“As you should be.”
She smiled, then said, “Viv has been telling me all about you.”
“Has she now?” He glanced at Viv. “Should I be worried?”
“I’ve told her nothing but the truth,” Viv said.
“If that’s the case, I’m surprised Tamlyn’s still here,” Dino said.
“It was touch and go there for a moment,” Tamlyn said, the hint of a smile on her lips. “But I thought it would be rude if I were to leave Viv here on her own.”
“Very magnanimous,” Stone said.
“I try to make my parents proud.”
“My advice,” Stone said, “believe only half of what you heard.”
“Which half?”
“The half that puts me in the better light.”
The waiter returned with two glasses on a tray. He set one in front of Dino and the other in front of Stone.
“My manager wanted me to let you all know that your dinner is on us tonight, to thank you for your help with the situation earlier.”
“Tell your manager thank you,” Stone said.
“And that if he was trying to figure out a way to make sure we come again, he’s succeeded,” Dino said.
“I will pass your messages on. Would you like to order now? Or do you need a little more time?”
While the ladies ordered, Stone and Dino perused their menus, then made their selections: New York steak with roasted carrots for Stone, and stuffed pork chops with squash for Dino.
When the waiter left, Stone brought Viv and Tamlyn up to speed with what had happened to Weston.
“You didn’t happen to recognize the men who attacked him, did you?” Viv asked, once he finished.
“I’ve seen their type before, but never them.”
“Do people get beat up in restrooms in New York a lot?” Tamlyn asked.
“Not nearly as much as movies and TV would make you believe,” Dino said.
“Is this your first time living in the city?” Stone asked.
“First time living in the States,” she replied.
“Then you are in need of a guide.”
“Are you offering?”
“I would be happy to provide that service.”
“Viv told me you’d be helpful. Or is that one of those things I shouldn’t remember?”
“That one is accurate and should be committed to memory.”
“Done.”
