Page 31 of Dreaming of You

Chapter Seven

As Barrett drove into North Beach, famous for its excellent Italian cuisine, Kate's mouth began to water at the sight of famous restaurants like Original Joe's and Mama's, but when Barrett helped her out of the car, they didn't head toward one of the known hot spots. Instead, he walked her toward a long, dark alley.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"You'll see." He took her hand. "So you don't trip in those high heels. I don't think you need another fall."

She definitely didn't need that, but that wasn't the real reason she left her hand in his. His fingers were warm, and she liked feeling connected to him. She liked him. She hadn't wanted to admit that to her friends, but she had to admit it to herself.

But as soon as this dinner was over, she had to start putting some distance between them, because her reasons for staying away from him were still there.

Barrett led her down a stairwell to a closed door. The only sign for the restaurant was a simple gold placard—Sonny's.

"I've never heard of this place," she said.

"You're going to love it. One of San Francisco's best-kept secrets." He opened the door and waved her inside.

She let go of his hand as she stepped across the threshold. She paused, as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. There was a hostess stand in front of thick red curtains, and beyond, she could see about twenty tables in front of an open kitchen.

Barrett gave his name to the hostess, and they were quickly led to a cozy corner booth that faced the kitchen but was away from the noise. Soft strains of opera played in the background, and several small candles floating in a bowl of water cast their table in a warm, romantic glow.

She was surprised at Barrett's choice. She would have thought something glitzy, more modern would be his style.

"This is nice," she said. "When did you make a reservation?"

"I texted when we got in the car. The owner is a friend of mine."

After the waiter dropped off the wine list and announced the specials, a very short, round man with a thick moustache greeted Barrett in effusive Italian.

She was more than a little surprised when Barrett responded in kind.

Then he turned to her with a grin. "Don't be too impressed. My Italian is limited to a few greetings, a couple of swear words, and—"

"The words of amore," Sonny finished for him. "Who is this lovely lady?"

"This is Kate Marlow," Barrett introduced. "My good friend, Sonny Moretti."

Sonny took her hand and kissed it with a flourish. "I am pleased to meet you, Miss Marlow. For you and my good friend, Barrett, I will make the finest dinner. You leave it up to me, yes?"

Barrett looked expectantly at Kate and she nodded. "I'm sure whatever you make will be wonderful."

"It will be," Sonny promised. "It's been a long time since you've come to visit me, Barrett. I thought perhaps you had developed a taste for something finer."

Barrett shook his head. "There is nothing finer than your pasta."

Sonny beamed at his response. "For that, I will also send over a bottle of my best wine."

Kate smiled to herself as Sonny gathered up their menus. Barrett certainly had a charming side to him.

"What's so amusing?" he asked.

"Just thinking that you can be very nice when you want to be. You have a way with words—in more than one language apparently."

"I'm a lawyer. Words are my business."

"Right. I almost forgot."

"I'm really not that bad, you know. I help people salvage as much as they can out of their marriage."

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