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“Fire two rib eyes medium rare, an order of crab ravioli and an order of chicken francese,” Anthony calls.
“Firing chicken francese,” Carleen calls back.
“You’re sexy when you cook.”
“Dario,” Car whines and wiggles in my hold as I cover her hand while she cuts the salmon in front of her. “What’s going on with you? It’s a short night. If you get your head in this, we can all finish and get out of here sooner.”
“Time is ticking. I’m going to miss you,” I breathe in her ear.
“Dude, this is not how we’re going to run our business. This is a kitchen. Get it together, bro. You keep it up and you’ll burn off that thing you keep poking me with.”
I roar with laughter. God, I’m going to miss her and her humor.
“All right, all right. I know.” I throw my hands in the air and back up to give her some space.
“You two are adorable,” Daisy, one of our line cooks, coos.
“He’s okay,” Carleen says with a smile.
“I wish I had someone to love me so much,” Daisy says.
I frown and work my jaw. I’ve come so close to telling Carleen I love her. Honestly, I’ve almost proposed a few times. I’m still going back and forth with whether I should give her the ring for Christmas. In my gut I know I should wait.
I go to save the moment as I realize it’s been silent too long, but the day is saved by one of the waiters.
“Yo, Chef Car. There’s some guy up front asking to see you.”
Carleen looks up at me with confusion written all over her face. I chuckle when she frowns and points a finger at me.
“Wipe that smug look off your face. You made me fuck something up. If there’s someone important out there tonight, I’m going to choke you.”
I move behind her as she goes to walk away and lean into her ear while splaying a hand over her belly. “I’ll let you choke me tonight while you ride me. We can take turns. I know how wet that shit makes you.” I nip her ear and let her go.
I laugh as she trips a little over her feet. I remember when she used to have so much trouble walking in a straight line. I adore when she gets tripped up because I’ve turned her on.
However, I frown as I remember her accident after my mother disappeared. Carleen was in the hospital for about a week or two. At first, I had no idea, it was once she returned home Uncle Lucas took me to see her. Her memory was a little fucked up for a bit. We haven’t ever talked much about it. I think she was embarrassed.
“Fire two garlic butter salmon,” is called, drawing my attention.
Shaking the memory off, I turn to wash my hands and fire the next ticket, knowing Car’s absence will slow the line. After plating the two salmon dishes, I wash my hands again and get ready to head out front as my curiosity gets the best of me.
“Hey, boss,” Salvatore calls as I get to the door that leads out to the dining room.
I turn to find him giving me that look. The look that says he needs to talk to me. I nod and go to meet him in the hallway to my office. We slip inside and I close the door behind us.
“What now?”
“I got a call from Gio. He said to let you know time is up. You have to leave tomorrow. Your grandfather is ready to make the trip tomorrow evening.”
“Fuck, still no word on what this is all about?”
“Stugots.”
I work my jaw. He has dick and I feel like I’m being dicked at this point. Not even our lawyer could get me any straight answers.
“Okay, I’ll be ready, I’ll take my bags with me to Dante’s. We can head straight out after Bella opens gifts.”
Salvatore nods. I blow out a breath. I need to tell Carleen. I can’t put this off any longer.
Carleen
Something is up with Dario, he’s been super clingy the last few days. I don’t mind, but it’s been a bit much in the kitchen, especially tonight.
I can’t wait to close this place for the night to get home and relax while I wrap the last of my gifts. I’ll be going to my parents’ after spending Christmas morning with Dario’s family. I’ll have to ask if we’re still keeping our relationship from his brothers.
“Everyone’s going to have questions when your belly pops,” I murmur to myself.
When the time comes, the time comes.
I’m looking forward to Christmas tomorrow. I have the perfect gift for Bella. I think she’s going to love the doll I got her. They’ll both have matching outfits. The little doll resembles Bella and all, with hazel eyes, dark hair, and a brown complexion.
