"What kind of resources?"
"Capital. Connections. Experience with development."
Madison jumps in. "Enzo owns several businesses in the area. He knows everyone."
"Everyone?" Sarah repeats. "That must be useful."
"It has advantages,” I say. “My family has lived here for generations.”
The appetizers arrive, providing a brief respite from interrogation. But I see Sarah watching how the waiter serves me first, how other diners glance our way nervously, how the manager hovers nearby ready to respond to any signal.
"This is delicious," Jessica says, genuinely enjoying the food. "Is this your restaurant, Enzo? It’s lovely."
Madison kicks her under the table, but the question's already asked.
"I have an interest in it," I say carefully.
"Majority or minority interest?" Sarah asks, pouncing on every small detail.
"Enough of an interest to make sure my guests are treated well."
She frowns at me. "You don't like direct questions."
"Sarah,” Madison warns. “You’re grilling Enzo as if he’s on trial.”
Sarah and I lock eyes across the table. She knows I'm something more than I claim. I know she's going to dig until she finds answers. The only question is whether those answers cause problems for everyone.
Madison tries to change the subject. "Sarah, tell me about the Henderson merger. Still driving you crazy?"
The redirect works. Sarah launches into a story about corporate politics, but her eyes keep returning to me, watching me carefully.
The main course arrives. Conversation flows more naturally now with Jessica telling stories about disastrous dates, Madison laughing at shared memories, Sarah gradually relaxing as the wine takes effect.
But she's still watching. Still noting every detail.
When the check arrives, I wave off Madison's offer to split it.
"My territory, my responsibility," I say, then realize the phrasing.
Sarah's eyebrow raises. "Territory?"
"Local custom, I meant. Hospitality is taken seriously here."
"I imagine many things are taken seriously here."
The weight she puts on the words suggests she's already formed theories about what I take seriously.
We walk them outside where Antonio waits with the car. Sarah hangs back to talk to me while Madison hugs Jessica goodbye.
"I researched you online," she says quietly.
"Did you find anything interesting?"
"Enough to have more questions,” she replies.
"You’re welcome to ask those questions,” I say.
"Would you answer them honestly if I did?"
