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As she puts two oysters on her plate, Sydney answers, “Twice a year. Mardi Gras and the Essence Festival.”
“I think everyone on the planet should go to Mardi Gras at least once in their lifetime. When I was younger, my daddy would reserve an entire hotel on Bourbon Street during the first weekend of Mardi Gras for our family. We would have so many relatives coming in to celebrate with us, it was like a huge family reunion.”
“I bet that was fun,” Sydney says, squeezing lemon juice on her oysters.
“It truly was,” I state, watching as she uses her fork to remove the first delicacy from its shell.
“Let’s see if your chargrilled oysters are better than my grandmother’s or Felix’s,” Sydney challenges before taking the oyster into her mouth.
She closes her eyes and hums. Sydney must really like it because she starts to do a little dance in her seat.
“Does that mean it’s good?” I inquire, already knowing the answer.
Sydney nods her head as she brings her hand up to her mouth. “I think you have Felix beat but not my grandmother. These are really good, though.”
“Thank you and I’ll give your compliments to the chef. Before I opened Bourbon Bistro, I knew I wanted a chef who could cook the foods I was used to from back home. The best way to do that was to bring in one from New Orleans. Chef Lagniappe has been at Cajun Bistro during the construction of the restaurant to give his insights on how the kitchen should be laid out for him, his sous chefs, and staff.” I state, loading my plate with steak and garlic potatoes.
“That makes sense,” Sydney says, picking up the other oyster. “Now I know where to go when I’m craving these.”
Cutting into my steak, I tell her, “Ah, ah Ms. Morgan. That only makes me think you like ours better than Ruby’s. With the same invitation I offered your parents the other day, you are more than welcome to place an order on the house.”
She smirks, pointing her fork at me. “You might want to rethink that because you could find me every day picking up a to-go order.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I state, “If that’s what it’ll take for me to see you, then order as much as you like.”
“Are you flirting with me, Mr. DeLuca?” Sydney asks with hooded eyes.
Imitating her expression, I boldly replied, “Yes, I am Ms. Morgan.” Then wink at her.
Sydney grabs her glass of wine and takes a big sip.
“Does it bother you?” I question, eating a piece of steak.
She lets out a nervous laugh as she places her steak on the plate. “Why would that bother me? Men flirt with me every day, you’re no different.”
My jaw clicks with annoyance, imagining men coming on to her. They’re lucky I wasn’t around, or they would have found themselves looking at the barrel of my pistol.
“I am different from the others, and I am not saying that to sound like a narcissist prick or a cocky asshole, but never compare me to the next man. If I am no different, then why isn’t one of those men sitting here having dinner with you? You have pulled your gun on me twice, but here I sit enjoying this meal with you. Obviously, you are attracted to me as well. Let’s not play this childish game, Sydney. We are both grown and know what we want, and I want you.” I declare before slicing off another piece of steak.
Sydney studies me before saying, “You’re right, we are grown and I can admit that I’m attracted to you, but I feel that your attraction is more business than personal.”
I frown. “Sydney we both own successful businesses. I could tell by your tone the other day you had no intention of collaborating with me, and I’m fine with that. For me, it was just a way to get closer to you. I’m happy the business aspect is off the table, because now you can fully see that I am here because I want to get to know you Sydney and I want you to get to know me as well. I think we would be good for each other since we have so much in common.”
“And what do we have in common, Dom? Do you mind if I call you Dom?” Sydney asks, resting her elbows on the table, then leaning forward.
Laying my knife and fork on the plate, I mimic her display with a wide grin.
“I would love nothing more for you to call me Dom,” I state before adding, “What we have in common is that we were both raised by fathers who were associates in the past. We are all about our family and our business. Anyone who poses a threat, we have no problem with dealing with their asses head on. Oh, and you want me to fuck you just as much as I want to. Need I go on?”
Knowing I’m right, I grasp my beer and take a hearty swing as Sydney looks at me like a deer caught in headlights.
