Zach shrugged. “I’m not going to make some big announcement.” He brought my hand up to his lips. “This is enough. People will see and know we’re together.”
And just like that, Zach declared himself mine. No fanfare. No grand gesture. Just his hand held out for me to take. My throat constricted and I blinked back tears. I squeezed the big, warm hand that held mine. “Okay,” I said hoarsely. “Then let’s go show them.”
When Carrie saw us walk in, she squealed and clapped her hands. “Oh my god! I was right!” She hugged us both enthusiastically. “You two make such a cute couple.”
Zach blushed to the roots of his hair. “Thanks, Carrie.”
Chef Joanna, who had just walked into the dining room, pumped her fist and said, “Yes!” Then she high-fived Carrie. “It’s about time you two got your heads out of your asses.”
“Hey!” I objected. I pointed at Zach. “He was straight.”
Chef Joanna raised an eyebrow. “Clearly not.”
Considering what we’d gotten up to the night before and this morning, I had to agree wholeheartedly. I tried to suppress my smile and redirect her attention. “What are you doing here on a Saturday morning?”
“We have a couple coming in for a tasting to see if they want to book their wedding here.”
“What’s all the commotion?” I heard Sean ask from behind us.
I turned to face him, but before I could say anything, Joanna said, “Miguel and Zach finally got their act together.”
He frowned, and for a split second, I thought we’d be in trouble for dating a work colleague. Then he rolled his eyes and said, “Great. Now I owe Liam twenty bucks, and he’s going to hold it over my head.”
I blinked in surprise. “Wait. You bet on us getting together?”
I turned to look at Zach, who was staring at Sean. Zach shook his head and said, “I feel like I’ve fallen into an alternate universe.”
Sean clapped him on the back. “Nah. You just joined the Alphabet Mafia.” He turned to Joanna. “The couple is here with their parents. I set them up in the small meeting room.”
“On it,” Joanna said as she walked toward the kitchen.
Zach gestured to the bar. “I have to prep for brunch.” He cupped my cheek and gave me a sweet kiss. “I’ll see you later.”
Carrie sighed and fanned herself. “Goodness. You’re so lucky. Zach is a sweetheart.”
“Yes, I am, and yes, he is.”
Sean put his hand on my shoulder. “I got the mockups for the flyer for Albert’s show. I’d like you to take a look at them. If you think he’ll like them, I want to get him on a video call to finalize the opening act and the pianist so I can add their names to the advertisement. I want to get this up within the next few days.”
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll text him to let him know we’ll be calling. He’ll want to pretty himself up.”
Me
I’m with Sean O’Neil. We’re about to look at the mockups for the ads for your show. He wants to do a video call with you.
Albert
I just got up. I’ll need half an hour.
Me
Ok. And afterward, I’ll be calling you. I have some news.
Albert
Oooh, I hope it’s juicy and full of sexy details.
Me
