Page 54 of When You Smile

Rosemary took a moment, struck and seemingly touched. “It’s an exciting night, then,” she said quietly. “I’m going to send over a special dessert not found on our menu. I save it for the special people.”

“That’s so kind of you,” Taryn said. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Promise me you’ll come back sometime. I’d love to check in, see how things are going.” Rosemary placed a hand on her round hip, maternal and kind.

“We promise,” Charlie said.

“And hopefully I can introduce you to Eva, my very own sweetheart of many years. She’s responsible for half the menu.” She touched her chest. “The other half is mine,” she whispered, gesturing to Charlie’s risotto. She gave her a pat on the shoulder. “That dessert should be out soon.”

“This is the best date I’ve ever been on,” Taryn said automatically as soon as they were alone.

“There’s still dessert,” Charlie told her. “It could go straight to hell.”

“Good point. I will reserve my judgment but know that things are looking up.” She squinted. “You’re not planning to rob the place or anything, right?”

“I mean, not at this very second, but plans change.”

Taryn considered this. “Still don’t think it would change my ranking, and I went out with Bianca Mack, who was known around school to be a really good kisser.”

“You kissed Bianca Mack?”

“I did. And this date, robbery and all, still wins.”

“I’m jealous. I remember her well.” She offered a playful smile. “She’s missing out.”

“Oh, that right there was really nice.”

“But I do have an unfortunate confession.”

“Tell me.”

Charlie squinted. “I once kissed her older brother.”

Taryn covered her mouth, nearly spitting her cocktail across the table.

Charlie quickly handed her a napkin, laughing. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to drop such a bombshell on this lovely, potentially criminal, dinner we’re having.”

Taryn successfully swallowed and let the laughter out. She sat back in her chair and just let it hit, which was unusual because Taryn’s reactions to most anything were conservative in nature. “I had no idea I was so funny.” Taryn fanned herself attempting to regain her voice. This might be the first time Charlie had seen her full-on laugh without control, which only prompted her to join in.

“You kissed her brother,” Taryn hissed. “For real?”

Charlie nodded, her eyes tearing. “Two stars. Cannot recommend.”

That only seemed to make Taryn laugh harder. They likely would have kept going if Justine hadn’t appeared with deconstructed strawberry shortcake with two spoons. “You’re gonna die for this one. We all do. And dinner was all taken care of.”

Charlie’s smile faded. “Rosemary doesn’t have to do that.”

“She insisted, and when Rosemary insists, it’s best we all just get out of her way.” Justine’s eyes went wide to make her point.

“So noted,” Taryn said, dabbing her eyes. “In that case, we will eat every last bite.”

“Such a harsh sentence,” Charlie said lifting her own spoon. The truth was that it was the best dessert she’d ever eaten in her life, and Rosemary likely knew that would be the case. She regarded Taryn. “How are we ever going to eat at another restaurant again?”

“Lesbians preparing fantastic food can’t be beat. It just can’t.”

“No. We’re ruined.”

They stared at the last bite left on the plate. “What are we going to do about that?” Charlie asked and sat back.

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