This Could Be Us (Skyland, #2)(57)
I could go home and work for a while… and then come back at nine.
CHAPTER TWENTY
SOLEDAD
Last dinner of the day,” Yasmen says, setting a mason jar of flowers on one of the long tables lined up under the pavilion. “I always have great ideas, but even I didn’t realize how successful this would be. We had to add another dinner, Sol.”
“I know.” I shake my head, still flabbergasted.
I take in all the details of the pavilion. The fairy lights strung overhead and candles glimmering on the tables make it feel warm and intimate. Rows of long wooden tables lined up and trimmed with wildflowers splash color in the dimness of evening. There’s a poignancy the night lends the space that day didn’t allow.
“This is the hottest date in Skyland tonight,” Yasmen says.
“It’s the hottest,” Josiah says, grabbing her from behind, “because you’re here.”
“Oh, dropping lines, are we, Mr. Wade? You don’t have to prove to me you still got game,” Yasmen says, turning to loop her arms around his neck.
“I want to keep you interested, Mrs. Wade.” His smile is loving, and his eyes never leave her face, as if they’re alone.
“Hey, Sol,” he says, turning his smile on me. “This is amazing.”
“Thank you,” I answer. “Didn’t expect to see you away from Grits on a Saturday night.”
“The manager’s got it,” he says. “Though it was definitely busy. The kitchen is slammed. I’m going back. I just had to see my girl.”
“Oh, because it’s been so long since we saw each other.” Yasmen laughs. “A whole six hours.”
“I missed you,” he whispers, kissing her cheek.
She casts an unrepentant look my way. “Sorry, Sol. I promise you’ll have my undivided attention as soon as I get rid of this guy.”
My heart burns for a second with a desire to have that, but I shelve it. My desire for a meaningful, passionate connection with someone doesn’t go away while I’m “dating myself.” I’m working on me, so when I do find that person, I’m the most whole version of myself I can be. For now, the occasional twinge of longing is nothing compared to what I’m learning. Nothing compared to how I’ve been loving and knowing myself.
Josiah kisses Yasmen goodbye. They’re a fairy tale. Divorced and remarried, they are couple goals for so many. There is no reunion with Edward in my future, but these two were meant to be.
Josiah heads back to the restaurant, and Yasmen and I handle the final details—checking tickets, place settings, food. Hendrix had an event for one of her clients downtown but gave us strict instructions to “fix her a plate.” I’m making enough money today to cover my mortgage plus some this month. I’m so glad I agreed to do this, and even more glad that Yasmen thought of it.
“Reporting for duty,” Inez says, playfully saluting, a few minutes before diners are scheduled to arrive.
“Did you squeeze in one more hayride?” I laugh, glancing up from the flowers I’m arranging on one of the long tables.
“Yes.” She points to her brightly decorated cheek. “And face painting, but I’m all yours now. Remember I’m the daughter who showed up for you when it counted.”
“I think I’ll give Lottie a pass since she has a meet today. And Lupe has a debate team trip. I do appreciate you coming, though maybe the money I promised you’d earn should be factored in.”
“I would have done it for free, Mom.” She grins mischievously. “But I’m glad I don’t have to.”
“Just like at the other two dinners, you can hop in if you see the servers need help, but your main job is to capture footage so I can make content for the socials.”
“I think that’s a great idea, Sol,” Yasmen calls from a few tables over, where she’s folding napkins. “I could see folks asking you to throw their dinner parties after this.”
I hadn’t anticipated that as a by-product of this decision, but I guess that could happen if I offer it as a service. It’s highly labor-intensive, so I’m not sure I would do much of it, but occasionally and for a steep price, I would consider it.
A few minutes later, the diners for our last meal start arriving and taking their seats at the long tables. The seating is not arranged for privacy, but for community and conversation. Folks are squeezed in, elbows and knees occasionally bumping. Candlelight illuminating not only the people they came with but also the ones they’ll get to know. My hope is that my food will do what it’s always done: lower people’s guards, loosen their tongues, warm their hearts, and satisfy their hunger.
“Thank you so much for coming,” I tell the packed pavilion once everyone is seated. “I’m so pleased to see you all. Before we get started, I want to let you know that a portion of your admission to this dinner tonight will go toward a GoFundMe for Cora Garland, a Skyland mom fighting cancer for the second time. We’re all with her and want to help any way we can.”
I point to a small wooden stand by the door. “There’s more about her journey here in case you want to donate additionally and help her family offset medical costs.”
I clap my hands together and spread a smile over the crowd. “Now for what you all came to do. Eat!”