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Dominic nodded. “All good. Place got a hell of a workout tonight. So what’s the final verdict?”
Gio ginned. “I think our future here looks pretty damn spectacular.”
Dominic looked my way. “What do you think, Melanie? You think our future looks spectacular?”
I knew he was talking about the restaurant, but the way he said the words our future gave me the chills.
“I do,” I said. “Actually I don’t think the big picture could get any brighter. And who knows, maybe this time next year, we’ll be talking about opening another new place in Scottsdale or on the west side. Frankly, I believe every neighborhood deserves an Esposito’s.”
When I stopped talking, I saw that the brothers were staring at me, each for presumably very different reasons. I cleared my throat. I had something important to say to one of them, and the prospect made me feel a little humble.
“Gio,” I said, “I really want to thank you for taking a chance and hiring me.” I paused. “This experience has been more than a job. It’s like I joined a family. And I’m grateful. I just wanted you to know that. Getting fired ended up being the best thing that happened to me in a long time.”
“Thank you, Melanie,” Gio said softly. He glanced at Dominic, but he was looking down at the floor. “I think I speak for both of us when I say that we’re glad you joined us. Right, Dom?”
I thought I caught an edge in Gio’s tone when he asked that last question, but it could have been my imagination.
“Absolutely,” Dominic agreed without hesitating. “We definitely got lucky.”
Gio seemed to throw his brother a brief warning look, but that could have been my imagination as well because in the next moment he was smiling and telling me to have a good night. When I returned from grabbing my purse out of the office, Gio was in the dining room alone. There was some noise coming from the kitchen, so I figured Dominic must have headed in there.
“You staying awhile?” I asked Gio, trying not to glance toward the kitchen for a glimpse of his brother.
“Yeah, a little while,” he said. “Promised Tara I wouldn’t be too late.”
“Oh, she mentioned that she hoped to bring your grandmother here one day next week. I feel bad because Tara keeps inviting me for a girls’ night out, but I’ve been so busy.”
“Yup, it’s been a busy time,” Gio said, a little absently. There was a clatter of pans in the kitchen, and Gio frowned in the direction of the sound.
“Well, good night,” I said cheerfully. “Today was a good start.”
“It was,” he agreed and moved to hold the door open for me. I was surprised when he followed me out to the sidewalk.
“Melanie,” he said. “Thanks for what you said in there. I’m glad you feel like you’ve joined a family. I hope you always feel that way, no matter what happens.”
What the hell is going to happen?
“Thanks,” I said. “Good night, Gio.”
I had tried to sound cheerful, but I felt somewhat unsettled as I got behind the wheel of my car. But on the drive home, I quieted that little flare of initial alarm. Gio’s words were just something people said to be nice. I didn’t doubt that he meant them, but there was no hidden significance there. He had no idea that Dominic and I had started something. For now I liked it that way. I enjoyed feeling like Dominic and I had our own private world that no one else could interfere with.
As soon as I pulled into my parking space, my phone buzzed. I smiled when I saw the text.
Missed you all day.
I texted back.
Missed you too.
He replied seconds later.
Can I still see you tonight?
I smiled.
You’d better.
His answer was immediate.
Can’t wait to hold you. It’s all I’m thinking about.
I ran into my apartment and raided my lingerie drawer, smiling all the while. I wondered if I was in danger of falling too hard and fast for Dominic Esposito. We hadn’t made each other any promises. But I didn’t want to slow down. I couldn’t slow down.
It was like I was running downhill with my arms in the air, hoping the wind would make me fly.
