“Of course I came,” he said warmly, lighting up the room with his smile. “I’m so proud of you I could burst.”
Was this how life was always going to be? Nothing but disappointments from Harry and seeing men like Marquis, then wondering how easy love could be with the right partner?
I sure hoped not.
“Thank you so much!”
Marquis flashed me his killer smile again. “My friends and I have just gotten started eating, and we’re already in love.”
I felt my cheeks heat, even though he hadn’t meant it that way. “That’s so wonderful to hear.”
“This place is already a huge success, Deva, you should be so proud.”
“Yeah, well, I kind of am.” I laughed and so did he.
I could have talked to Marquis all day, but I straightened my shoulders, knowing there’s still so much to do.
“Well, I’ll let you go back to work,” he said.
“Thanks for coming,” I told him, and then watched as he headed to a table tucked into one corner with a handful of his buddies.
My gaze might have strayed a bit to his great ass, before I reminded myself that I was a married woman and the owner of this establishment. I couldn’t exactly go around checking out men, no matter how hot they were. Could I?Ugh!
I turned back to my friends. “You two go eat. I’m going to hit the kitchen again.”
Before they could respond, someone walked in with a huge floral arrangement. “Delivery for Deva,” the man said.
I held out my hands. “That’s me.” I gave him a big smile and signed his clipboard, then took the flowers. Carol relieved me of them so I could pull out the card.
My heart swelled. Harry had come through for me after all.
But when I opened the card, it wasn’t Harry’s name.
Enjoy your opening night! So proud of you.
Emma
I should’ve known she would do something like this. As much as I appreciated her, I wished Harry had thought of it. Still, I tried not to let anyone see my disappointment.
Carol arranged them on the hostess station in a place of honor.
“Okay. Go eat,” I insisted.
They hugged me one more time before returning to their seats.
I headed back to the kitchen with intensely mixed emotions. I’d never been more proud of myself, even if I still wished Harry was as well. It was okay to be happy and disappointed all at once. I might be human, but even witches had feelings.
THREE
Deva
“Order up.” I slid the club sandwich and fries across to the server and turned to flip the pancakes on the griddle. Man, they’d been so popular. I’d lost count of how many batches I’d made at this point. The batter was bubbling ever so slightly and the blueberries were turning it a purpley color in some places.
“Here, let me take over,” Vic said. “My break is done.” He shot me a wary look, one that asked me not to shoot the messenger. “And your husband is on the phone.”
Hope stirred in my chest. Maybe he was calling to tell me he was on his way. I clung to that idea even as a little voice inside my head said Vic’s tone told me otherwise. I smiled and said, “Okay, thanks, Vic.”
After handing him my spatula and headed through the kitchen to my office. My desk was ridiculously tidy save a soda someone had left on it… without a coaster, but I ignored it as I picked up the receiver. “Hey, Harry.” Oh, please let him come back with something like he was on his way.
