Up until two years ago, Byron had been a waiter at the restaurant, a gig he’d had since high school. Michael and Quentin had taken him under their wing, encouraging him to attend Morehouse, their alma mater. He’d worked nights at Wolf’s Soul to help pay for his tuition. When he’d graduated from law school the year before, Quentin had gotten him a job at Marcus’s law firm. Byron was a good kid. Sweet, smart and adorable to boot.
Smiling, Lexi reached for a crab-stuffed mushroom. “So, how do you enjoy being an associate?”
He beamed. “It’s great. I’m learning so much, and of course the pay is phenomenal. I’m making way more than any of my classmates from law school who got jobs at other firms.”
Lexi chuckled. “It’s nice to work for one of the top firms in the country, isn’t it?”
“Heck, yeah. But the caseload and long hours definitely take some getting used to,” he admitted.
“I’m sure.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “Hang in there.”
He grinned ruefully. “I don’t have much of a choice. Quentin’s a slave driver.”
“Hmm.” Noncommittal, she nibbled on her mushroom.
“It was great seeing you at the trial yesterday. You left before I had a chance to say hello.”
Lexi had been so focused on Quentin that she’d almost forgotten Byron was there. “Yeah, I had to get back to campus to teach a class.”
He nodded, surveying the paperwork spread out on the table. “So what’re you working on?”
“A proposal for my next cookbook. Being here at the restaurant always inspires me. And if Michael’s around, I like to bounce ideas off him.”
Byron smiled. “Your first cookbook comes out soon, right?”
“Yep.”Vive la Soulcontained an eclectic fusion of French cuisine and soul food recipes, Lexi’s signature as a chef. “Anyway, my next proposal is due to my editor next week.”
Byron took the subtle hint. “I won’t hold you up,” he quickly assured her. “I stopped by for a quick dinner and was just about to leave when I saw you sitting here. I thought I’d come over and say hello.”
“I’m glad you did,” Lexi said warmly. “It’s always good to see you, Byron.”
He blushed. “You were always one of my favorite customers,” he told her with a shy smile. “You were never rude or demanding. And you gave the best tips.”
Lexi was touched. “That’s very sweet of you to say, Byron. Like you, I waited tables to put myself through college, so I know what a thankless job it can be.” She winked at him. “We waiters have to stick together.”
He grinned. “Most definitely.”
As she sipped her martini, Byron lingered, making no move to leave. She sensed that he had something on his mind, so she waited.
Finally he blurted, “Would you like to have dinner with me on Thursday night?”
Lexi stared at him, thinking she’d heard wrong. “Are you asking me out on a date, Byron?”
He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “Uh, yes. I am.”
Lexi set down her glass slowly, wondering why she was so surprised. Michael and Quentin had always teased her about Byron having a crush on her, but she’d never given it much thought. He was like a kid brother to her. Dating him would make her feel like a cougar.
He was watching her carefully. “I’ve caught you off guard.”
“Completely.” She chuckled. “I don’t know what to say, Byron.”
“How about yes?” he suggested hopefully.
She gave him a gentle smile. “I’m very flattered, but—”
“Thursday is jazz night at the restaurant. We could have dinner, enjoy some good music. It’ll be fun.”
“I know. I always enjoy jazz night, and I’m sure we’d have a good time. But I’m afraid I’ll have to pass.”
