Inhaling deeply, Antonio struggled to maintain his composure. That his godfather trusted him with his life’s work was humbling.
“How about you think on it for a few days before giving me your answer?”
“Thanks.” He stood. “I’ll let you know within a week.”
Rising to his feet, Charles extended his hand. “Sounds like a plan. Here’s the key to the place. Stay as long as you need. Oh, and you’re more than welcome to come by for dinner tonight. Marcie would love to see you.”
“I appreciate that. Mom’s cooking tonight, but tell Aunt Marcie I’ll stop by soon.” Uncle Charles had built four two- and three-bedroom homes to accommodate his out-of-town family that visited during the holidays, citing the need to maintain the peace and quiet of his own house. Antonio would be renting one of the two-bedroom houses. And not a moment too soon. Ever since he stated his intention to move home, his mother had been steadily trying to let him know about all the available single women in town. He’d spent last night with his parents, and she’d continued her campaign. However, he wasn’t interested. He’d been part of the heartbreak club twice, and he was done.
Natasha decided on something simple for dinner—chicken and shrimp fajitas with cilantro rice and peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. After setting the cobbler on a trivet to cool, she heard the doorbell and went to answer the door. She smiled at Terri. “Hey, girl. Come on in.”
“Hey. Ooh, it smells so good in here, and I’m starving.” Terri followed Natasha to the kitchen. “It was so busy in the emergency room today, I was only able to eat six bites of my salad and guzzle half a bottle of water.AndI had to do an extra three hours to cover for another nurse.”
“Well, have a seat and relax.” She gestured to the bar and pushed a small cutting board filled with cheese, crackers, and sliced apples in front of her friend. “I figured you’d be coming straight from the hospital, so this should hold you until dinner. Dana is on her way, and she’ll be making margaritas.”
“Hallelujah!” Terri said as she bit into a cracker topped with smoked cheddar.
Laughing, Natasha turned on the stovetop grill, then retrieved the plate holding the seasoned chicken breasts and shrimp skewers and a bowl filled with sliced bell peppers and onions. She placed the meat on the preheated grill and added olive oil to a sauté pan for the vegetables. Serenity had turned her on to the flavored oils, and Natasha had become hooked immediately.
“Oh, this hits the spot.” When the doorbell rang again, Terri hopped off the stool. “I’ll get it. I don’t want you to risk burning dinner.”
Natasha laughed, shook her head, and checked the food cooking. She didn’t know what she’d do without her friends. As excited as she’d been earlier, seeing Antonio had put a damper on her day. Admittedly, time had been good to him. He was even more handsome than in high school—smooth walnut skin, close-cropped black hair, and a slim, muscular build. Even though the temperatures hovered in the low sixties, he’d forgone a jacket and worn a fitted tee that let her know he still kept up with his workout regimen. She turned the meat and checked the rice. Seeing it was done, she turned off the burner.
“I’m here and ready to get the party started,” Dana said, setting a tote bag on the counter. “Oh my goodness, you made peach cobbler!”
“Don’t get too excited. It’s canned peaches and store-bought refrigerated crust. I call it my shortcut peach cobbler. And the ice cream is from Splendid Scoops.” She added the veggies to the platter with the shrimp.
Terri held up a hand. “Hey, I’m not complaining. We all know who the real cook is in this bunch. I do hope we’ll still be able to get our supper clubs in now that Serenity and Gabriel are married. I need this.”
“We all do,” Natasha said, giving Terri’s shoulders a quick squeeze. “As much as Gabriel loves food, I don’t think we have to worry about that.” After removing the chicken and placing it on a plate, she retrieved the condiments from the refrigerator and set them on the bar. “I’ll let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before I slice it, and then we can eat.”
“I’ll get the drinks ready, and we can toast your good news, Tasha. Today we’re having pineapple margaritas,” Dana said.
“Yum,” Terri said around a mouthful of cracker. “Okay, let me stop eating these so I’m not too full for my real food.” She pushed the board away and wiped her hands on a napkin.
Natasha pulled out plates, cloth napkins, and silverware to set the table, but Terri stopped her.
“Girl, you don’t need to set the table. We can eat right here.”
Dana poured the drink into three glasses and handed Natasha and Terri each a drink. “I agree.” She lifted her glass. “To Tasha. Congratulations on this great opportunity, and may you reach a hundred percent sales by opening day. I know Kathleen is going to try to tell anyone who stands still long enough to listen why she should’ve been the one.”
Terri nodded. “Yes, girl. Here’s to gettingallthe sales.”
Natasha touched their glasses. “Thanks, and she already tried during our meeting this morning but got shut down quick.” She sipped the blended cocktail. “Oh, this is so good, Dana.”
“Hey, we all have our gifts. Mine is fixing cars and bartending.”
“And playing that piano,” she said, setting her glass on the bar. “I’m going to slice the chicken. Terri, can you warm up the tortillas?”
“Sure.”
The women went about their tasks, and after bringing all the food to the bar, they settled in for the meal.
A few bites in, Dana said, “Did you know Antonio is in town, Tasha?”
Natasha froze with her fajita halfway to her mouth. She sighed. “Yeah. I saw him, and he still hates me.”
“Hey, what happened between you two was a long time ago. I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.”
