She tilts her head slightly, as if trying to read what I mean.
I want to say more, but the waitress approaches before I get the chance.
“Good to see you, Zane. Can I get you anything?” Alyssa asks. She works here, and I’ve been here enough times that she knows my name.
“I’ll have a beer, please.” I turn to Gwen. “Do you like cocktails?”
She hesitates briefly, then nods. “Depends on the cocktail, but usually, yes.”
“Alyssa makes a great paloma. Do you know that one?”
Gwen nods.
“A beer for you, and a paloma for the lady?” Alyssa confirms.
Gwen’s shoulders relax slightly.
“Sounds good,” she says softly.
Alyssa hasn’t been gone for more than ten seconds when Bill, the restaurant’s chef, approaches our table.
“Rumor has it the best player on the Grizzlies is in the house. Do you know where he is?” Bill asks me, making Gwen laugh.
“Good to see you too,” I reply, standing to hug him.
“And who is this special lady?” Bill asks, turning toward Gwen.
“This is Gwen. I finally convinced her to let me take her on a date, so naturally I had to bring her here,” I say as Bill reaches out his hand.
“Blink twice if you need help,” he jokes as he introduces himself to her.
“This place looks incredible,” Gwen says, glancing around the room again.
“Have you seen anything on the menu you like?” Bill asks her.
She nods right away. “Honestly, everything looks great.”
“Gwen is a baker. She works at Sunrise & Salt,” I add.
“No way! I get my morning coffee and croissant from there every Tuesday and Thursday,” he says enthusiastically.
“I thought you looked familiar,” Gwen replies, sitting up a little straighter, her confidence growing.
“I was just telling Gwen that we might want a tasting plate since everything looks so good,” I explain.
“Perfect. Only the best for the best,” Bill says.
“You really don’t have to. I can just pick something from the menu,” Gwen says politely.
“Gwen, this man right here,” Bill says, slapping my shoulder lightly, “has never brought a girl here before. The menu isn’t special enough for someone like you. Do you trust me?”
“Of course,” Gwen replies without hesitation.
“Then get ready. Your first dish will be out in five,” Bill says before heading back toward the kitchen.
“That almost sounded like a threat,” Gwen laughs as she watches the kitchen doors close behind him.
“Bill’s a great guy. Leo actually introduced me to him. I used to come here more often than I do now.”
