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She looked up. “Is everything all right?”
“No. There’s a problem at Muse. Would you mind if I run over there and sort it out?”
“Of course not. Go. Do what you need to do. I’m fine here.”
“Thanks.” He lifted his phone back to his ear. “I’ll be right over Rodney.”
When he got to the wine bar and Rodney showed him the receipts and the takings, it was all too obvious that the new guy on the upstairs bar had been taking home more than tips. Antonio nodded sadly. He liked to give people a chance, to believe the best of people, but unfortunately, in this case there was no room for doubt. “What time’s he due in for his shift?”
Rodney checked his watch. “He should be here in twenty minutes.”
“Okay. I’ll wait and take care of it myself.”
“Thank you.” Rodney smile awkwardly. “I can do it if you want me to, but I do find firing people rather distasteful.”
Antonio laughed and grasped his shoulder. “I’m sure you do. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t ask you to. You’re here to enhance the finer side, not to get your hands dirty with the darker side of the business.”
Rodney smiled. “Can I get you anything while you wait?”
Antonio shook his head. “I’m fine, thanks. I’m making a special dinner tonight.”
“Are things going well?”
Antonio grinned. “That’s an understatement. I asked her to move in with me, and she said yes.” He couldn’t help it, he had to share his news with someone.
Unfortunately, Rodney didn’t seem thrilled to hear it.
“You’re not happy for me?”
“Of course, I am. I suppose I’m a little more cautious than you. Are you sure about her?”
“I couldn’t be surer, Rodney. I’m in love with her.”
“And does she feel the same? Are you sure of her intentions?”
Antonio laughed. “My intentions are honorable, if that’s what you mean.”
“No. It isn’t. Is she in love with you? I’m sorry, perhaps it’s this little incident that’s making me lose trust in human nature. But you must admit, you’re quite a prize.”
Antonio frowned. “She’s not after me for my money, if that’s what you mean. She loves me. She’s more cautious about this than I am. It’s me that’s rushing things along, not her.”
Rodney nodded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. I’m only looking out for you.”
Antonio wrapped his arm around the older man’s shoulders and hugged him into his side. “I know, and I appreciate it, but you don’t have to worry about Mary Ellen. She’s as genuine as they come. She’s the real deal, and she and I—we’re meant to be. I’m not going to make the same mistake my brother made.”
“How is Marcos?”
“Not good.” That reminded Antonio that he was supposed to call him.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Give him my best when you speak to him. I hope we’ll see him back here soon.”
“Will do. In fact, I’m going to give him a quick call while I wait.”
~ ~ ~
Mary Ellen paced the living room and looked at her watch. When Antonio left he’d said he shouldn’t be more than an hour. He’d already been gone for nearly three. She’d been fine for a while, but now she was getting antsy. This was supposedly her first full day living here and he’d just disappeared. If this was a sign of how he thought their life should be, she wasn’t sure she was interested. She took a deep breath to calm herself. That was ridiculous! She knew all about having to go into work on the weekend, and about work problems eating up far more time than you expected them to. He’d gone into work, that was all. The nagging little voice insisted on reminding her that his work also happened to be his playground—the place where he met women and took them home to bed.
She let out a frustrated laugh. She was being stupid, and she knew it. It was just a little doubt creeping in and she needed to kick it to the curb before it could take a hold. The poor guy was probably stressed out over some issue at work, and the last thing he needed was to come home and find her doubting him.
