by D. D. Marx
The invite list includes three hundred of the most prestigious people in Palm Springs. It’s great exposure for both Garrett and Finn. Crowds begin to arrive, and the space is bubbling with conversation and laughter. Each guest is greeted with the signature Gin & Tonic cocktail of the evening by hot, young waiters and waitresses. Garrett is hoping to sell several of the pieces he is showcasing tonight, so the traffic flow is set up. I work the room and introduce myself around. Being in Corporate America, I am so used to vendor events and tradeshows so this scene is old hat for me. My only goal is to gage how people are receiving the venue, the food, and atmosphere. The mood is light and the cash register is lighting up. Garrett sells eighteen exquisite pieces, the most expensive to the town mayor. The party starts to liven up around ten after the drinks have been flowing. Many of the guests have made their obligatory appearance and have since cleared out. Those left are the hard-core Garrett and Tristan supporters who are there to have a good time. The DJ sets things into full motion and away we go.
#
As the night wraps up, it’s becoming obvious that I’ve been sampling every drink within arms-reach to try to numb the pain of recent events. I stopped just short of drinking the abandoned drinks left behind on the trays strewn about the laughter filled room. I mean, I didn’t want to appear classless. I survey the room and see Finn cleaning up the last of the dessert table. Our eyes lock from across the room, and he gives me a smile with a wink. My heart melts as a warm rush of desire fills my body. I approach to offer my help loading the rest of equipment into his truck.
“What a fun night and the food was incredible. I hope there isn’t any footage of me bathing in the chocolate fountain.” I look for any reason to distract and stall him.
“Ha. It seemed more like wading than bathing to me. And no cameras allowed, so I think you’re safe,” he quips as he maintains his focus. I grab a couple of serving platters and follow him outside. Just as he sets down his cart, I feel myself losing my balance, and the next thing I know, I’m flat on my ass and his platters are airborne. I start laughing.
“What a klutz. Only me.”
“Are ye gonna be all right there, lassie?” he questions, concerned. “I can’t tell if yer laughing or crying.”
Still unable to catch my breath, I give him the international thumbs up sign for “a-okay.”
“I hate to laugh, but as long as yer alright I have to say that was the fanciest wipe out I’ve ever seen. I don’t even think ye had time to brace yourself. Here, let me help ye up.”
Just as I stabilize, he looks at me with the sweetest concerned face.
“Ye sure yer okay?” I am consumed with his disheveled hair, his sweet smell of sweat mixed with chocolate, and those amazing, plump, perfect lips. Without hesitation, I lean in and kiss him. He lingers for a sweet moment then pulls away.
“Olivia, um, I think ye’ve had too much to drink. Yer bloody fantastic, but ye should know . . .”
Before he finishes the sentence, I realize what I’ve just done. I am mortified. Oh my God, he’s gay. What am I doing?
“Right, no . . . no, I am so sorry. Thanks again for everything. I’ll have Garrett follow up with you tomorrow. Have a good night.” I turn on my heel and run back into the store as fast as I can and hide behind the cash wrap, humiliated. I swear I was feeling a vibe between us, not only tonight but when we were at Garrett’s doing the event tasting. What is wrong with me? “Really, Danny?” I mutter aloud. “Is anything ever going to go my way, or are you determined to watch me make an ass out of myself for the rest of my life?”
Beside myself, Garrett and Tristan collect me to drive me home. I’m so embarrassed I don’t even tell them what happened. I let them think my mood is just my exhausted, drunken state, but deep inside I’m devastated and don’t want Garrett to think I made a scene at his big event. It’s best to leave it alone.
Chapter Twelve
(Finn)
What is wrong with me? Ugh. I am such an idiot. The greatest girl I’ve met since Christine, maybe ever, and I totally blow it. Part of me was nervous and the other part of me didn’t want to step over a professional boundary with Garrett, and I made her feel rejected. It was such a wonderful evening. The event was a huge success. The place was bustling. I kept watching Olivia from afar. I tried to be subtle so she wasn’t aware of my constant glimpses, but I couldn’t help myself. Not only did she look stunning, but she owned that room. She exudes confidence. The guests were putty in her hands, captivated by her charm, and it appeared effortless. She has this familiarity about her. She has a gift. She makes you feel comfortable, puts you at ease, making it okay for you to let your guard down. She takes my breath away.
“Christine, you need to help me; you know I’m not good at this. When I met you, it was like you appeared from nowhere; I guess it’s not too dissimilar to how I met Olivia, but I don’t know how to pursue someone. I’m out of my league here. If I am meant to pursue this, give me another shot, present me with another opportunity.”
I didn’t have long to sulk as I receive a panicked call from Tex that a pipe burst in the restaurant kitchen. It happened while the restaurant was closed, but it created a huge mess. We have four hours before opening to get things under control. We have a packed house tonight. I’m experimenting with a themed night, almost like a pop-up restaurant, to keep things interesting and creative. The team gets bored if they cook the same things day in and day out. We have daily specials and we try to change up the seasonal menu, but I’m testing the waters because I want to expand. Tonight, we advertised a “date night” and have a set menu and drink package to make it simple for the staff because we have three hundred reservations. I am praying the weather holds up too because we’re counting on using the patio. I hired a jazz band to come in to play, and they’ll be here within the next couple of hours to set up. I put Tex in charge of the kitchen while I run out to rent some commercial vacuums to clean up the water. Just as I’m leaving, the plumber pulls up. The floors are all cement so nothing is damaged. I need to get it clear and dry it out so we can work tonight.
Tex and I pull an all-nighter. This is the busiest night we’ve had since we opened. We even have some celebrities in the house. A couple of the hosts from the Home Network come in with their wives. They saw an article about me and the restaurant in Cuisine Magazine. They’re fans of the Delectable show. I chat them up for a bit, seat them at the best table, and give them their meal on the house. In return, they offer to come to my house and re-do a room of my choice. Who can pass that up? I’ve found that many people in the industry are a lot more gracious and generous than I thought. The fame and glamour doesn’t entice me at all. It’s nice that people feel a connection with me and, of course, I’m honored to be described as inspiring, but there truly isn’t anything special about me. I’m a regular guy trying to sort through my private, painful battle.
The chaos begins to settle down in the restaurant but not in my head. I cannot stop thinking about Olivia. She’s really left quite the impression on me. Where did she come from? And what a pleasant surprise. I need to devise a plan to see her again, so I can redeem myself. Maybe I can call Garrett or stop by the store. I need a woman’s advice on Olivia. I hate to do it, but I have to put in a 911 call to Julia. I step out back to take a quick break to call her. I don’t want her asking questions, but I don’t have any other choice at this point.
“Jules, it’s me, Finn.”
“Hi Finn, how are you, my friend?”
“I’m good. How are ye?”
“Good. Mac is off on location in Montreal until the end of the week, so I’m doing some shopping to decorate the new house. What’s up with you?”
“Promise you’ll go easy on me and not give me a hard time?”
“Of course, what is it?”
“I need advice . . . about a girl.”
“Stop it, really? Of course. Oh Finn, I’m so glad to hear you’re interested in someone. We’ve been so
worried about you. It’s time for you to get back out there. Okay, so tell me about her.”
“Well, she’s the cousin of a client of mine. I catered the grand opening of his new store here in Palm Springs. I went to his house for the taste test and she answered the door. We really hit it off. I saw her again last night at the party. She had a little too much to drink, just like the night we met. I’m realizing maybe it was liquid courage because last night she tried to kiss me. I wasn’t expecting it and felt compelled to tell her my situation before we went there and instead I pushed her away . . . like an idiot. She didn’t give me time to explain myself, and she was so embarrassed, she ran off.”
“Oh no, well, that’s not horrible. You can recover from that. Does she live in the area?”
“That’s the problem. She’s only in town visiting. I have no idea how long she’s staying.”
“I say tomorrow you just happen to stop by the store to thank your client for his business and maybe you’ll run into her.”
“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I wanted to run it past someone normal first. I feel like a ten-year old.”
“I know, it’s hard to get back in the saddle, but she sounds worth it. Good luck and call me to let me know how it goes.”
“Okay, will do, thanks, Jules,” I say as I hang up. I’ve never been a ladies’ man, so I don’t have any instincts. Jules is level headed and gives good, sound advice. I know now that I have to figure out a way to see Liv again. I decide to call her later today once things settle down at the restaurant.
Chapter Thirteen
(Olivia)
I wake up with a terrible hangover. Gin, tonic, wine, and tequila shots don’t mix well. I roll over and am aware of the gigantic bruise on my ass. Just as I piece together how that could have happened, the events come rushing back. I didn’t. I couldn’t have. Noooooo! What is wrong with me? As if my ego needed any more hemorrhaging. I turn over and pull the blankets over my head. I surface from my room around seven o’clock in the evening.
“We thought you might be dead in there. Still drunk?” Garrett asks.
“Haha, very funny. Why you didn’t cut me off?”
“You were having a fantastic time. It was free entertainment for my guests.”
“Oh God, what was I doing?”
“At one point, you had over a dozen people hanging on every word. You were on a roll. I haven’t seen you that relaxed in over four years. It was great to see you having such a good time.”
“Oh Garrett. What a class act, as usual. Say it with me—reason number ninety-eight thousand and sixty-seven why I am still single.”
“Are you kidding? People didn’t leave until three in the morning because of you. After the impromptu comedy routine, you broke into your own rendition of Dancing with the Stars. You were cutting a rug with the whole L.A. contingent. You were their queen for the night.”
#
Day two of the world’s worst hangover, and I’m only able to stomach some dry toast. As I head for the shower, I contemplate how I will ever show my face in Palm Springs again. First things first, apologizing to one Finn McDaniels. Kill me now.
Still in a fog, I think now is the best time to face Finn. It’s Monday, so I know the restaurant is closed. However, with the little bit I know about him, I know that’s exactly where I can find him. There is a car parked in the alley behind the restaurant. I’m not sure if it’s his. It’s a small, black Mercedes convertible with a vanity plate inscribed Danny Boy. My heart skips a beat.
Really, Danny? As if allowing me to kiss a gay man weren’t enough, now the license plate? You’re killing me.
I knock on the door. The seconds I wait seem like the longest in my life. My heart beats uncontrollably. Chill, he’s gay. If all else fails, I’ll tell him I’ll go antiquing with him, and he’ll be my best friend for life.
He opens the door, and I am overcome with the scent of garlic, chocolate, and sweaty man. How no one has created this in cologne form is beyond me. He’s wearing dark jeans and a green faded t-shirt. His hair is disheveled, and he has the remnants of tomorrow’s special smudged in it.
“Olivia, hi. What a pleasant surprise. Please, please come in.”
“I’ll try not to trip and break anything this time.”
“I was wondering how you were feeling. I meant to call yesterday.”
“Listen, Finn, I came to apologize for my behavior the other night. I’m mortified I crossed the line. I don’t know what came over me. Then to realize you don’t even like women makes it that much more humiliating.”
“Ummm, what?”
“I understand if it’s not something you’re comfortable talking about, but just so you know, some of my best friends are gay. I’ve just never hit on them before because I have good gaydar.” Everything goes black. The next thing I know, I’m lying on the ground with a cold towel on my head, and Finn is leaning over me with a glass of ice water.
“Ye gonna be all right there, lass? Sit here,” he says as he extends his hand to help me up.
“I have to stop falling and breaking things around you.”
“Can I get you something? Have you eaten?”
“I am still so hung over from Saturday night I haven’t eaten anything since . . . well, your chocolate fountain.”
“Lucky you, you’re in a restaurant. Let me make something up.”
There is something so intoxicating about seeing a man in his element. He moves about the kitchen so effortlessly and, to top it off, he’s in his everyday clothes, not showered but looking like perfection. Damn you, gay men. He whips me up homemade lobster mac and cheese which smells like heaven in a bowl.
“Here you go. Hang over comfort food at its best.” I eat every nibble as if I’ve been stranded on a deserted island for the last eighteen months.
“Wow, this might be the best food that has ever crossed these lips.”
“Glad you enjoyed it. You mentioned the other night that you’re not a bad cook yourself. Why don’t you come back tomorrow night after close, when you’re feeling better, and we’ll make dinner together?”
“A fresh start, I’d like that. Listen, I really am . . .” Before I can finish my sentence, he grabs me by the waist and pulls me toward him, one hand on my lower back and the other making its way to my chin. He lowers his lips to meet mine and gives me a slow, sweet and passionate kiss. Still feeling woozy from fainting, and now further weakened by that amazing kiss, I open my eyes to ensure I’m not still in bed, dreaming. I meet his eyes with a huge smile as he declares, “By the way, I’m not gay. I’m a widower. See you tomorrow night.”
Chapter Fourteen
(Finn)
I wake up the next morning and call Jules. She answers the phone and dives right in.
“Okay, what happened? Tell me all of it.”
“Well, as it turns out, she came to the restaurant yesterday to apologize to me for being so forward.”
“No way. Really?”
“Yes. She thought I was gay.”
“Hahaha, well, that’s a first.”
“So, I set the record straight and invited her to the restaurant for dinner tonight.”
“Why didn’t you have her come to the house?”
“Well, the restaurant is where I’m most comfortable, so I thought it was the safest place to start.”
“Oh, that’s true. It’s so cute that you’re nervous.”
“I don’t know about cute, maybe pathetic.”
“Just be yourself. How could she not fall in love with you?”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Thanks for the advice; I’ll call you soon.”
“Okay, good luck, Finn.”
I look in my closest for something hip to wear tonight and, of course, find nothing. This would be a great time to be gay so I would know what to wear. Maybe I should call Garrett and ask for his advice. No, I can’t do that. He’ll tell Olivia, and she’ll think I’m crazy. So, I do t
he next best thing and head over to the mall and flag down the first gay man I see. Eighteen hundred dollars later, I have the wardrobe of Prince William. Next on the agenda? Clean underwear without holes. I inquire with the sales guy . . . boxers or briefs? He clues me in that they are one and the same now, boxer-briefs are all the rage. Next, I go to the barbershop to get a fresh haircut and a close shave. I pick up some cologne and head to the flower shop to pick out a beautiful bouquet of flowers for the table. I am taken aback at how giddy I am to see Olivia tonight. On my way home, I stop by the restaurant to check on things. I let Tex know that I’ll handle closing tonight. This way I can make sure we have the place to ourselves.
I get home to feed Frank and take him for a quick run to help calm my nerves. While showering, I chat with Christine. This time, the conversation is different.
Christine, I need you to help me move on, to find a way to get past the pain so I can find a way to live again. I’ve seen glimpses of hope but I’m afraid to take that next step. You know I will forever love you and what we had; nothing can ever take that away from us. Deep down, I know this is what you want for me but I continue to struggle. If she is worthwhile, worth pursuing, I need you to give me a sign and not just our usual sign. This needs to be an attention grabber, something that will catch me off guard and take my breath away. Only then will I know I truly have your blessing.
I finish getting cleaned up and leave for the restaurant.
The restaurant is crazy busy which helps make the evening go by in the blink of an eye. I can’t stop looking at the clock. I just want Olivia to get here. She is consuming all my thoughts, which is a little scary but exciting at the same time. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. It feels amazing.
The staff is cleaning up, and we are shutting down the kitchen.
“Don’t worry about closing down the kitchen, Tex, I got it. Go home and get some sleep. You need to stop working so hard. It seems like you’re here all the time.”