Gage bit into a flaky empanada, and the Latin spices in the beef filling tantalized his palate. He didn’t know how she did it, but Tonya was able to cook for two and not have any leftovers, prompting him to refer to her as the queen of tapas. Each dish was more spectacular than the last, and he found himself drinking more wine than usual.
“We came up with a final listing of songs and dances for the concert,” he said after draining his glass.
“When do you begin rehearsing?”
“We won’t start rehearsing until late March. Auditions begin next week and continue for the next two weeks.”
“What about the kids in the drama club? Do they get first choice?”
Gage nodded. “They’re already in, but we always try and give other students who haven’t joined a club the opportunity to become involved. And because some of the songs and dances are international, we’re trying to engage those students from the particular racial or ethnic groups.”
Tonya touched a napkin to the corners of her mouth. “When do you rehearse?”
“It’s always after classes. I’ll be coming home late at least three days a week. And the closer we get to performing, it may be five days and perhaps one weekend for a full dress rehearsal.”
“It sounds exciting.”
“It is for the students.”
“Please, Gage, don’t be modest. It has to be exciting for you, too.”
“I suppose so, because this is my first time chairing the concert, and my last year teaching.”
“What are you going to do once your residency ends?”
“Work at the restaurant so Eustace can take some time off. And don’t forget I still play at Jazzes.”
“So you’re not retiring?”
“I still have a few more years to work a nine-to-five before I kick back and put my feet up.”
Tonya touched the stud in her ear. “I sometimes think of what I’d do if I retired. I doubt if I’d travel as much as Paige and LeAnn. Hopefully, I’ll have at least one grandbaby to spoil by that time.”
“Is your daughter dating anyone?”
“I don’t know. Something keeps nagging at me that she is. I suppose she’ll tell me when the time comes, because I don’t want to be one of those nosy mothers who can’t stay out of their children’s lives.”
Gage smiled. “That means you won’t be a meddling mother-in-law.”
“Hopefully, I won’t.”
Resting an arm over the back of his chair, he studied her face in the lengthening shadows. “Mardi Gras is coming up in another three weeks, and the city will turn into one big bacchanal.”
“It’s not already?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “You have to experience Mardi Gras firsthand to get the full effect of folks acting like they’ve lost their minds.” Gage pushed back his chair and stood up. “Dinner was incredible.” He came around the table and pulled back her chair. “I’ll clear the table and bring everything inside. Go on, babe,” he urged when she didn’t move.
He stood motionlessly, watching the seductive sway of her hips and legs in the sexy heels. It was obvious Tonya was more than comfortable with her sexuality with the overt display of flesh in the revealing dress. He shook his head as if coming out of a trance and stacked plates and flatware to take inside.
* * *
Working quickly, Tonya rinsed and stacked pots and dishes in the dishwasher, and by the time Gage brought in the last plate she had finished cleaning up the kitchen. He had tuned the radio to a station playing romantic ballads. He extended his hand when she walked into the living room.
“May I have this dance?”
Smiling, she moved into his embrace. “But of course.” Her heels gave her a height advantage so that she didn’t have to lean back to stare up at Gage. “I love dancing with you,” she whispered against his warm throat.
“Maybe we should take ballroom dancing this summer with Hannah and St. John.”
