“Actually, I do have a question. Do you happen to know anything about the owners of Pappagallo’s? Where they might be, what they might be doing?”
Ricardo’s face fell and Kate felt her heart clutch. “Papa Don died a few months ago and Mama Maria couldn’t bear the thought of keeping the restaurant open. When she took Papa Don back to Italy, she stayed. It’s been hard on her, they were childhood sweethearts.”
“Oh my, that’s so sad. You wouldn’t happen to have an address for her, would you?”
“I do. I keep in touch with her. I don’t have it with me today, but if you stop by tomorrow, I’ll bring it for you.”
“I’m leaving in the morning. Do you mind if I call here tomorrow when I get home?”
“Sure. I’m here by four.”
“Thank you. I only visit London a couple of times a year, but I always made it a point to go in there. Papa Don was a genius. I’ll miss him.”
“He was indeed. I worked for them for many years, they were both such wonderful people. They are quite missed here in the neighborhood.”
“I imagine they are. I didn’t know them well, but Mama Maria always remembered me when I would come in. She is so special. Thank you for telling me.”
She watched him walk away with a heavy heart. Poor Mama Maria. She remembered many conversations she’d had with Mama Maria about their life, how’d they met, where they’d been and all they’d done together. Papa Don had meant the world to Mama Maria. She couldn’t even imagine being with someone for so long and then losing them. She’d known her own loss, and the pain from that still took her breath away. It must be a hundred times worse for Mama Maria.
“Excuse me.”
Startled, Kate looked up into a pair of the most gorgeous blue eyes she’d ever seen. “Y-Yes?” She stammered.
“I was sitting across the way there and I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Ricardo. You knew Mama Maria?”
He’d been sitting across the way and she’d overlooked him? “Yes, but not well. I always stop into Pappagallo’s when I’m in town. I was surprised to see it closed. And in fact, I got a bit lost trying to find it,” Kate smiled.
“Do you mind if I sit?” The man asked, gesturing toward her empty chair.
“Um, no.” Kate looked around to see if anyone else was having trouble believing this man was actually joining her. No one else seemed to be paying them any mind.
As he sat down, Kate studied his face. His nose was long and aquiline and he had a full lush mouth. His face was square and he had a small dent in his chin. His hair was wavy falling to his collar with a chunk that fell over his eye. The man was absolutely gorgeous.
“Thank you. I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m doing,” he grinned at her.
“Um, well…now that you mention it,” Kate smiled.
“Pappagallo’s was my favorite restaurant. I grew up in Mayfair and worked for them for many years when I was a lad. They were a staple in Mayfair. I love to talk to people who also appreciated them. It brings back so many wonderful memories.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. It must be hard for you to come back and not have them around,” Kate said gently.
“I travel a lot and am gone for weeks, sometimes months at a time. I feel fortunate that I was here when Papa Don died. Mama Maria was in no shape to handle any of the arrangements. I still have trouble walking down Curzon and not seeing the bright red awning.”
Kate laughed. “Yes! That’s why I was lost, I couldn’t find the awning.”
He smiled. “Yoshi has done a fantastic job with Tempo and I promise, you’ll enjoy the food immensely.”
“Why do you travel so much, what do you do?”
“I’m in entertainment,” he said after a brief hesitation.
“Really? That must be exciting!”
The man laughed. “Yes, sometimes it is and at other times it’s frustrating.”
“Oh yes, I know what you mean. I think all jobs, no matter how much you love them, can be labors of love and banes of existence.” Kate paused and held out her hand. “I’m Kate.”
He gripped her hand firmly. “My name is Edward.”
“Nice to meet you.” Kate took a sip of her wine. “So you said you’re gone for weeks and months at a time. Will you be leaving again soon?”
“No, I actually just got back yesterday. I’m planning to be here for a month or so. Are you in town for long?”
Kate laughed, “I wish! I’m leaving tomorrow. My employer has an office here and we visit quarterly for a week. I love it here so much that if my whole world weren’t back in the U.S., I’d probably move here.”
“London does get into your blood. I’ve heard many Americans say that. What is it about London that you like so much?”
Kate sat back in her chair, sipped her wine, and took him through the London she loved. From the Tower of London and all it’s history to the beautiful parks that dotted London to the dinner cruises down the River Thames. The people, the shopping, the food – which left a lot to be desired in most cases.
“It’s fascinating,” Edward said. “Don’t you Americans have this stuff in the U.S.?”
“Oh, of course we do. We have Broadway, we have parks, we have shopping. But the history that’s here, it oozes out of everything in London. Everyone of you live and breathe it everyday. I think it’s wonderful.”
Ricardo returned with her dinner. “Here you are, ma’am. Would you care for another glass of wine?”
“I would, thank you.”
Ricardo disappeared to get her wine.
“I’ll let you eat. It was so nice talking with you,” Edward said as he started to rise.
“Oh please, stay,” Kate surprised herself by saying. “Keep me company while I eat, unless you have someplace to be?” Were these words really coming from her mouth?
“I don’t have anywhere I’d rather be at the moment,” he said smiling as he pulled his chair closer to the table. When Ricardo came back, Edward asked for a glass of Pinot Noir.
“Where are some of the more exotic places you’ve been?” Kate cut a scallop in half and speared it with her fork. Dunking it into the salsa verde, she popped it in her mouth. Kate closed her eyes and concentrated on the flavors currently assaulting her tongue. It was delectable. The lemon and chili warred for attention and the scallop was tender and juicy. The salsa verde gave it just the right kick and melded perfectly with the lemon, chili and beetroot.
Opening her eyes, she was startled to see Edward staring at her. He smiled making the laugh lines around his eyes visible and led her to think that this was a man who laughed often. “It’s good, isn’t it?”
Kate shook her head. “No, it’s not good. It’s amazing. Superb. I’ve never tasted scallops so tender and juicy. It’s delicious and I see what you mean,” Kate smiled.
“Yes, Yoshi is brilliant. Would you like to meet him?”
Kate goggled at Edward. “Meet him? I thought they were like Gods and no mere mortals could be near them?”
Edward laughed. “You’re wonderful!”
Kate joined in his laughter. “It feels good to laugh,” Kate said as she wiped a tear from her eye. She picked up her fork and enjoyed some more of her dinner.
“Yoshi can be temperamental, but he enjoys meeting his customers. Especially the ones who think he’s a God.”
Kate laughed. “This really is the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Papa Don’s food was comfort. This is art.”
“Ah, yes. Yoshi would definitely want to meet you.”
“And I’d be happy to meet him, later.” Kate took another bite and sighed. “So, you were going to tell me all the fun and interesting places you’ve been on your travels.”
“Right. Where should I start?”
“At the beginning. Tell me of the very first place you visited.”
“That’s easy. Scotland. My mother has family there. Her sister and some cousins. We would travel up during the summer, which made me angry when I got
older and knew what I was missing here in London. But it never failed, we’d go up for six weeks in the summer and sometimes we’d go up in the winter if my aunt was popping out another baby. My mother liked to go up and ‘help’.” Edward said as he used air quotes for help.
“How many children does your aunt have?”
“Ten.”
“Ten?!? Oh my! She’s brave!” Kate laughed.
“Brave is a word for it,” Edward laughed. “Of course they’re all grown now and living their lives. They’re good kids though, they remember their mother and are always helping her with whatever she needs. And they fill in for me with my own mother when I travel.”
“Oh that’s nice. You don’t find too much of that anymore. Most of the people I know are too concerned with themselves to do anything for anyone else.”
“That’s very cynical, but true,” Edward agreed. “Is London the only place you’ve been?”
“Yes. Until I was offered this job, I’d never traveled outside of the U.S.” Finished with her dinner, Kate sighed and pushed her plate away. She took another sip of her wine. “Didn’t know what I was missing.”
“And you still don’t. London is just a small part of the world. Where else would you like to see?”
“Japan, Australia, Italy. The Caribbean. Mexico. Alaska. Hollywood. Hawaii,” Kate shrugged. “I know those last few are in America, but I’d still like to see them.”
Ricardo arrived and swept her plate up. “Dessert for you?”
Kate patted her stomach. “Oh, I don’t know. I had thought about the pear and almond tart, but I think I’m too full now.”
“Ricardo, bring us the tart – I’ll help her eat it. Kate, would you like some coffee?”
“Actually, tea, please. And thank you! That tart sounds good and I really didn’t want to miss out on it,” Kate smiled.
“Tea for Kate, and I’d like a large espresso, please.”
“Right away, sir.”
“Tell me, Edward. Why don’t you have something more important or fun to do than to sit here with me, a stranger, and watch me eat my dinner?”
“I suppose you’ll think me odd, but I enjoy doing my own thing. Usually I’m at the beck and call of others and when I’m home I like doing what I want, when I want.”
“That’s not odd, that’s normal. That’s how I am when I’m here. Other than during the day when I’m helping Erin with work. The afternoon and evenings are my own time. It’s nice to have that down time with no responsibilities. Come and go as you please. Enjoying yourself and the surroundings. It’s so freeing.” Kate took a sip of her water.
“It is. It’s too bad you’re leaving tomorrow. I’d really like to spend more time with you.”
Kate coughed on her water. “Y-You would?”
“I would,” Edward paused and studied her face. “That surprises you?”
“Y-Yes, a little. You’ve only just met me.”
“How else does one get to know another person?”
“But I’m not from here,” Kate said.
Edward laughed. “Are you afraid?”
“Afraid of what?”
“Of getting to know me?”
“Not exactly. I mean, you seem nice and you’re interesting. I’ve enjoyed our conversation a lot,” Kate started.
“But you live on the other side of the ocean and you have no idea how to keep a chance meeting growing into something bigger.”
“Exactly. I just don’t know what else to say. I’m leaving tomorrow. Maybe fate will look favorably on us again and we’ll run into each other the next time I’m in town,” Kate said.
She was relieved when Ricardo stopped at their table with the pear almond tart and their drinks. He cleared away the wine glasses. “Anything else I can bring you?”
“Just the check please,” Kate said. “Thank you, Ricardo.”
Kate took a sip of her tea and then cut a piece of the tart. She placed it on her tongue and again was blown away. It was divine. “This is delicious,” Kate whispered.
“Why are you whispering?”
“Because I don’t want to ruin the experience,” Kate whispered.
“I understand.” Edward took a bite of the tart.
They continued to chitchat throughout dessert and Kate was relieved when the previous topic didn’t come up again. Ricardo returned with the check and Edward snatched it up before Kate could even flinch. “Edward!” Kate exclaimed as she reached for the check. “Please, you don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but it’s my pleasure. I intruded on your time and enjoyed myself thoroughly. It’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you,” Kate said sincerely. She took another sip of her tea and wondered about the man sitting across from her. He dressed nicely, Kate could tell they were designer clothes. His manners were impeccable. He seemed well-educated and had told her of his travels. He was handsome, more than handsome. She liked the way his eyes twinkled when he smiled. She liked the way he stared at her, as if she was a work of art that was hanging in the gallery. She could see herself spending time with him and enjoying his company.
“You’re welcome,” Edward said.
Kate smiled. She rose to leave and watched in awe as Edward rose with her. He definitely has good manners, Kate thought. Kate stuck out her hand, “It was such a pleasure to meet you, Edward.”
Edward took her hand firmly in his and lifted it to his lips. “The pleasure was mine,” Edward murmured against her hand. “Until we meet again.”
“Goodbye,” Kate murmured and she could feel her cheeks warming. She’d never met anyone like Edward and she wondered as she left the restaurant, if they would ever meet again.
Chapter Ten
Three months later…
Kate was exhausted. Mary had been up practically every hour the night before with a fever. When her fever had risen to 103, Kate had panicked and taken Mary to the emergency room. Kate could count on one hand the number of times Mary’d had a fever, let alone be sick, in her life. She counted herself lucky that Mary hadn’t been one to catch every virus and bug that she came in contact with. Kate had heard stories of the kids with constant stomach viruses, colds or the dreaded ear infections.
After spending three hours at the ER, the doctors hadn’t found anything wrong with Mary, concluding it was just a virus that must be going around. Georgie had insisted that Kate not cancel her trip to London. A fever wasn’t enough to keep her and Tim from getting their week with Mary.
As the taxi pulled up to the hotel, Kate envisioned the pampering she was about to indulge in. She’d brought the new Anita Blake book and was planning to order some wine and sink into a hot bath with lots of fragrant bubbles.
“Welcome back, Ms. Walker,” the front desk attendant greeted.
“Thank you,” Kate said. “Has Ms. McNamara arrived yet?”
“Let me check on that for you, one second.” She tapped a few keys on the computer, looked up and smiled. “It looks like Ms. McNamara has not arrived yet. Would you like to leave a message for her?”
“If you could just tell her that I’m here, but going to bed, I would appreciate it. I’ll see her at breakfast in the morning.”
“My pleasure, Ms. Walker.” She tapped a few more keys and began Kate’s checking in process. “It seems you have a message,” the attendant said as she passed Kate a slip of paper.
“It’s probably from Ms. McNamara,” Kate said as she slipped it into her pocket.
The attendant pushed a form across the counter. “Please sign on the line. I’ll just swipe your card for incidentals while you’re doing that.”
Used to the routine of checking in, Kate was already prepared with her credit card resting on the counter. She signed the form and passed it back to the attendant.
“Here’s your card, Ms. Walker. Can I help you with anything else before you head upstairs?”
“No, thank you. I’m all set.”
The attendant passed Kate her room key. “Enjoy your stay
.”
Kate hefted her bags and quickly walked to the elevators. When she got to her room, she opened the door and deposited her bags on the bed. She walked over to the phone and called down to room service, ordering chilled white wine and a fruit and cheese platter. The light dinner would suffice as she planned to make it an early night.
She walked into the bathroom, started the water for her bath and then put her things in order while she waited for room service to arrive. When she pulled her suits out of the suitcase, she was relieved to see that they’d made the trip with minimal damage. A quick iron in the morning would be all she had to do to make herself presentable.
Just as she finished putting her things away, she heard a knock at the door. “Yum, wine,” Kate murmured to herself as she crossed the room to answer the door. She signed the slip and deposited the order on the desk. Pouring herself a large glass of wine, she gathered up her robe and book and retreated to the bathroom.
Sinking into the bubbles, Kate sighed with contentment. It felt decadent to be able to drink wine and soak away her stresses in the tub. She wouldn’t trade her life for any amount of money, but these little breaks were so good for her soul.
She took a sip of her wine and cracked open the latest installment of Anita Blake. Unashamed of her complete obsession with these books, Kate couldn’t wait to continue reading about Anita and Jean Claude’s adventures. There was no doubt in her mind that Anita was meant to be with Jean Claude. She didn’t argue that he was powerful and would do whatever he had to in order to survive, but he adored Anita. Kate thought their love story was timeless and at times she could admit she longed for a love story of her own. She was lonely and while her life was beyond busy, she felt that she was meant to find love again. Or at least she hoped she was.
I wonder if I’ll bump into Edward? She thought to herself. Smiling, she took another sip of wine. She didn’t think it was likely as it had been a chance meeting to begin with. And if she remembered correctly, he traveled a lot for his job. But oh, he was hot and she definitely wouldn’t be opposed to bumping into him on this trip.
Putting him out of her mind, she sipped more wine and began her book. Two hours later, water chilly and her wine long since gone, Kate emerged from her bath. Quickly toweling herself dry, she wrapped herself in a robe and refilled her wine glass. Climbing into her warm bed, she sipped more wine and continued reading her book. She was completely hooked and the early night she’d planned on was out the window.
To Love Twice Page 7