“After work?”

Grace struggled to remain poised. “Nothing.”

“Maybe we can spend some time after work this weekend so we can share our long stories.”

Grace wasn’t sure she even wanted to hear about Melissa and she certainly didn’t want to tell him about her mom, but spending time with Sal sounded like heaven. “Yeah, okay. That sounds good.”

He smiled, flashing the dimples that were beginning to own her heart. “Then it’s a date.”

After agreeing and finally able to pull her eyes away from his, she was on her way out the door still unable to believe she had a date with Sal. As excited as she felt, she also could barely catch her breath. What if she was just this week’s date for him? She’d already cried for this man and nothing had even happened between them. What was she going to do the next time she saw him with another girl?

“Gracie.” She stopped and turned around to meet his eyes. “It’s Friday so technically the weekend starts tonight.”

Tonight? She planned on going over Joey and Taylor’s tonight so they could help her mentally prepare. Now she was on her own. She gulped hard but nodded. “Okay. I didn’t have a ride tonight anyway.”

“Perfect.”

Grace walked out into the restaurant’s main dining room in a daze. Usually she left her phone in the back room but she brought it out with her in her pocket. She had to tell Joey but she didn’t want anyone to hear so she texted him.

We’re going on a date tonight!

She hadn’t even put her phone back in her pocket when it buzzed.

Get out!

She started to respond but it buzzed again.

I knew it! Sexy Mama! I knew it!

This was making her more nervous. She didn’t even know how to begin to be sexy. Taylor and Joey told her she didn’t have to try, that’s what made her even sexier. She always told them she didn’t know what that meant. Joey said her accent had a lot to do with it. The accent she tried so hard to hide but apparently it was still present. She didn’t know what was so sexy about it. She’d always thought people thought less of her because of it.

Gotta get to work but I’ll call you tonight.

The day literally dragged, especially since Sal left to do some interviewing at Angel’s restaurant. Sofia came in to cover for him while he was gone.

“Hey, you.” Sofia walked up to the bar with a big smile. “I heard you handled the kitchen beautifully yesterday while we were busy.”

“Yep. And it was actually Sal’s idea.”

“I know. He also said as soon as we get a couple more bartenders you’ll be in the kitchen full time.” Sofia held up her hand to high five Grace. “That’s what you wanted right?”

Grace high fived her, letting the delight sink in. Everything was working out like she’d only dreamed, and spending time with Sal hadn’t even been part of that dream until very recently. Icing on the cake if this didn’t all blow up somehow. Things never seemed to work out for her like this.

“What are we high fiving about?” Melanie walked over and held her hand up for Grace.

Grace high fived her, laughing. “I’ll be in the kitchen full time soon.”

“What’s cool is you’re so young you’ll add spice to the kitchen,” Sofia said.

“But I’m old-school when it comes to cooking. I don’t do recipes. I hope Sal realizes that.”

Sofia laughed. “None of our vets do recipes either. Trust me. Just humor Sal if he ever wants you to. It’s not like he’ll have time to be policing you.”

“Did he leave with that chick?” Melanie asked.

Grace bit her bottom lip, hoping she wasn’t so damn obvious again about this subject.

“What chick?” Sofia asked.

“That one from the other day.”

“Which one? Geez, my brother has a load of chicks.”

Grace took advantage when she saw Julie walk up to the bar, by taking her order and she started putting the drinks together, trying not to think about what Sofia had just said. The bad feeling she had in her stomach about letting herself get caught up with Sal just got bigger.

“You know the blonde girl in the suits,” Melanie said. “She’s been here a couple of times. I wonder if he’s actually getting serious with her.”

“No way,” Sofia said, as she walked away. “Sal doesn’t do serious. She’s probably just another one of his many. I don’t think he left with anyone. He was on his way to Angel’s.” Sofia stopped and turned back to Melanie. “He’s coming back. Why did you need something?”

“No,” Melanie smiled. “Just being nosey.”

Oscar walked up to the bar with another order for her, reminding her about what Sal had told him. Maybe she’d bring it up tonight. This time of day usually got busy and Grace welcomed the distraction—anything to get her mind off worrying.

By the time Sal returned, things were slowing down. She saw him stop and talk to Julie, giving her that smile she wished he could reserve for just her. Julie was the only other single girl around his age that worked at the restaurant and Grace could tell even on that very first day when she walked in for the interview that she enjoyed flirting with him. Her phone buzzed in her pocket snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Joey.

I can hardly wait! You better not forget to call me tonight. No matter how late. =)

She frowned texting him back.