AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Grant shrugged.
“Maybe it’s because she’s one of us?” suggested Molly. “I mean, he gets around, but he’s never dated anyone I know very well.”
Chelsea made a face. “Yeah. Don’t shit where you eat.”
“Don’t be too hard on him,” said Molly. “At least it shows he has some values.”
“Whatever. What did he do that sent her running out of here tonight? That’s what I want to know.”
“Maybe it wasn’t even him. Like I said, she was on the phone for a few minutes. She looked upset, but I was taking a big order and couldn’t get straight to her. Antonio came and sat here with her and said something and she got up and ran out. By the time I got here, all Antonio had to say was that she had to leave.” Molly shrugged. “And he paid her check.”
Chelsea drummed her fingers on the table. “I need to talk to him.”
Grant smiled at her. “How about we track him down once we’ve had dinner? That way I get to eat, and you get a chance to calm down a little.”
She smiled back. “Sorry, yeah, let’s do that.”
“Don’t go yelling at him till you know the full story, will you?” said Molly. “I feel like I snitched on him and he might not even have done anything.”
“Oh, he probably has,” said Chelsea.
Grant shook his head at her. “Let’s wait and see, can we?”
She drew in a big breath and then slowly blew it out. They were right. She got so protective of Mary Ellen. She was so strong and capable that everyone thought she was indestructible, but Chelsea knew better. She and Mary Ellen had become fast friends when Mary Ellen first arrived here, and Chelsea knew the heartbreak she’d clawed her way back from. She still didn’t date much even now. She claimed it was because her life was full enough, but Chelsea worried that the real reason was because her heart was still too fragile. She had this huge crush on Antonio, and if he’d said something that hurt her, then he was going to be in deep trouble.
~ ~ ~
Antonio surveyed the dance floor from his seat at the bar. Like Molly’s had been, it was busy in Muse for a Wednesday. The outdoor terrace was still half full of diners, and the dance floor was busy. There was a large party of women, most of whom were dancing, many of whom had already given him signals if he wanted to pick up on them. He didn’t.
“Is everything all right?”
He looked up and smiled at the maître d’. “Everything’s fine, Rodney.”
Rodney nodded stiffly. He was a good man, if a little formal. Antonio was thrilled that he’d managed to headhunt him from one of the best restaurants in San Francisco when he opened Muse.
“Really. I’m okay.” Antonio smiled again at the older man.
“If you insist, then I shan’t ask again. However …”
Antonio smiled at the way he left the invitation to talk hanging. Could he open up? Could he tell Rodney about what had happened this evening with Mary Ellen? No. He shook his head briefly. He didn’t need to lay that on Rodney, even if he knew whathadhappened. What would he say? Whatcouldhe say? “I appreciate it though.”
Rodney nodded again and looked out at the dance floor. “It seems you have a rather nice selection of potential distractions on offer this evening.”
“It would seem that way, wouldn’t it?”
“Am I to understand you’re not looking for a distraction?”
Antonio shook his head. “No. For what may be the first time in my life, I think what I need is reflection, not distraction.”
The corners of Rodney’s mouth turned up into what might be a smile. “Very well. I’ll leave you be. When you’re ready, remember I make a good sounding board.”
“Thanks.” Antonio smiled as he watched him walk away. Maybe he’d take him up on that offer when he figured out whatever it was he needed to talk about.
He watched the women dance for a few moments, hot bodies moving to the music, a couple of inviting looks thrown in his direction. It all left him cold. He should probably go home. He didn’t even know why he’d come in here. Muse ran itself for the most part. He had a great management team in place, including Rodney.
He got to his feet and then sat back down again when he spotted Chelsea and Grant coming in. He loved them both, but he wished he’d left before they arrived. He wasn’t in the mood for socializing.
He frowned as they approached. It didn’t look like Chelsea was much in the mood for socializing either. His normally bright and cheery cousin wore a determined scowl and was heading straight for him. Grant followed in her wake, looking worried.
