Page 21 of My Favorite Kidnapper

“Better than the bakery stuff.”

I snorted. “MaryJo uses the cheapest of everything she can.”

“Why do you work there?”

“It wasn’t so bad when I started. Her brother ran the bakery, and he was a good boss. MaryJo was always in the background. He taught me a lot. When he died, she took over. By then, I had started my cake decorating and had some customers. He always let me use the equipment and the space for almost nothing.”

“And that changed,” he said.

“Yes. But the hours are flexible, it’s close to my apartment, and although she is an awful boss, the place is busy and I get to try new things.”

“While she takes all the credit.”

“It is what it is for now. Other bakeries I have interviewed at said a flat no to my side business and wanted regular shifts. Some even pay lower than MaryJo, which I didn’t think was possible. So, I’m putting in my time, paying off my debts, and learning what I can. Or mostly, learning how not to run a business.”

Gladys came over, order pad in hand. “Ready?”

Dante leaned back. “What do you recommend?”

She pursed her lips. “Probably another restaurant.”

Dante began to laugh. I stared at him in wonder. He was gorgeous when he laughed. His eyes crinkled, and the two deep dimples appeared high on his cheeks. His teeth were straight and white, shown off by his wide smile. His humor was infectious, and I found myself laughing with him.

He shut the menu. “Whatever she’s having.”

“Two hot beef sandwiches coming up,” she replied without asking me. I always had the same thing.

She filled his cup and left.

“Is that what you have when you come here?”

“Yes. I love meat, but with my budget, I don’t get it much. They make it all from scratch here, so it’s awesome.”

I shifted in my seat. “How did you know about this diner?”

“Carolina told me.”

I shook my head. “She told you where I like to go and eat when you called her for my name?”

He smiled again. “No, when I spoke to her this afternoon.”

I gaped at him. “You called her again? On her honeymoon? Are you crazy?”

He rubbed his chin, not looking sorry. “She wasn’t as patient this time, but she gave me the name of this diner. Then an earful on privacy and leaving her alone.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “I—you—I don’t even know what to say. You have to stop calling her!”

“She said that. I assured her it was the last time. However, I wanted to take you somewhere you would be comfortable. She said you liked it here, called me some names, and told me I owed her another trip or she would tell Paolo, so I agreed.”

“You are totally crazy.”

“Determined, Little Bee. I’m determined.”

“Determined to make me crazy.”

He winked. “Only in the very best way.”

Gladys arrived, sliding the full plates onto the table. I watched him survey the towering sandwich, the steam rising from the gravy. The little paper cup holding the horseradish. The mound of mashed potatoes with the pat of melting butter slipping over the top, and the mixed vegetables piled high. One eyebrow rose, and I expected him to push away the plate. Make some sarcastic remark. But instead, he picked up his utensils and waited until I had done the same.