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Actually, it’s no. This is way too complicated.
“I’m suggesting we give the appearance that we’re dating. For as long as this stays in the news.”
“Give the appearance that we’re dating?”
“Yeah. It’s nuts, I know. I told Gian that. But the more I thought about it . . .”
That look again.
“If this can keep us in the paper for a bit . . . free publicity is never a bad thing. You just underwent renovations. I’m still getting my feet wet.”
“Um, not to be obvious, but those feet are getting wet in my pond. Mama Leoni’s wastheplace for upscale Italian food in Bridgewater until you opened.”
It had to be said.
“Opened lakeside, not downtown. And a little healthy competition is good.”
“Oh, is it now?”
He tucks the paper under his tanned, muscled arm. “You know it is. Complacency kills businesses. Especially restaurants.”
Is he serious right now? “You’re calling me complacent?”
He looks genuinely surprised. “Not at all. You’re just the opposite. You wouldn’t be renovating the place and changing your menu if you didn’t agree with me.”
And here we’d actually been having a civilized discussion for over twenty-four hours.
“That’s not the point.”
“It’s exactly the point. I’m good for you, Evie Fuller.”
“But, are you really?”
His smile is the only answer he’ll apparently give.
“And this”—he taps the paper—“is good for us both. It won’t last for long, but while it does, what better ad placement than in About Town in theBridgewater Press?”
Front page in the nationally circulatedCucinaMagazineas its Northeastern PA Best Restaurant award recipient. But I’ll keep that tidbit to myself.
“I’ll admit it’s good press. On the other hand, Zara slips me in whenever she has space.”
“This is organic. Big difference.”
He’s right, of course. Ads are one thing. They’re fine for name recognition, the seven touches of advertising and all. But this is different. People will be curious. Especially if the rivalry is played up.
Only one problem.
I look at him to see if he gets it. But of course, he’s a man. Subtleties won’t work here.
“We will pretend to date?”
“Yes.”
“And you don’t see any issues with that?”
Finally, a glimmer of understanding.
“You know this town, Evie. It won’t take much. A few discussions like this one. A dinner or two, if either of us can spare the time. All very public.”
