“Take the tray.”
“You were about to drop it.” He isn’t apologetic. “Getting a little help every now and then isn’t a bad thing, is it?”
Siena makes a sound into her espresso cup. I ignore her, and keep my gaze steadily on Gavin.
“I’ll talk to my friend,” I say. “See if she’s interested. That’s all I’m promising.”
He nods, satisfied. “That’s all I’m asking.”
“In the meantime—”
“I’ll hold off on deliveries until I hear from you.”
I nod and go back behind the bar to plate the second course as Siena swivels in her chair toward Gavin.
“Gavin,” she says brightly.
I glance at her. “Siena.”
She bats her eyes at me, the picture of innocence, directing her words at Gavin. “Sophie is opening the restaurant in a couple weeks and she’s put together this incredible tasting menu. Your opinion would be invaluable.”
I shoot Siena a look she doesn’t acknowledge.
Gavin looks at me with a calm question in his expression, leaving it entirely to me.
I sigh and put together a small plate for him and slide it across the bar.
He gives me a long look with those dark gray eyes, then a small smile before trying the burrata.
The expression that crosses his face is the one I live for: full immersion in my food.
Siena grins triumphantly, and I give her a little shake of my head, willing her to calm the frig down.
“That’s extraordinary,” he says quietly.
Emilia bangs her hand on the bar in agreement, and we all laugh as Gavin tries another dish on the tasting plate.
He groans, setting down his fork. “How are you not open yet?”
“Soon enough,” I say.
“This city has no idea what’s coming.”
It seems like a compliment, but the way he’s staring at me as he says it, I’m not entirely sure.
“I hope you’ll think about that account for your friend. And Ms. Bellamorte,” he says, picking up his hat from the bar stool. “I’m wondering if you might let me take you for coffee to discuss the account further. Or maybe not discuss it at all.”
I can practically feel Siena’s gaze boring a hole in the side of my head.
“Thank you,” I say, and I mean it. “But I have a lot to do before the opening.”
“After the opening, then.”
Siena practically snorts, and I shoot a glare in her direction.
Firmly, I tell Gavin, “I’ll let you know about my friend.”
Gavin gives me a slow nod and smiles softly, holding my gaze until I’m so uncomfortable that I turn toward Siena. She looks like I just canceled her birthday.
