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I giggle. “I’m a little more discerning after that last debacle. Taking my time.”
What I mean is that I’m ignoring the apps completely until whatever is between us gets settled.
“Not rushing into anything. You know what I mean?” I add.
“Indeed.”
Just then, Quinn strolls to our table in his chef’s coat. “Evening, guys.”
I grin and hug him. “Good to see you, Quinn. How are you?”
“I’m well, thanks.”
“Thank you for the table,” Rowan says. “I know it was short notice—
“Only the best for my friends. Speaking of which,” he signals to someone near the bar and they dive into the back, “I’ve prepared a little something I thought you might like. I’ve been working on the recipe for a few days now, and thought you two would be the perfect guinea pigs.”
“How flattering,” I tease.
“I’m sure whatever it is will be wonderful,” Rowan says.
A server delivers two small plates to us. Three bites each for a tasting. Quinn explains, “Monkfish tail with blackened spices, cracked wheat and lightly spiced mussels.”
We take a bite, and it’s sumptuous. I sigh my words, “That is delicious.”
“Really? I want this dish to be a highlight—“
“It is,” Rowan says firmly. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Thank you. The rest of your meal will come out shortly, but I was dying to hear an unbiased opinion. The kitchen staff will eat anything I put in front of them.” He rolls his eyes. “Enjoy. If you need anything, tell your server Angelina to flag me down.”
“Thanks again, Quinn,” Rowan says. “Seems like he’s doing well here.”
“Thriving, by the look of the place.”
“It’s funny. I almost didn’t call him for the table tonight.”
I frown. “How come?”
“Look around, Autumn.”
I do, but I take a moment to realize what he means. Soft lighting. Live piano music playing romantic songs. Every table has two chairs. Even the seats at the bar are paired. “Because this is a date restaurant?”
“Precisely. But Quinn is the best chef I know, and I wasn’t willing to take you someplace less-than just to drive home the fact this isn’t a date.”
Hearing him say it isn’t a date stings. But I nudge him a little. “So, the club doesn’t have the best chef?”
He laughs. “Uh no. They’re great, but they’re no Quinn.”
“Why didn’t you hire him there?”
“Out of an abundance of caution regarding his friendship with Brooks, actually. They think working together would ruin their friendship.”
“It can be hard with friends. Delia and I work together well, but it’s not like that for everyone. Sometimes, you’re just too close to add unknown elements to a friendship.”
He lets out a deep sigh. “Yeah. Sometimes friends should remain friends. And cross no boundaries.”
Are we still talking about Quinn and Brooks? I clear my throat. “But sometimes, crossing boundaries can be a good thing. Like me and Delia.”
