Stella was busy cooking a steak with clarified butter and fresh herbs. It was guaranteed to make the customer who ordered it very happy. The smell of browned butter made my stomach growl.
“I’ll be right back. That smells fantastic, by the way.”
She smiled, loving the compliment. “Take your time. I’ve got it under control.”
“You could easily do this without me.”
Stella nodded. “Yes, but do I want to? Who would hand you your shot when you needed it? I better stay here for now. I love my little kitchen.”
The satisfaction I felt simply because she loved it was indescribable. It was becoming more and more apparent that I was a people pleaser.
When I entered the dining room, I found Greer Rowan sitting with the last person on earth I expected. When I approached the table, they smiled up at me.
“Good evening. How are you Greer?” I extended my hand to shake.
“Doing well,” he beamed. “Do you know Dr. Sanchez?”
I smiled and looked at her. “Yes, I do. Very well, in fact. How are you Eliana?”
She smiled as I bent down to kiss her cheek. “I’m good, Preston. This place is so quaint,” she said, looking around.
I laughed and ran my fingers over my stubble. “Yeah, it is. But I have some plans for it.”
“I’m sure you do, and they’ll be spectacular.”
As I stood there making small talk, their server arrived with two glasses of wine. From the looks of it, I would venture Cabernet Sauvignon.
“I’ve got to get back in the kitchen. Enjoy your dinner. Mark can tell you the specials.” I clapped him gently on the shoulder. “You’re in good hands.”
“Thanks, Preston,” Greer said, then took a sip of his wine.
I couldn’t get back into the kitchen fast enough to tell Stella who was dining with the Pirates’ owner.
An hour later, Mark returned to the kitchen with a message. “The lady would like to know if you could join her for a nightcap. Mr. Rowan had to leave.”
I looked at the clock. Nine-forty p.m.
“Go ahead,” Stella urged. “We’ve got this. And I need details.”
I smirked. “You’re just so nosy. I won’t be gone long.”
She waved me off. “Write it down if you can’t remember.”
Laughing, I looked at Mark. “Tell her I’ll be right out.”
Washing my hands for the millionth time tonight, I dried them quickly and headed out to the table.
Eliana sat alone, scrolling on her phone and sipping her glass of wine. Anna looked so much like her. It was uncanny.
“Did you run your date off?”
Eliana looked up and laughed as I took the vacated seat. “No. Greer had to go take care of some business about a contract and salary cap. I have no idea what any of that means. Give me broken bones, though, and I’m all in.”
Motioning for Mark, I ordered before picking up our conversation. I needed to get the dirt for Stella. “Could you bring me a club soda with lime, please?”
“Coming right up.” Mark headed to the bar, and I relaxed into the chair.
“How was your dinner?”
