Page 2 of The First Time

“It’s just…I’m the owner. Most owners step back and let their team take the reins once everything is running smoothly. But—I guess I’m afraid that once I step away and you guys prove you don’t need me, I’ll have no reason to be here all the time. I love being here with you.”

“Layla Williams. You will always be needed here. You are the energy of this team. Just because we can handle a week without you doesn’t mean we don’t need you. I’d lose my mind if I didn’t have our Sunday night bitchfest together after we close.”

I chuckle as I think about our Sunday routine. At the close of the weekend, our busiest time, Zane and I get caught up on all the managerial tasks needed for the following week. It’s our time together to be alone in the restaurant and vent about all the shenanigans that took place over the weekend. This is the restaurant business. Shit happens all the time that requires some major venting.

“There are many different types of owners in a restaurant. You know this. You’re not in it to make a buck; you’re in it because you love it. But maybe—just maybe, you can stop working so much and learn to enjoy your life too. It’ll do you good,” he says with concern in his eyes.

I try to hold back the tears that threaten to spill.

“I don’t think I know how to be anything but the owner of this place anymore,” I say as my voice cracks.

“Well, this trip is your chance to figure it out. I am putting a no-contact rule on you. I will call you if I have any questions, butyou are in no way allowed to contact me unless it’s an emergency or you need advice on how to give the best blowjob.”

I cover my hands over my face. “Zane! You are so crass!”

He shrugs. “Nothing you didn’t already know about me, darling.”

“Ok. I will do my best to avoid all forms of communication with you. I’m sure Charlotte is planning on confiscating my phone anyway.”

“Good. She knows how much you need this.”

I don’t know what I would do without Charlotte. She used to spend her summers here growing up. After her parents divorced when she was seventeen, they stopped coming, and their beautiful home remained vacant for a decade.

We lost touch after that. It wasn’t until she showed up a decade later when her father had passed and left her the house.

She wasn’t planning on staying here, but I guess I have my brother to thank for that. I don’t know what she sees in him sometimes, but they are so happy together. And I have my best friend back!

“Well, I need to get home and pack, I guess.” I stand up out of the seat.

“Girl! You leave for Italy in the morning, and you haven’t started packing?” Zane says with a gasp.

“Stop judging! Baby steps here, remember?”

“You stress me out,” he says as he stands and opens his arms. “Come here, give me a hug.”

I step into his arms. “Thanks for doing this.”

“It’s my job,” he chuckles.

“I know. Still. Thanks for putting up with me.”

“Get out of here. I can’t wait to see pictures when you get back.”

I walk into my office to grab my bags and then lock the door behind me.

Once I make it home, I go straight to my closet and pull out my large suitcase. I don’t know why packing for a week in Italy feels so daunting.

Charlotte decided for us to spend an entire week in Lake Como. We’re going to eat and drink our way throughout the region, maybe even take the trains to see Milan and Tuscany.

I have to admit that being a foodie, I’m super excited about this trip. I just don’t know what to wear.

July in Lake Como, which is at the northern tip of Italy, will be warm enough to swim in the water. I have a couple of bikini options on my bed. I think I’ll be most comfortable in sundresses, flowy clothes, and cute sandals. I can add some jewelry to fancy it up at night.

I’m terrified that I’ll forget something important. I have my ID, passport, and credit card safely tucked into my purse, as well as a European outlet adapter for my cell phone charger and my curling iron.

I’ve actually been practicing some Italian words to use. Mainly anything that has to do with eating since that’s when most of my interactions will occur.

It’s almost midnight by the time I’m showered and in bed. I’m glad I didn’t decide to close down the restaurant tonight. I’m already going to be a drag on the plane tomorrow.

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