The stranger’s food is ready. I drop the drink recipes on Hope’s table and deliver his food.
“Sit.” He nods towards the empty seat across from him.
Rude. Normally, I’d ignore someone who acted like that or have them thrown out. There’s something about the way hesaid it that has me sitting down to find out what kind of trouble he’s going to be.
Jacko raises an eyebrow at me. He knows me well enough not to be totally surprised when I do stupid things.
The stranger shakes salt and pepper on his eggs. “This place does good business.”
That’s an understatement. Even with feeding street kids for free, we make a healthy profit every day. “Yes.”
“Things appear to be well run.”
Only appear? “Yes.”
“Do you think the owner would be open to selling this place?” He precisely slices a piece of egg off and places it on the corner of his toast.
“No.” There’s something about his tone that makes me uneasy.
“You will when I’m done with you.”
He knew I was the owner. How? This place is owned by an LLC. That’s owned by another LLC. That’s held in a trust.
Don’t do it.
Don’t make this more of an issue. “You’re welcome to try. Enjoy your breakfast.” I stand up and leave with all the attitude I can muster.
Stupid.
Stupid.
Stupid. You know better than to taunt a powerful man. Whoever he is, he’s got power.
Jacko gives me a long look. I shake my head. We need to know more about the guy who thinks he’s going to buy this place before we do anything else.
I stop over at Hope’s table.
“Nonno thinks you're brave.” Hope doesn’t even pretend that they weren’t staring at me the whole time.
“It wasn’t brave. It was stupid.”
“That, too.” She giggles.
My eyes move to Talon. He smiles at me. What does that mean? “Are you ready to get started, Hope?”
“Absolutely.” She pops up.
“Can I get you anything else, or will you be leaving?” There’s no reason for Don Vincenti to hang around any longer, yet I still find myself offering him an excuse to stay.
“One of your chocolate chip cookies would be great.” His gaze stays firmly on the stranger.
Why didn’t I have that third cup? “Coming right up.”
Patience
Max
Being here while my daughter is there might drive me out of my mind.
