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Lamenting to herself that she should have taken another personal day, she nearly wrecked when the car in front of her suddenly braked. Getting herself in check, she forced her mind to focus on driving instead of Doom and Haven.
When she arrived at the restaurant, she changed clothes then checked in with Mama.
Mama took off her food gloves to hug her, then pulled back and eyed her critically.
“Let me see,” Mama said sternly.
Pulling back the swatch of hair, Arden showed the stitches, which she had used her hair to hide.
“Do they hurt?” Mama asked with concern.
“No, I’m good,” Arden assured her.
“If you’re sure… Let me know if you start feeling unwell or need a break.”
“I will.”
Mama went to the sink to wash her hands. “We have a special guest coming in tonight at nine. He asked if you would be here before he booked. I’ll call if you decide to leave early.”
Arden didn’t have to ask who the guest was. Only one guest would call ahead to ask if she was working.
“I’ll make sure the private dining room is ready.”
“I appreciate you.” Mama grinned, starting her mixing bowl.
“Same.”
Going to the hostess stand, she wasn’t given time to brood over the ugliness Haven had sprouted off at her. The evening rush was usually busy, but tonight, one of the runners had called out sick, so Arden pitched in to help whenever she had a chance. At eight, she went to the private room and set a table for three, making sure it was perfect before heading to the kitchen to put in an order she wanted them to begin preparing at nine. Going to the wine cooler, she then chose a wine from Mama’s private stock and placed it in an ice bucket she had brought with her. She glanced at her watch as she carried it to the back room. After giving the room a final appraising glance, she went to the side door.
Three minutes later, she heard a knock. She opened the door and stepped aside to let the small party enter.
“Good evening, Governor Benning, Mrs. Benning, Larisa.”
“Good evening, Arden.”
Arden took the hand the governor extended to her to find herself pulled into a warm hug.
“I told Merryn I was tired of eating out. I needed some homecooked food.”
“I’m glad. I’ve missed seeing you all.” She gave him a warm hug in return, then turned to the waiting arms of his wife.
“How are you, Arden? You look pale. The next time Larisa and I have a girls’ day out, you’re coming with us. And this time, I won’t take no for an answer.”
“I won’t,” she promised as she turned to their daughter, who gave her a friendly smile.
“I think you look good. Don’t listen to Mom. She thinks I’ve lost weight.” Larisa rolled her eyes toward her mother. “I’ve gained six pounds just from the Valentine candy Mom and Dad bombarded me with. With Bryony going to college, they deluged me with her share.”
“I can’t get used to my baby being gone.” The governor’s wife sniffed back tears.
“I miss her too.” Arden grimaced. “We used to hang out once a week. It’s been a couple of months since I’ve seen her.”
Arden began ushering them to the private room she had prepared for them. She seated them, then poured each of them a glass of their favorite wine.
“Excuse me, I’ll be right back. I’ve put in your appetizer order. It should be done.”
“Take your time. We’re in no rush.” Merryn gracefully placed the linen napkin on her lap.
“Speak for yourself, woman. I’ve been thinking of those fried zucchini blossoms all day.”
Arden hurried toward the kitchen, hearing what the governor said. Luckily, the appetizer was ready. Nabbing a fresh loaf of bread, she carried both back to the private room and placed the dishes on the table, then took their orders.
“I’ll put your orders in. Can I get you anything else?” she offered.
The governor, who had eaten three of the six blossoms, looked up from his plate. “You can bring another order of the blossoms and bring another plate. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
“No, but I don’t want to impose myself on you.”
The governor gave her a mockingly stern look. “We go through this every time we come here. You’re family. How many times do we have to tell you this? You practically lived with us when Luc was in the hospital, and Merryn coached you all through grade school and high school, and you spent more weekends with Bryony than I have. So, unless you want to break this old man’s heart and my wife’s, bring another plate back with you.”
Merryn lifted the napkin to the corner of her eye. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Arden and Larisa shared an amused look at her parents.
“I think you did, Mom, the last time we were here.” Larisa snatched the last blossom off the platter before her father could. “Hurry back, Arden. I’ll show you the pictures of my new apartment.”
