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“Of course not. They still have to finish up out back and get things in order for the breakfast crowd.” Caleb looked over at the jukebox. “I’m going to put some music on.” He stood up and fished around in his pocket, pulling out a few quarters. He walked over to the jukebox and began to flip through the listings.
“Aah. An oldie but a goody,” Caleb said as music began to fill the air. He began to tap his feet in time with the rhythmic beats. He turned back toward Addie.
“Dance with me.” Caleb offered his hand to her.
“Dance with you? Here?” she asked.
“My parents do it all the time,” Caleb said. “Come on, Addie. Live a little. Dance with me.”
Live a little. Isn’t that what she had been trying to do for the longest time? Live. Take chances. Kick up her heels.
She nodded her head. “Okay. Let’s dance.”
Caleb reached for her hand and pulled her toward him. She placed her hands on his shoulders as his hands rested on her back. They began to slow dance to the music.
Addie rested her head on Caleb’s shoulder. She could see Penelope and Jude standing at a distance watching the two of them. Jude turned toward Penelope and extended his hand. Penelope hesitated for a moment, then clasped Jude’s hand before he led her toward the parquet floor where they began to dance. Addie tapped Caleb on the shoulder, then nodded her chin toward his parents. Caleb grinned as he spotted them dancing cheek to cheek. She saw a hopeful expression on his face. It made her chest tighten just to see him so happy.
Addie knew if she could see her own face in the mirror it would be flush with joy. She felt like the luckiest woman alive to be dancing with Caleb as he guided them effortlessly in time to the music. For so long she’d wanted her life to be bigger and grander. She’d wanted to live life rather than hiding herself away from the world. And now, here she was, feeling on top of the world.
In such a short time, Caleb had managed to change her outlook on life. And she knew if she wasn’t careful, she was going to fall head over heels in love with Caleb Donahue.
“Don’t let the past control you. If you allow it to, the past can swallow you up and spit you out.”
Parker Donahue
Chapter Seven
Caleb couldn’t help but smile every time he caught sight of Addie as she walked around the restaurant greeting customers and putting out fires. She was a whirlwind, always in perpetual motion. Working at the bistro suited her. There wasn’t a single thing she couldn’t handle, except for the actual cooking. One night when there wasn’t a dinner service at the Blue Bayou, Caleb wanted to make dinner for Addie at his place. He wanted to show off his skills in the kitchen.
Tonight had been a very successful evening at the restaurant. Praise the Lord! Pride had filled him as he’d looked out across the eatery and saw the crowded venue. There were new faces he’d never seen before, which was a blessing to any establishment.
The restaurant had been filled up to the rafters. Addie’s suggestion to put seating outside had been a smart one. It allowed them to seat more customers and it gave the bistro a romantic, European flair. Addie had set up twinkling lights outside on the patio. It was a smart move. The customers loved the charming touch.
Caleb had to admit, Addie was making her presence known at the Blue Bayou. She was a breath of fresh air, not only for the restaurant but for his life as well. She possessed such a positive vibe. Caleb had never met anyone like Addie. She was a mass of contradictions. Shy. Funny. Smart. Quirky. And as sweet as chocolate candy.
It had been a wise decision to open up a few evenings a week to test the response. The money they’d made this evening was impressive. He was learning as a businessman that it was all right to listen to other ideas and to incorporate someone else’s suggestions into the Blue Bayou. It ma
de him a better owner, partner and boss. And he trusted Addie. He hadn’t really known her that long, but he had faith in her. And although he’d promised not to think of her romantically, they were clearly well past the line. The kisses they’d shared had been anything but platonic.
Addie came into the kitchen, interrupting his thoughts. She was gazing at him with a look of uncertainty etched on her face.
“What’s up?” Caleb asked. “Is everyone gone?”
“Not quite.” Addie shifted from one foot to the other. “My friend Chandra would like to come back here. I didn’t want to just bring her back without asking first.”
Addie’s close friend had been a patron this evening. He had watched the two of them earlier when Addie had stopped by her friend’s table. It was clear they shared a wonderful bond.
“Addie,” he said with a chuckle. “You’re free to bring anyone back here you like. We’re partners. Remember?”
A pleased smile lit up her face. “I wanted to give you a head’s up.” Addie bit her lip. “She said you look familiar to her.”
“Really?” he asked with a frown. “She doesn’t look familiar to me at all. Matter of fact, I would wager to say I’ve never seen that woman before in my life.”
Addie shrugged. “She wants to talk to you.”
“Why?” Caleb asked. “Does she have a complaint about the food?” he teased.
“She wouldn’t tell me, but I’ve known her since college. She’s a good person. Whatever she has to say, I reckon it’s important enough for her to ask.”
