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“Natalia, I was traumatized. I still haven’t eaten pizza since I had to clean a high chair after a kid had an accident in it.”
“You didn’t clean it,” she reminded him. “You threw it away.”
“Then there was—”
“Okay, okay. I promise that the next time I need a busser, you’re off my list. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
Ending the call before he could dredge up another horror story, she selected another contact. A second male voice answered.
“Hello.”
“Rocco, I want you to take over the restaurant.”
“No.” His refusal was immediate and firm.
“The restaurant is losing money, two more employees quit, and my liquor license isn’t going to be renewed.”
“How is the Liquor Commission refusing to renew your license?”
She pulled the phone away from her ear at his angry outburst.
“They’re using the excuse of the police having to respond to many nuisance calls and crimes taking place on the property.” Despite The Last Riders’ efforts to contain the fallout from the video, protesters were still targeting the restaurant.
“I’m not going to take over the restaurant. File an appeal. Ask Arden to call the governor and request his help.”
“I’m not dragging Governor Bunning into this mess. He’s up for reelection,” she refused.
“You said Wizard had everything under control!”
Natalia didn’t let Rocco’s angry frustration upset her. She felt the same way.
“He’s done everything he can. He takes down the videos circulating online, but another one always appears. The girls’ parents’ lawyers are managing to delay their court cases. I can file an appeal, but I can’t serve alcohol until my license is renewed.”
“This is just one big clusterfuck.”
“Yes, it is, which is why you should take over the restaurant until the court cases are resolved. Once the girls admit I didn’t serve them alcohol or let them into the club, the online hate should stop.”
“I can’t take over the restaurant. The trolls harassing you would investigate my background, and I can’t have that kind of attention coming my way.”
Her mind went blank. She had no idea what to do next. The restaurant was sinking fast.
Biting her lip, she held back tears of frustration. They had worked so hard to make the restaurant a success. Rocco had even sacrificed his own dreams so their childhood dream could come true.
“Then what should I do?”
“Give me a couple of days. I know someone who has dealt with situations like this before. Eliza might have some advice that could help.”
She tried to lighten the grim mood of their conversation. “Eliza?” she teased. “Have you been holding out on me, bro? You haven’t told me you’re dating someone.”
“We’re not dating. Eliza runs the PR firm I used when we started the restaurant.”
“Is she single?”
“Cool it, Ms. Matchmaker. I’m too busy to get involved with anyone right now.”
“You’re not getting any younger. Don’t you want any kids before you have to chase after them using your walker?”
“I could say the same thing to you,” Rocco countered. “I don’t see you having any kids in the near future. You need to find someone who can give you the family you want.”
