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CHAPTER 21
“Are they even open yet?” Liz complains from the backseat of the car. “We should have called a cab.”
“Doesn’t make sense because I can’t drink anyway. I’m not even sure I can eat!” Which really stinks because Louie’s Backyard is a once a year treat for me. Just thinking of their rack of lamb is making me drool. But it’s heavy food, meant to indulge in.
Tomorrow will be different. Part of me wanted to set up another reservation at the restaurant by the sea for after the challenge. It would have been a good place to celebrate. But I have a feeling things will be too hectic after my win.
“Kitten, I’m sorry you can’t really celebrate your day, too,” Sheridan tells me empathetically.
“It’s okay. All that matters is that I’ve got my girls with me.”
“When is the SM&K Jet arriving?” Liz asks, referring to John and Winn’s private plane.
“Tonight. Too late for me to see,” I say.
“We can greet them,” Liz offers.
“They’re staying here, actually. So maybe just greet them downstairs?” I ask.
“I didn’t know this place had a penthouse,” Liz says.
“It doesn’t. But they do have a fancy suite upstairs. It has two rooms, one for them, one for Aunt Jacks. Okay, we’re here.” I pull up to the old oceanfront Victorian home that was transformed a long time ago into a restaurant.
“Where’s old trusty?” Sheridan asks, looking me up and down.
We’ve all dressed in our finest casual Key West outfits, with Liz wearing a navy-blue maxi dress, Reese a tan mini dress, Sher a red formfitting pantsuit, and me a light blue and black striped fitted dress.
“It’s been retired.” Poor thing gave all it had.
Though I’ve been here on several occasions, it never ceases to amaze me how utterly beautiful and perfect this place is. We are escorted to the back of the pink house, where the first views of the turquoise waters come to view through large glass panels.
“I love this place already,” Sheridan sighs as we walk outside, and I’m reminded that she never strays from home.
Our white linen covered table is situated by the railing on the deck, with the absolute best view of the ocean. We all breathe in the salt air simultaneously.
It’s hot. Sweat begins to form between my shoulder blades and on my upper lip. But it’s only a temporary thing, as the breeze is picking up.
I take it all in while the girls look over their menus, discussing their different options. This will all be mine soon. I mean, not Louie’s, but Key West. It will be my playground.
“What are you going to order, Mom?” Reese asks.
I look up to realize the young server is waiting for me. “Oh, sorry, Trey,” I say looking at his name tag. “I got lost in my own head. I’ll have the swordfish.”
“Yes, miss. Might I offer you a suggestion on a fantastic wine pairing?” the handsome boy asks.
“She’s in a competition tomorrow, so no drinking for her,” Liz tells him in that bossy way she has about her, making the muscles in my neck bunch up.
Trey nods and takes our menus, but before he leaves, I stop him. “You know what, Trey, I will have a glass.”
“Cat!” Liz grits out.
“Mom, you need to keep yourself in top form,” Reese whispers.
“I am. One glass is nothing. It’s my birthday, let me enjoy it a little.”
“You can celebrate tomorrow,” Sher throws in.
“I know. Guys, I’m not getting wasted. When have you known me to drink more than one anything? Besides, something tells me this fish tastes so much better with very cold white wine.”
