“Now I wish I’d brought a bottle of wine.” I start to explore cabinets, finding the plates and taking them out. Next, I look through drawers for utensils.
“Did I mention I’ve got that too?”
When I face Tiana, she winks. I smile and continue my task. After she makes the salad, warms up the bread, and I open the wine, we're sitting down at the small table. I take the first bite of lasagna and groan with pleasure. “Holy heck, this is delicious,” I say after swallowing and loading up my fork with another helping.
“Mm, I can tell you like it.”
“Like it? I love it. Don’t you dare tell my mom I said this, but it’s the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
While I savor the meal, Tiana and I exchange small talk about ourselves. When I ask about her family, she shares little, only that her parents live near Santa Rosa. When I inquire about what brought her to San Diego, she simply saysa change, so I leave it at that. I don’t want to upset the perfect atmosphere by pressing for details she obviously doesn’t want to share, and I have no need to know.
Once my plate is clear and the salad bowl is empty, I start to rise to take the dishes to the sink.
“Gavin.”
“Hmm?”
“You can help yourself to more if you’d like.”
“Oh, I, uh, I don’t want to eat all your food.”
“Nonsense, I have plenty. Sit, eat. You know you want to.” She grins.
“If you insist.” I scoop out more lasagna onto my plate as she chuckles. “Can I offer you more?” I ask, holding up the spoon.
“No thanks. It’s a compliment, you know, when someone goes back for seconds. Means they enjoyed.”
I’m back in my seat, loading up my fork. “Oh, I am definitely enjoying.” I take several bites while she sips her wine. “So, I understand you’ll be celebrating your cafe’s anniversary next month?”
She cocks her head. “I am. Do you stalk me on Instagram?”
I sputter then grab my napkin to wipe my mouth. “No, no, I’m not a stalker. I’m a loyal follower.”
“I was kidding, and, thank you. Yes, three years in business. It’s been amazing, and I’m planning ideas for a week-long celebration, with something special for the actual anniversary date, which is Friday, the ninth. It also happens to be my birthday.”
“Yeah? Well, all the more reason to celebrate. Congratulations. I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.”
“Grazie. I’m planning on it.”
“Will you parents make it down?”
Her smile fades and the light goes out of her eyes, making me want to retract the question.
“I apologize, Tiana. That’s obviously a sore subject, and I don’t want to upset you.”
“No, no, it’s okay. How could you know?” She sets her wine down while rubbing her forehead with her free hand, releasing a sigh. “As for them coming down to take part in the celebration? That’d be a no. I doubt they even remember my birthday, nevermind the anniversary. They aren’t pleased that I movedsofar away, as my mother says. Not once since I moved to San Diego have they visited me. In fact, they’re pressuring me to move back home, and that’s the last thing I want to do.”
“I guess you don’t have a close relationship with them?”
“I did, or so I thought. Until they wanted to set my path which included marrying a creep who just wants my father’s vineyard and winery.”
“An arranged marriage? Isn’t that a bit antiquated?”
I startle at her sudden outburst of laughter. “Right? Exactly what I thought. Let the man run the business while the woman is simply a pretty face.Pensiero ridicolo!”
Now I laugh. “Um, what?”
