "Your mama prefers a different kind of mayonnaise. We're almost out, so why don't we try the brand she likes?"

  "Are you sure, Riley?" Mama said, her voice lilting and flirty. "I just made a casual comment."

  "The fact that you made it right after introducing yourself let me know it was important to you."

  Her eyes twinkled as she smiled up at him. Sunny felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach as she watched Mama and the man she'd only known as the Bubba's Diner cook make eyes at each other. The chemistry between them was palpable.

  Estelle stepped into the kitchen and held up her pointer finger. "I'm taking a short break now. I'll be back in about fifteen minutes."

  Sunny headed out to the dining room and went straight to work. All of the customers had what they needed for the moment, so she went to the front and straightened all the menus in the stand. She'd wondered if Dante would still be there, but he left as quickly as he arrived.

  The rest of the day was busy as usual, and the time went by quickly. Sunny didn't hear a peep out of Mama or Riley, which was unusual since both of them generally liked to be heard. Estelle made a couple of comments about Cupid's arrows zinging all over the place in the kitchen, making Sunny laugh. But deep down, she was confused. Mama already had enough on her plate, and getting involved with Riley would only complicate things.

  Half an hour before closing, Dante showed up again. Sunny noticed that he avoided looking directly at her. He tossed some of the old menus and replaced them with new ones, helped clean up in the dining room, and went back to the kitchen to check on orders. Warning bells sounded in her head. He was doing her job.

  Estelle left a few minutes after closing. "Looks like you have everything under control."

  "See you in a couple of days," Sunny said.

  "If you need me, call me." Estelle patted her on the shoulder. "And don't worry about your mama. She's a big girl."

  "I know." Sunny forced a smile. "Enjoy your time off."

  After Estelle left, Sunny looked around the dining room. All of the tables were clean, the floor had been swept, and the kitchen sounds were dying down. Dante was still in the kitchen, and although she knew he was trying to avoid her, she went back to check on Mama.

  She had to blink because she couldn't believe what she saw. Dante was leaning against the counter chatting with Riley who held tightly to Mama's hand.

  Chapter 17

  "Mama!" Sunny caught herself, but it was too late. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" She paused. "In private?"

  "Sure, sweetie." Mama smiled at Riley and let go of his hand as she walked toward the dining room. "Let's go over there."

  Riley grinned at Sunny, and she quickly turned away. This was too much for her to process.

  "What is going on?"

  Mama tilted her head toward Sunny and sighed. "If you're talking about Riley and me, it's the start of a new friendship." Her eyes twinkled as she smiled. "A very special friendship."

  "But why? Don't you have enough to deal with already?" Sunny's voice shook. "I mean between being here, getting a new job, and the cancer?"

  "There's always something to deal with, but that doesn't mean I can't have friends." Mama gave her the same look she'd had when they mother-daughter talks in the past. "The second I saw Riley I knew he was special."

  "But he was upset about your being here," Sunny said.

  "Of course he was." Mama paused. "Which was why I deferred to him on everything … well, except the mayonnaise. He has done a tremendous job in this kitchen, and I can learn a lot from him."

  "It's not just about professional respect, though, is it?"

  Mama leaned back and laughed. "No, of course not. He's kind, sensitive, and interesting. Did you know that he used to help his daddy cook for President Carter?"

  "No, but that doesn't—"

  "Look, Sunny, it's not like I'm runnin' off and doin' something foolish. I'm just enjoying the company of a good, hard-workin' man." Mama took her hand and squeezed it. "But if it bothers you that much, I can tell him I need to concentrate on other things."

  Put that way, Sunny felt bad. She looked down at the floor and then back up at Mama who waited expectantly for an answer. "No, that's not what I want. You deserve some happiness, and if Riley makes you happy, then …" Tears stung the back of Sunny's eyes. She swallowed and started again. "Riley is a nice man, so I don't blame you for liking him."

  "Since you feel that way, I hope you don't mind if I don't come home with you. He has asked me to go somewhere and talk."

  "A date?"

  Mama hesitated but finally nodded. "Yes, a date." The color had drained from her face, and the joy Sunny noticed earlier had faded.

  Now Sunny felt bad. Mama, of all people, deserved as much joy as she could find. Life had never been easy for her.

  "Mama, there is nothing wrong with you having a date." Sunny dropped her gaze to the floor, said a quick prayer for forgiveness, and looked back at Mama. "I'm really sorry I acted out."

  "That's okay, sweetie." Mama picked up Sunny's hand again. "You were caught off guard. In fact, I probably would have done the same thing if I'd been in your shoes."

  Mama had always been kind and forgiving, doing everything she could to make other people feel better. Sunny hadn't really thought about that before, but now that she'd been away from her for a while, she saw it.

  "That's no excuse." Sunny cleared her throat. "I want you to enjoy your time here in New York, and if being with Riley does it for you, then by all means, be with him."

  "What if I wind up staying?" Mama asked tentatively.

  "Staying? As in forever?"

  Mama shrugged. "At least for a while."

  "Do you think you might? I mean, New York is quite different from what you're used to."

  "You seem to be doin' just fine here."

  Sunny studied Mama's face and decided this wasn't the time or place to argue. "I am. And you might too."

  "Let's talk about this some more later, okay?" Mama glanced over her shoulder. "I don't want to keep Riley waiting."

  Sunny went over to the beverage area and made sure everything was set up for the next day. When she came back out into the main dining area, most of the lights had been turned off, and the only person there was Dante."

  She blinked. "I didn't know you were still here."

  "I was just getting ready to leave." He took a couple of steps toward the door and stopped. "Do you want me to get you a cab?"

  "No thanks. I'll be fine."

  "Okay then, see you in a few days." Before she had a chance to say goodbye, he walked out the door, leaving her standing alone in the diner, wondering what had just happened.

  *

  Now Sunny knew how Mama felt all those years of waiting up for her to come home. She used to resent the fact that she had a curfew that was enforced, even if she was a half hour late.

  Sunny sat up in bed reading, waiting to hear the sound of the deadlock turning, unable to go to sleep until she was confident she was safely in the house. It was torturous, not only because she was worried about Mama in the big city, but she felt slighted tha
t Mama had been here a few days and seemed to have adapted so quickly. Sunny had hoped to be the one to show Mama around.

  After a few minutes, she turned off the light and slid down beneath the covers. Before she fell asleep, she heard a light knock on the bedroom door, so she sat up. It had to be Mama.

  "Come in."

  The door opened, and she saw Mama standing there. "I thought I saw the light under your door when I first got in. Sorry if you were asleep."

  Sunny reached over and turned on the light. "Not yet." She propped up on her elbows. "So how was your date?"

  Mama looked directly at her, smiling. "I really like Riley. He's sweet, smart, funny, and very much a gentleman."

  "I'm glad you like him." Sunny wasn't sure what to say now. It felt awkward talking to her mother like this.

  "He asked me if I could do something with him when we both have a day off." Mama's smile turned to a frown. "But since we're both cooking for Bubba's, will that even be possible?"

  "Yes, of course. Once his cut heals completely, you won't have to work unless you want to … at least not until the Harlem location opens. I always schedule Riley on the busy days, but the other cooks can handle the kitchen otherwise."

  Mama let out a sigh, and then her smile returned. "That's good. I need to let you get your rest, but I did have one thing I wanted to talk to you about." She paused. "Riley mentioned that you and Dante have an incredible chemistry that everyone around you sees."

  "Please, Mama, don't—"

  "Hear me out, sweetie. I know you told me you're having some hang-ups based on what happened with Chase. But Dante isn't Chase. In fact, from what I can tell, he's nothing like Chase, who was always looking over your shoulder the whole time he was with you."

  Sunny didn't want to hear this now. "I know, but—"

  "Wait, let me finish. When Dante looks at you, all I see is admiration and …" Mama's expression went all dreamy. "I see love."

  "Can we talk about this some other time?"

  "Sure, sweetie, but please don't miss out on this wonderful and rare opportunity to be with a man you really like, and one who so clearly adores you."

  "Good night, Mama."

  With a smile and a wave, Mama backed out of the room. "Love you, sweetie. See you bright and early in the morning."