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“How was your dinner?” Tyler crosses his arms over his chest.
Rocco looks down at his empty plate. “There’s your answer. Nova never disappoints.”
A smile creeps over Tyler’s mouth as he rakes a hand through his brown hair. “That’s good to hear.”
“How’s Cadence and Firi?” I ask about his family because I know Tyler. Those two people are his life. Nova is his passion. He’s determined to make the restaurant the top in Manhattan, but he’d push it aside in an instant for the woman he loves and their son.
“They’re great, Jeremy. Thanks for asking,” he answers, holding my gaze.
The pull I feel to turn around to try to get another look at the brunette is strong, but I stick to script. The launch of the vanilla vodka is less than two months away and I need all the exposure I can get.
I’ll chat up Tyler for a few minutes, excuse myself, and then head over to the table where the drop-dead gorgeous woman is sitting.
“I dropped off a sample bottle of our new product last week.” I shoot a look at the bar manager, Leo. I hand delivered a bottle to him with the understanding that he’d see to it that Tyler not only got a taste but a sterling recommendation from him. I could have left that job to our Brand Manager, but I didn’t want to risk the chance that Leo would turn him down. Leo’s words are w
hat got Rizon vodka into Nova. I’m trusting that he’s worked his magic again.
“Leo loves it.” Tyler turns his head toward the bar. “It’s the best vanilla vodka I’ve tasted. Leo has my go-ahead to stock it once it’s released.”
I make a mental note to thank Leo before I leave. “I’ll touch base with him and work out the details.”
“Sounds good.” Tyler motions for a server. “I’ll get these plates cleared. You two interested in dessert?”
I’m interested in the brunette who I swear looks like the angel I met in Vegas. I glance back over my shoulder, but she’s gone. They guy she was having dinner with is nowhere to be found either.
Fuck.
“I’m not going to turn down dessert.” Rocco laughs. “Are you in, Jeremy, or are you in a hurry to take off?”
“I’m in.” I look at my watch not caring about the time.
Once I leave here, I’ll skip the club and go to my office until I can’t focus anymore. After that, I’ll head home and catch a few hours of sleep before I face Sunday head-on.
It’s the only day that work is off the table.
“Are you two busy on Friday?” Tyler asks with a quirk of his brow. “I’m having a private party. It’s a preview of the fall tasting menu.”
Rocco glances at me before he turns to Tyler. “I wouldn’t miss the chance to attend that.”
“It’s at eight.” Tyler looks at the entrance of the restaurant where a group of people just arrived. “I need to run, but feel free to bring a guest each.”
Rocco pushes to his feet. “It’s been a pleasure, Chef.”
I stand too and extend my hand to Tyler. “We’ll see you on Friday.”
“Friday it is,” Tyler says as he takes my hand in his for a shake. “I’ve invited half of Manhattan, so I’m sure you’ll both see a few familiar faces.”
The only face I’m interested in seeing is the woman who was eating dinner just a few tables away from me.
Rocco and I watch Tyler move fluidly through the crowded dining room toward the kitchen.
“Sit down, Jeremy.” Rocco lowers himself back into his chair. “I’m not leaving here without dessert.”
“I need to take care of something.” I rest my hands on the back of my chair. “Give me five minutes.”
“Take your time.” He touches the base of his empty wine glass. “I’ll order another bottle of cabernet while I wait.”
I huff out a laugh. “Order a glass of Rizon vodka.”
