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What is her angle?

Has she not seen the email?

“When do you need it?” I check the time and find it’s already past one.

“Would within twenty minutes be too insane?”

Yes.

“No, I can make that work.” I mentally flip through my restaurants and settle on the one that won’t be open until late this evening and is the closest to me. “Head to Gumbeaux, I’ll text you the address. I’ll be there to let you in.”

“I don’t need the address.” Her previously chipper voice has gone rogue. Empty and monotone.

But I’m too distracted by my own thoughts to question the shift.

What am I doing? I shouldn’t be seen with her. I shouldn’t invite her to my restaurants.

Especially not this one.

While my ownership was untraceable, I held a special connection to it.

“Pull around the back,” I add as if that will solve all my problems.

Reuben, if you ruin everything because of this…

I am angry at myself, but that doesn’t change the fact I have an unhealthy obsession with the woman on the line.

“That’s yours? I love that place. The intimate setting is perfect for…dates.” While the words are positive, her tone is void of emotion and the last word is completely hollow.

There’s jealousy that burns. That she went there with another man.

What is wrong with me?

I’m pulling out of the garage now, speeding away. I will need to go full speed and skip all traffic lights to make it there in twenty minutes. “You’ve been there before?” I ask.

But she doesn’t answer right away. “Back when I used to date,” she finally lands on.

“I’ll see you there soon?” I can tell I have hit a nerve. Hopefully by the time we both make it to Gumbeaux it will be a forgotten misstep.

“Yes, thank you again!” The pep in her voice returns.

When she disconnects the call, I remain in the silence with my thoughts.

Questioning my motives, my choices, my future.

For so long, I had trucked forward with the intent of revenge, to uphold my family’s reputation.

The restaurants came later, a passion project I allowed myself after Maple’s death.

I don’t deserve happiness.

My first and only commitment and priority has been as the head of the Rouxs. To keep this city from falling into ruin by the Aldentes and Napolitans.

And sure I had encounters with faceless women. But never any in the light of day.

Never a date.

Never did I pursue anyone I was actually interested in.