Now That I Know You by Olivia Newport

Author:Olivia Newport
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Susan H Miller

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Pueblo, Colorado

“HELLO, MR. BROTHERTON.”

Nolan didn’t like the way Cate’s voice constricted at the sight of this forty-something man and the woman on his arm.

“I have a table for you right over here.” The hostess who had been escorting them pointed away with a couple of menus.

The man ignored the young woman and eyed Cate. “I was hoping you would be my server tonight.”

“I’m not working.” Cate gestured around the table. “I’m here with friends.”

“Surely you wouldn’t mind taking care of us,” Brotherton said. “You know I make it worth your while.”

“You’re always very generous,” Cate said. “I’m sure André will look after you very well.”

Vince cleared his throat. Cate refused to look at him, instead breaking off another bite of ravioli.

Nolan picked up his water glass. “Watch the aisle, Mr. Brotherton. I think someone is trying to get past.”

Brotherton threw Nolan a glance, which Nolan met, but he moved on.

“Caterina,” Vince said sharply.

“Pop, we discussed this.”

Vince stood. “It was nice to meet you both.”

He tucked his chair under the table and left. Nolan doubted he intended to return.

“I’m sorry,” Cate said. “I should have figured out some other way for you to meet everyone. They’re just stubborn about leaving the restaurants. But at least now you have.”

“You’re not the one who owes anyone an apology,” Drew said.

Cate’s eyes shone with the tears that sprang into them. “Thank you for that.”

“Mr. Brotherton doesn’t seem like the most likable person.” Nolan offered his observation.

“He’s despicable. But he always asks to be seated at my station. He’ll even wait for a table in my station when there are others open. Apparently he’s been complaining that I’m not working enough shifts here lately.”

“That doesn’t sound at all creepy,” Jillian said. “Ick.”

“His wife just overlooks it. And my family―they’re all about the business. He orders a lot of expensive wines and sometimes brings guests.”

“I’m getting a clearer picture of why you might want a different career path.”

“If I fail at what I’m trying to do with my exhibit, if I fail to distinguish myself somehow, if I don’t figure out a way to support myself better, I’ll prove my father’s low expectations of me and get sucked right back into the family restaurant business.”

“And then everybody will be happy but you,” Nolan said.

“Pretty much.” Cate dropped her fork. “I’m sorry, Drew. Your food is wonderful, but I’ve lost my appetite.”

“No offense taken,” Drew said. “You inhale enough of my food that I know you love it.”

“I do. I just … I just … tonight.”

Vince was back after all. “Rini, I need you to grab an apron for a few minutes.”

“You want me to actually work tables?”

“Just for a few minutes. Twenty minutes tops. I’ll put your plate under a warmer.”

Drew cleared his throat. “Vince, Rini’s not on shift tonight. Brotherton coming in doesn’t change that.”

“I’m just trying to manage my restaurant, Drew.”

“It’s unfortunate you didn’t have time to sit with us.” Drew’s tone was measured, deliberate. “But our plan is still to have a meal with Rini.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.