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“Such as?” Bruno poured the batter into a loaf pan.
“Skye invited everyone at the community center where she works, except for one person she doesn’t like. A co-worker who more or less rubbed her nose in it when her boyfriend proposed and Skye and I were still living together. She asked Skye about her wedding invitation, saying the envelope must have gotten lost in the mail.”
“What did Skye say?” Bruno asked, placing the loaf in the preheated oven.
“She felt guilty and agreed the invitation must have gotten lost in the mail. She handed her one the next day.”
“A woman Skye dislikes is coming to her wedding,” Bruno concluded.
“Yes,” Ethan said, sounding as perplexed as Bruno felt. “Her name is Janelle. I told my future wife she didn’t need to feel guilty, but of course she didn’t listen to me.”
“I can definitely see her not wanting this woman to feel left out, though she might deserve it. There is no way I would ever invite someone I didn’t like to my wedding, but women are different from us, and Skye is a sweetheart. What about the car?”
Ethan had purchased a blue 1956 Bentley coupe convertible. There weren’t many left in the world. He had paid a high six-figure cost and was having the vehicle restored, and he and his bride planned to drive away in it after the wedding. When the restoration was complete, the car would be worth over a million dollars and continue to appreciate in value because of its rarity.
“I was assured the Bentley will be ready in time.”
Knowing Ethan, it better be, or there would be hell to pay.
“Speaking of weddings, what’s going on with Executive Match? Is the matchmaker working out?” Ethan asked.
Bruno wiped the counter. “Marissa—the matchmaker—organized a mixer for me and I’ve gone on two dates.”
“How were they?”
“Not good, but not completely bad, either. I’m optimistic and trusting the process.” He gave his brother a brief rundown of each. “Marissa said I should give her a year to help me find the woman of my dreams, and that’s what I’m doing.”
He tried not to think about Marissa in that red lipstick and red dress with a great view of her legs. She had captivated him, and he’d been equally captivated by her big Afro, nude lips, and casual shirt the last time they talked. He was looking forward to tonight way more than he should.
“I’m glad you’re thinking about settling down. For a while I thought you’d be single forever,” Ethan remarked.
“You are talking to me about being single?”
“Skye and I aren’t married, but I haven’t been single since she and I became a couple.”
“True,” Bruno conceded.
Ethan had been totally committed to Skye despite his initial refusal to marry her.
“I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to in my career. Now is the right time to get married,” Bruno said.
In the distance, the front door rattled.
“Marissa is here. We’re going to talk about more of my options tonight.”
“Good luck. I don’t envy you.”
After hanging up, Bruno set down the Bluetooth and walked to the front door of the restaurant. Marissa stood outside with her messenger bag on her shoulder. She wore a colorful short-sleeved blouse with a pleated front, tucked into skinny jeans, and her hair smoothed in the usual bun.
Simple and exquisite, like a perfect truffle in a humble dish.
He opened the door. “Welcome to The Wine Cork.”
She slipped inside, bringing the subtle scent of perfume with her.
“Watch your step.” Bruno pointed at a patch of torn up tile near the entrance.
Her eyes scoured the interior. “When will the renovations be completed?” she asked.
