Page 94 of Empire of Temptation

Roberto and I double-checked the reservation list one more time. The day had flown by and we were three hours from the reopening. “I still can’t believe it,” I said. “We’re completely booked all weekend. Not an open table to be found.”

“Why are you surprised, signorina? This is the most exciting thing to happen in this town since Bev added pumpkin spice lattes to the menu.”

My head snapped up as I laughed in surprise. “You are turning into a real local, Roberto.”

He shrugged. “I like it here. And I like flirting with Bev.”

“So I’ve gathered.” Roberto visited the Leaning Tower of Pastries daily, even after the trattoria’s espresso machine was installed. “And everything is ready?”

“Of course, signorina. You don’t need to worry. We have this covered.”

“Okay.” I blew out a long breath. “Will you get Giovanni? I want to talk to you both before we get too busy this afternoon.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s all good, I promise. Meet me in the alcove in the back, okay?”

Roberto strode to the kitchen and disappeared. I went to the server station, where I’d hidden a bottle of champagne earlier. Taking three flutes, I filled them as I waited for the men. It wasn’t long. The sleeves on Giovanni’s chef coat were rolled up to show off his tattoos, and his face was etched with his usual scowl. Roberto walked behind him, and soon they were crowding into the small alcove with me.

“I’ll make it quick.” I handed both of them glasses of champagne. Then I lifted mine for a toast. “I don’t know how Luca managed to get both of you here, but I’m so, so grateful that he did. I never could’ve done this on my own. Roberto, you’ve transformed this stuck-in-the-past relic into something chic and modern. And Giovanni, you’re a genius with flavors. You’ve designed a menu that will amaze and impress, but will still have a familiar feel to the locals. Whatever happens after tonight, I want you both to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done.” My voice cracked as emotion clogged my throat. “You feel like family.”

“Do not cry, signorina.” Roberto pulled me in for a one-arm hug. “You will ruin your makeup.”

“And look like a raccoon on opening night,” Giovanni added, patting my shoulder.

I chuckled and my mood instantly lightened. “Thanks, guys. I pour my heart out and you’re worried about how I look.”

“Aww, you’re beautiful.” Roberto kissed the side of my head. “It’s obvious how much you care about this place and your family’s legacy. They would be so proud of you, signorina.”

My chest tightened again and the urge to cry returned. Giovanni must’ve seen it on my face, because he quickly added, “I still do not think we need the chicken parmigiana.”

That got me to laugh. “You will never win that fight, sir.” I lifted my glass. “To the new TrattoriaRustica.”

They touched their flutes to mine. “Cin cin,” they each said, and I repeated the toast as well.

We drank and Giovanni returned to the kitchen. Roberto said, “Come with me. I want to talk about some of the guests.”

“Sure. Let me clean this up first.” I took the champagne and empty glasses to the bar. I handed them to Gabriele, who looked incredibly hot in his crisp white shirt and black tie. Even though he wasn’t twenty-one, Gabriele had produced an Italian birth certificate claiming he was of age. Roberto had argued it was best to let Luca’s son do as he pleased.

Just like his father, I was coming to find out.

“Thanks, Gabi,” I said when he took everything from my hands.

“You are welcome,” he replied, exaggerating the enunciation. “How does my fancy English sound?”

“Like the ladies are going to die over your accent. Don’t worry, they’ll be throwing money at you right and left.”

“I don’t need money, bella. But I will take phone numbers.”

“Oh, god.” It became clear why Gabi wanted to work here. “Do not hit on my customers.”

Gabi lifted up his hands and adopted an adorable mischievous expression. Though he looked like Luca, they were complete opposites in personality. “I promise I won’t, but I can’t help it if they hit on me.”

And they would, too. “I’m glad you’re here, Gabi.”

“Me too.” He grew serious and put his hands on the bar, leaning closer. “And I apologize for this morning. I was out of line.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Pausing, I decided to fish for information. “Was your father mad at you about it?”

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