Jill sipped her coffee and smiled. “You’re right. Of course, you’re right. I just want you to be happy. You deserve that.”
“Thanks. And speaking of happy, I’m thrilled for you and Billy. And I’m so glad you guys are here through New Year’s. We’re going to have fun.”
“We are. So, tell me about this wine dinner tonight…”
The wine dinner was a resounding success.
“Paul really outdid himself,” Jill said as they enjoyed the main course, a perfectly cooked filet mignon topped with a rich, wild mushroom demi-glace. They’d started with seared scallops and shrimp over creamy polenta, which was so good.
Mandy, Jill and Emma had helped the servers bring out each course. Billy had offered to help, too, but they insisted they were fine and he should stay and keep Matt company. Gina and Stacy kept everyone’s wine glasses full, pouring a different Charles Krug wine for each course. Mandy’s favorite was the Generations blend that was so smooth and went wonderfully with the buttery filet.
The dessert looked amazing as Mandy was passing them out. It was some kind of layered chocolate pastry, with lots of cream, pastry layers and shaved chocolate on top. Mandy was tempted, but didn’t take one for herself. She was much too full. Jill and Emma did though—they both loved their sweets. Emma often checked the dessert list when she went out before ordering dinner.
Mandy did, however, have a cup of coffee with a splash of Tia Maria which was a perfect dessert. Now that everything had been served, they could relax and take their time finishing up. She noticed that Matt and Billy seemed to be getting along well. Billy could talk to anyone. It came with his job, and Matt was easygoing so she’d had a feeling they’d have plenty to talk about.
“How’s the dessert?” she asked Matt.
“Very good. Do you want a bite?” He pushed his dish toward her but she shook her head.
“No, I’m good. I’m glad you liked it though.”
“I might take Billy out fishing this weekend. He said he’s never been ice-fishing before. I warned him that it’s cold this time of year, and there’s not many fish, but he doesn’t seem to mind. It’s not bad when we bundle up.” He looked excited to go and Mandy smiled. It didn’t sound at all fun to her. She hated being cold. “Well, you guys have fun.”
He laughed. “I know I’ll probably never get you out there, not this time of year anyway.”
“You’ve got that right.”
Billy had the rest of the table laughing as he told a funny story about one of his candidates and a recent search that they almost didn’t fill when Matt spoke softly so he wouldn’t interrupt the others.
“What are your plans for Christmas? Do you have the kids all day or do they go to their Dad’s too?”
“We were just talking about that the other day. I think the plan is that I’ll have them Christmas Eve and then he’ll have them for Christmas afternoon and night.”
“I’d like to have you over for dinner Christmas night, if that’s all right. Your sisters too. Everyone is welcome.”
Mandy thought about that for a minute. “Thank you. I definitely want to see you on Christmas too, but why don’t you come to my place instead? It might be easier as Emma and Paul were going to stop by after he sees his parents and I’m not sure exactly what time that will be.”
“Well, if you’re sure? I don’t want to invite myself.”
Mandy gave his hand a squeeze. “I want you there. Thank you for inviting all of us.”
Matt relaxed a little. “Okay. Keep my place in mind for New Year’s Eve then.”
Mandy laughed. “Sure, that’s a possibility.”
Gina’s hair was not cooperating. The cold weather seemed to make it take even longer to dry and she hadn’t cut it in a few months, so it was longer than usual, almost half-way down her back. And it was so thick and wavy that she usually only washed it a few times a week—it actually looked better on day two or three. But, she’d worked the night before and sometimes it seemed her hair smelled like the restaurant—not that Jared was likely to mind that, but she preferred the scent of freshly washed hair and her favorite green apple shampoo.
She’d just finally finished drying it when the phone rang and she was surprised to see it was Alex. It was still so strange to think the guy she’d once had such a crush on had moved to Nantucket and walked into her restaurant. And looked just as good as she remembered.