Page 15 of Wizard's Spitfire

I take his hand and get off the sled. I take off my helmet and stow it in the luggage. Wizard gives me a look of admiration before stowing his helmet next to mine and locking the trunk.

“The girls will be so jealous.”

“Oh yeah, do they like it here?”

“They love it. I take them every year for their birthday.”

Wizard places his hand on the small of my back and guides me to the door. A uniformed employee opens the door and ushers us toward the hostess stand. A handsome woman dressed to the nines with silver hair greets us.

“Good evening. Do you have a reservation?”

“Morelli.”

The woman glances at the blotter in front of her. She grabs two menus and a wine list.

“Right this way, Mr. Morelli.”

We pass through the main dining room to a smaller private room.

“I’ll send your server in and let Mr. Di Bacco know you’re here.”

“Thank you,” Wizard says to the hostess, while pulling out the chair for me.

I take a seat and open the menu. I know it by heart, but they always have weekly specials. Plus, this place isn’t exactly cheap. I normally order the least expensive thing on the menu so the girls can have what they want. Ma and Pops either stay home or insist on paying for their dinner.

When Dad died, he left enough money for us to live on for a few years. Ma’s never had a job outside the home and, in my opinion, she doesn’t need one. She’s never been interested in one. She takes care of the house and helps with the girls. Pops insists on helping with the bills. I let him pay half the lights and internet/cable.

Our server comes in with ice water and a bottle of red wine.

“Compliments of Mr. Di Bacco.”

“Only a half glass for me. I’m driving,” Wizard says.

I nod at the server as he fills my glass. I smell the wine before taking a taste.

“This is good.”

“Why don’t we order enough food for you to take home to your family?” he asks after the server leaves.

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I’d like to. If you’ll let me.”

“Will it fit on the sled?”

“That’s what prospects are for. I’ll shoot off a text message to Tully. He’ll come and get it and deliver it to your house.”

“Thank you. They’ll be thrilled. Over the moon.”

The server comes back to take our order. We decide on the tasting menu: artichoke hearts with prosciutto, parmesan and olive oil, parmesan crusted shrimp, corn and crab chowder, cannelloni, a walnut, gorgonzola salad, seafood medallions and blackened redfish. We also ordered Osso Bucco to split and half the menu to take home for the family.

Paying for it will put a massive dent in my reserve cash, but I couldn’t tell him no when he suggested it. The girls deserve a treat. Fresh garlic bread and more ice water arrive at the table.

“Valentina seemed upset when you arrived at the compound earlier. Anything I can do to help?” Wizard asks.

I shake my head. “Only if you have a time machine. I’ll write myself a note that says, ‘ditch the asshole as soon as you find out you're pregnant.’ Valentina blames me for the divorce. As we arrived at the compound, Francesca dropped a bomb. She knows her dad cheated on me.”

“I imagine those words were like a punch in the gut.”

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