by Mayne, Debby
Sunny lay there staring up at the ceiling until she finally fell asleep. When she awoke the next morning, the first thing she thought of was what Mama had said about the way Dante looked at her.
*
Dante sat at his desk, staring out the window, thinking about how difficult it had been leaving Sunny last night. She appeared more vulnerable than he'd ever seen her, but he suspected something she and her mother had discussed was the reason.
Riley called and had a talk with him about how quickly he and Twila had hit it off. "I was prepared to fight for my turf, but she came in, fell into step with me, and next thing I knew, we were joking around and having a great time."
"I'm fine with that as long as it doesn't interfere with your work."
"Oh, trust me, that won't happen. If I thought even for a minute it would, I would have backed way off. Twila is a hard worker, and she doesn't seem to mind being told what to do."
"I hope she can give orders as well as she can take them," Dante said. "Since you turned down the position in Harlem, I thought I might as well give her a shot."
"Has she ever managed a restaurant before?" Riley asked.
"No, but then neither had Sunny, and look how good of a job she's doing."
"You know the old saying about the apple not falling far from the tree," Riley said.
"That's what I'm counting on."
They discussed the opening of the new restaurant. Riley offered to help out with some of the foods that could be prepared in advance and said he'd help out as much as he could.
Although Dante knew he needed to keep his distance from Sunny—both emotionally and physically—it wasn't easy. What he still wanted more than anything was for her to love him as much as he loved her. Unfortunately, it was obvious that she couldn't take that next step.
"What's up, bro?"
Dante glanced up at the door and saw Anthony. "Trying to tie up some loose ends before I start working on the new location. How about you?"
Anthony shrugged as he walked into the office and sat. "More of the same. Sometimes it gets boring doing the same old thing, day in and day out."
"Maybe you should think about expanding." Dante gestured around the paperwork on his desk. "I can honestly say I don't have time to be bored."
"You work too hard."
Dante laughed. "Maybe you don't work hard enough."
"I've got great people working for me. My restaurants can run themselves." Anthony looked around and then settled his gaze on Dante. "So how are things going with Sunny?"
"Is that why you stopped by?"
Anthony snorted. "Don't be so suspicious. I came in here to see how you're doing."
"Is that so?" Dante put down his pen, leaned back, and clasped his fingers behind his head.
"Well, maybe, maybe not. Just tell me what's happening."
Dante chewed on his bottom lip as he thought for a moment. "I've decided to take your advice and cut bait."
"Cut what?" A smile formed on Anthony's lips.
"I've been hanging out with southern people," Dante said. "I like the way they talk."
"Okay, so you've … cut bait … with Sunny. Now what?"
"I haven't figured that out yet."
"It's time to meet someone new and start dating," Anthony said as he stood. "And I have just the girl for you."
"Why am I not surprised?" Dante leaned forward and propped his elbows on his desk. "Who is she?"
"Her name is Carmella Vitali."
"Don't tell me. Let me guess." Dante narrowed his eyes as he studied his brother. "She's the daughter of one of your best customers."
"You're good, bro. Yeah, her pop has been bringing clients to the restaurant for years. He brought Carmella in last week, and I thought you might like her."
"So you met her before you told me that I needed to back off of Sunny because she's not into me?"
"Well …" Anthony stood and shrugged. "Yeah. But she's very cute, and I'm sure Mom and Pop would approve."
Dante gritted his teeth to keep from speaking his mind. His family had been guilty of attempted matchmaking before, but this was the first time any of them had tried to pull him away from someone he cared about.
Anthony lifted an eyebrow. "Don't throw your jaw out of whack, Dante. I'm just looking out for you."
"Oh, I'm sure."
Anthony took a step toward the door. "I guess I'd better leave. Just remember that sometimes you have to … cut bait." He grinned. "I think I like that saying. It fits." He paused, turned around, and held up his pointer finger. "You really need to meet this girl. Like I said, she's cute, and I think she'd make an excellent wife."
As Anthony walked down the hall and toward his office, Dante sat and stared at the wall, wondering at the wisdom of his brother's advice. He'd always valued Anthony's opinions in the past, but now he wasn't so sure.
One thing Dante knew for certain was that he wasn't interested in meeting someone new, just because she was cute and would make an excellent wife. His feelings for Sunny hadn't vanished. If anything, his resolve to back away from her had only intensified his feelings for her.
The phone rang, jolting him from his thoughts. "Hey, Dante? It's me, Tyrone. I've got to talk to you about something."
"Sure, what's up?"
"Something has come up, and I've decided not to take your offer."
"Are you kidding me?" Dante's heart sank as he listened to the man who owned the property for the new diner location. "But I thought it was a done deal. You agreed on the amount."
"Let's just say we had another offer that's much better than yours. I still haven't signed the papers yet."
"Look, don't do anything until I speak with my realtor." Dante mentally added his attorney, but he didn't need to antagonize the owner at this point.
After he hung up, he called his realtor and told him about the phone call. The realtor didn't sound surprised. All he'd said was, "Sounds like we got another tough break. I'll see what I can do, though. Stay tuned."
Next, he called Judd who listened attentively until he relayed the entire conversation. "Is there any way we can hold his feet to the fire?" Dante asked.
"Maybe, but this could be the Lord's way of letting you know that this property isn't right for you."
Dante had thought about that, but he had another thing to worry about now. "I've already promised a job to Twila."
"Yes, I can see the problem with that," Judd said. "Let me give him a call and talk to him."
"He didn't sound like he was in the mood to negotiate."
"I'll call you back. In the meantime, you might want to speak with Twila and let her know that there might be a problem. You don't want her to be the last to know."
"Okay." The very thought of having to deliver bad news turned his stomach. "I'll go to the diner today and talk to her."
"Take a moment and say a prayer," Judd reminded him. "It'll be okay."
"I hope."
"Trust me, it will. From what I understand, she's had to deal with much worse than this."
After Dante hung up, he leaned back and thought about it. Maybe Twila did have to deal with worse things in the past, but he didn't want to be the cause of her having to deal with anything. He not only loved her daughter, he had the utmost respect for her, and he'd hoped to show her that with this job.
Dante started to get up, but Judd's reminder to pray first sent him back down to his seat. He bowed his head and asked the Lord for guidance during this entire ordeal. When he opened his eyes, he knew exactly what he needed to do.
Chapter 18
"Don't look now, but Dante's here," Mama whispered as she nodded toward the door behind Sunny. "He looks like a man on a mission."
Sunny didn't turn around, but she felt goose bumps as soon as she heard his voice. "Twila, do you have a moment? I need to talk to you."
A momentary look of confusion came over Mama. After a quick glance at Sunny, she nodded and left the kitchen.
"I wonder what that's all abo
ut," Riley said softly as he stepped to the side to watch Mama walk away with Dante. Sunny noticed his eyebrows shoot up. "Looks like there's about to be a serious business meeting."
Sunny spun around and saw Judd walking in with a couple of other man wearing business suits. "Any idea who they are?"
"You already know his attorney, Judd. One of the other guys is Dante's realtor, but I'm not sure of the taller one."
"They don't look happy." Sunny glanced over and saw Dante and Mama looking at the men. "Maybe I should go make sure everything is okay."
"I think your mama can handle this."
"I know, but—"
"She's a sharp lady." Riley went back to the stove and picked up a pan. "But I know you're dying to find out what's going on." He grinned. "Maybe you can see if they're ready to place an order."
"Good idea." Sunny poured some water into glasses, placed them on a tray, picked up some menus, and headed straight to the table where Mama sat with the men.
Mama grinned at Sunny as though nothing serious was happening. "Is everything okay in the kitchen? Does Riley need me?"
Sunny shook her head. "No, everything is fine." She handed out the menus. "What can I get for y'all?"
"Have whatever you want," Dante added. "It's on the house."
"Nothing for me, thanks," Judd said as he handed Sunny the menu. "Bethann sent a sandwich to work with me this morning."
One of the other man studied the menu for a moment and then ordered fried green tomatoes. "I've always wondered what they taste like."
"After you try them, you'll be addicted," Mama said. "And Riley's are almost as good as mine."
Dante instructed her to make that a double order and to bring enough plates for everyone and glasses of sweet tea. She headed straight back to the kitchen where Riley waited, watching.
"One double order of fried green tomatoes."
She walked over to the beverage station and began to fill glasses with ice and sweet tea. After delivering the tea, she checked to see how Riley was coming along with the fried tomatoes.
"I'll be done in two shakes of a donkey's tail." His eyes twinkled. "When I heard your mama say that it brought back memories of my mama."
"I've heard her say that all my life. Need some help?"
"Why don't you grab a stack of plates and bring them over to the table. By the time you get back, I'll have these ready and in a basket."
Sunny noticed that Dante's expression had changed when she returned to the table. He looked much more relaxed and jovial.
"Here ya go, y'all." She placed a plate in front of each of them, but Mama held out her hand and shook her head. "Not for me, thanks. I'm havin' lunch in about half an hour, and I don't want to ruin my appetite."
Dante surprised Sunny and stood. "I'll bring the fried tomatoes out. In the meantime, I want to talk to you for a moment."
As soon as they got to the edge of the kitchen, Dante whispered, "Your mother is amazing. I came to tell her we weren't going to get the Harlem location because the owner got a better offer. In fact, I'd just told her what happened when Judd came in with the owner and my realtor Stan."
"The owner?" Sunny was confused.
"Yeah, Tyrone, the owner of the Harlem location. Judd and my realtor went to talk to him, and Judd convinced him to come here to see this place for himself. Your mother charmed the socks off of him, and now he's agreed to let me have the place for our agreed-upon price. The only stipulation is that he gets to eat there for free." He shook his head. "And that will cost us almost nothing."
"That's my mama for ya." Sunny couldn't help but chuckle. "She could've made a fortune in sales."
"After meeting your mother, I know where you got your charm." Dante shifted from one foot to another. "And your looks and your humor and your—"
"Whoa. I'm afraid I can't live up to all that. Mama is one of a kind." She looked directly at him, knowing it was dangerous to her heart.
"True." Dante held her gaze, something she promised herself she'd never allow to happen again. But she couldn't help it. "So are you … one of a kind, I mean."
She had that strange sensation again—the one that happened when he was about to kiss her. But he didn't. Instead, he took a step back and broke the connection between them.
"You'd better bring that food out, or they'll come lookin' for you." Sunny's voice cracked, so she cleared her throat.
Dante cast one more look in her direction, gave a clipped nod, and walked toward the cooking area, where Riley had piled the fried green tomatoes in a basket. "I can make some more if you want them." Sunny had followed but kept her distance. Riley gave her a curious glance and then turned back to Dante.
"Thanks. I'll let you know."
After Dante left the kitchen, Riley lifted the heavy pan from the burner and placed it on a hot pad. "You okay?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Just asking. By the way, your mama wants us to try out her tapioca pudding on the customers. Is it any good?"
"That's like asking if heaven is heavenly." She allowed her thoughts to return to the times when Mama had made tapioca to lift her spirits, and it always did. "It's about the best thing ever."
Riley laughed. "In that case, we'd better try it."
"Did Mama tell you about her shrimp and grits?"
"We tested that shortly after we first opened, and it didn't do very well."
Sunny planted her fist on her hip and gave Riley the jauntiest head bob she could manage. "That's because Mama didn't cook 'em."
"That's the Sunny attitude I remember."
She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "Sunny attitude?"
"Yeah, the one you lost a few weeks ago."
Sunny swallowed hard. She knew exactly when that happened, and it had everything to do with Dante.
Instead of continuing with this line of conversation, Sunny backed away. "I think I'll go check on things at the deal table."
He made a comical face. "Deal table?"
"That's where the deal is bein' made for the Harlem restaurant."
"Good idea. Maybe you can help seal the deal by offering something else." He glanced around the kitchen before settling his gaze back on her. "How about some fried okra or eggplant?"
"I'll ask." As she walked toward the table, she thought about the fact that Mama appeared to have already sealed the deal. And when she arrived, she saw all of the papers on the table with signatures scrawled on the bottom lines. Yep, she was right.
Mama grinned as she stood up. "If you gentlemen don't mind, I need to go back to the kitchen and help out. We're about to get slammed. Tonight is chicken and dumplings night."
The man that Sunny now knew was the owner of the new diner location gave Mama a look of desire—but for the food, not her. "Why is it when you say chicken and dumplings I feel like I have to have some?"
"Maybe because I know how good they are, and I say it with the respect they deserve." She turned to Sunny with a look of pure amusement before turning back to face him. "Why don't you stick around and have some? They come with a choice of turnip greens or green beans cooked southern style."
"If it's okay with Dante …" The man glanced over at Dante who nodded. "Okay then. I'll just sit right here if you don't mind. I can check messages on my phone."
"We don't mind at all." Dante stood. "I have to get back to the office. You'll be in good hands here with Twila, Riley, and …" He looked at Sunny. "And our manager Sunny."
"Let me fill your tea glass." Without waiting for him to respond, Sunny picked up his glass and went straight to the beverage station. She could hear the footsteps behind her, and she was pretty sure it wasn't Mama.
"That was a well orchestrated meeting, even though not one I expected." Dante cleared his throat, so she turned around. "Do you need me for anything before I leave?"
Did she need him? No. Did she want him? Unfortunately, yes.
She shook her head. "We'll be fine."
"I'll call you later. Are you cl
osing tonight?"
"No. I'm leaving after the big dinner rush. Morgan said she can close."
"Mind if I come over?" Dante appeared to be wound as tight as a spring as he asked the question.
"Sorry, but tonight's not good. Miss Lucille is having Dr. Simone over. She needs to talk to Mama about something."
A look of worry flashed on Dante's face. "I hope it's not … um … she's …"
"She just wants to work up a care plan."
"The doctor's making a house call for that?"
Sunny nodded. "Mama is amazed by that too. Miss Lucille carries a lot of clout."
"That woman has more clout than anyone I know." He propped his elbow on the closest counter as he continued looking at her, making her squirm. "Okay, so tonight's out. I would like to talk to you again soon, though."
"Are you unhappy about the job I'm doing?"
He pulled his arm away from the counter and stepped closer but stopped right before he got within arm's reach. "This has nothing to do with the job."
Sunny wasn't sure what to do. She didn't need to talk to him about personal matters because she was afraid her resolve would crack. But here she was at work, with her boss standing about two feet away, saying he wanted to talk to her. And deep down, she knew that she wanted to talk to him too. Well, actually, she wanted to do more than talk. His kisses played in her mind at the least convenient of times, including right now. She resisted the urge to lick her lips, but he clearly sensed something.
"I'll let you get back to work then. Please tell your mother that she can come to my office any time and fill out the permanent employee paperwork."
"You can tell me yourself," Mama said as she came around the corner.
"Come to my office—"
"I heard you." Mama smiled. "When will I actually be a permanent employee?"
"Whenever you want. Do you need to go back to South Carolina for anything?"
Sunny watched Mama as she pondered the question. She finally nodded. "I really should pack up a few things and get the place ready for a renter. I'm pretty sure it won't take too long to find a tenant."
"Maybe you can sell the place," Sunny said. "That would free you up even more."
