There was a small pause between us.
Then she reached for her wine and took a slow sip. “I understand," she said after a second. “You seem to be doing alright in spite of it. Running a successful restaurant, raising a little boy.Flirting," she smiled at the end.
I let out a quiet chuckle. “Some days are better than others.”
“That makes sense.” She took another bite of the dessert, clearly enjoying it. “Your wife must’ve been proud of you,” she added.
That hit me right in the chest because it was such an unexpected comment. “I hope so,” I said honestly. "I pray every day she's proud of the way I'm raising Melo and keeping things running."
"I'm sure she is." Gianna gave me another smile before glancing around the restaurant briefly. "So…you built all this yourself?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Me and Kendrix—that's her name." I glanced around for a second before my eyes came back to hers. "We created it together. She named the place. The aesthetics were hers. The menu was mine.”
Gianna nodded slowly, impressed. “You both did a great job. This is my first time here, but I love it already. The food. The ambiance." Her pretty eyes settled back on mine. "Congratulations, Remy," she said sincerely.
I smiled, feeling warmth settling in my chest. "Thank you so much, beautiful."
She smiled back leaning back slightly in her chair, studying me again with that same curious look she’d had earlier. “You seem like a good man.”
I smiled faintly. “I'd like to think I am. I'm hoping I can show you.”
Before she could respond, across the dining room I could see one of my managers giving me the subtle look that meantthe kitchen needs you.I nodded and held up two fingers. Duty was calling. I sighed lightly and stood. “My manager is giving me the eye. I need to go check it out.”
Gianna smiled. "Of course. Thank you for dessert."
"It was my pleasure. Your meal is on the house."
"Appreciate it."
I hesitated a second. “Are you… done for the night?”
Her eyes flicked up to mine. “Why?”
“Because,” I said slowly, “if you’re not in a rush, I’d love to send you home with something.”
She raised a brow. “Another dessert?”
I laughed. “No.” I pulled a small card from my pocket and set it beside her wine glass. “My number.”
Her gaze dropped to the card. “That was smooth,” she admitted with a smile. “And why would I need that?” she asked playfully.
“So you can let me take you to dinner sometime.”
She smirked. “You already did.”
I smiled. “Then I’ll take you somewhere that isn’t my restaurant.”
She picked up the card, turning it between her fingers. “I don't date, Remy," she reiterated.
"I know." I nodded. "But all I need is one chance. If you don't enjoy my company, I'll exit stage right." I had her attention now—I just needed to keep it.
"You’re persistent," she replied.
“Only when I see something worth pursuing.”
She gave me another one of those slow, beautiful smiles. “Hmm,” she murmured. Then she slipped the card into her purse. “Maybe I’ll call you.”
My chest felt a little lighter hearing that. “I hope you do. Not to boast, but I have a feeling that I can be a man who could change your life, Gianna."
