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“I know. I know.”
“And we’re out of the chicken parm until dinner,” he barked. “Don’t even let him think that’s an option.”
I rolled my eyes and pushed through the swinging door that led to the dining area. It took a moment to adjust to the dimness. My parents had opened Bella’s long before I was born. They adhered to the Lady and the Tramp style for restaurant decor. Red and white checked tablecloths. Wax-dripped chianti bottles as centerpieces. They didn’t care about the fire hazards of open candle flames. It was dark other than the lights coming from the bar.
I walked toward seven. It was the corner booth farthest from the kitchen. It was odd to have a customer in between lunch and dinner. And it was Monday, our slowest day of the week. Cal looked up from polishing a beer stein and grinned at me as I walked by the old-fashioned bar. It was the last of its kind in the county.
“Hey, there. I’m Evelyn.” I placed a menu in front of the customer, along with the wine list. My parents were proud all the alcohol they served was authentic Italian. Not a single American wine on the menu.
He leaned back into the red vinyl cushion. His large frame made the booth seem small. I tried to make out his features.
He squinted at me. I looked at him again.
We both smiled.
“Evie Rossi.”
“Well hey there, Jeremy Hartwell.”
“I wondered if your parents still ran this place.” He rubbed his jaw. “It’s been at least twelve years since I was here last.”
He stood to pull me into a hug.
I would be completely lying if I tried to say he didn’t look hotter than sin. Because he was mister sex-on-a-stick. Always had been—even in high school. He was that guy. The one we all dreamed about. Tall, dark, handsome. A cut angular jaw that made him look brooding even when he wasn’t. Crystal blue eyes that melted the panties off every cheerleader in high school. And I had no idea what cologne he was wearing, but it was some incredible combination of masculine spice. I inhaled deeply before he let me go.
I pushed back from his solid chest. Damn, he was like a wall of steel. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “It’s so good to see you.”
He returned to the booth. It bounced under his heavy body.
“In town for my father’s will reading.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I placed a hand on his shoulder.
The glimmer in his eyes wasn’t as bright. “Thanks.”
“I heard he passed. It was sudden, wasn’t it?”
Jeremy nodded. “Sudden as a heart attack.”
“I truly am sorry. But, it’s nice to have you in Newton Hills. It’s been a long time.”
“I appreciate that, Evie. I’m headed out on a red eye. Thought I’d have a few drinks.”
“Oh, of course.” I fumbled with my pen. “What can I bring you?”
He pointed to the last bottle of red on the wine list. “This one looks good.”
I raised my eyebrows. “The Malbec?” It was a heavy wine for the middle of the day. And it was our most expensive bottle. It was the one only ordered on anniversaries or elaborate wedding proposals. I was sure wherever those bottles were, they were dusty.
“For starters.”
“Ok. I’ll be right back with a bottle and a glass for you.”
I turned from the corner booth and met Cal at the side of the bar. “I need a bottle of Malbec. Is there one here or are they all in the cellar?”
“Your father won’t let me keep that up here.”
I already knew the answer. I sighed. “All right. I’ll get it.”
