Page 5 of One Weekend in Seattle

“Celebrating a birthday? New job?”

“Neither.” Gabby usually wasn’t this honest with someone she just met, but Sawyer struck her as a straightforward man. “My divorce was finalized on Wednesday.”

His eyes widened.

“I’m not on the rebound,” she added quickly. Gabby didn’t want him to think she was out looking for a new man. “To make a long story short, we’ve been separated for three years. I’ve been trying to divorce him for a year, and the court finally stepped in and granted my divorce when he wouldn’t respond to anything.”

“Sounds like a great guy.” The sarcasm in his voice was evident.

“We drifted apart.” Gabby was somewhat sad her marriage ended the way it had, but when she looked back on it, her ex was the one who encouraged her to become an executive chef then complained about the hours.

“What about you? What brought you to the club tonight?”

He hesitated before answering. “I’m one of the managers here.”

Why did he pause? Was he worried she would look down on him for being a manager? “Shouldn’t you be working?” Gabby ducked her head and covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry, that was rude.”

He laughed. A deep, rich laugh that sent quivers over her skin. “It’s fine. I’m not the only one on duty tonight. The other manager can handle things.”

Brad arrived with his drink and the fresh charcuterie board. He set them on the table before leaving.

“Do you mingle with the patrons a lot?” Gabby picked up a piece of cheese and popped it in her mouth, enjoying the sharp cheddar flavor.

“Not usually.” He took a sip of his drink. “I normally watch to make sure there are no issues and handle any problems at the bar or in the kitchen.”

“I bet you’re overworked and underpaid.”

He didn’t answer. “What type of work do you do?”

“I’m an executive chef.”

“I’m not sure our food lives up to your standards.”

The dryness of his words made her laugh. “Trust me, it’s good. I may provide fancy food where I work, but I prefer down-to-earth things, and your sliders especially were very good.”

“That’s nice to know.”

“Have you lived in Seattle long?” she asked. She wanted to know more about Sawyer. There was this invisible string between them, and it tightened each time he spoke. Maybe Lindsay was right; she needed to let herself go for once.

***

Sawyer sat back against the leather cushions of the booth. Gabby had no idea who he was. While that surprised him, it also delighted him. It was so rare for him to have anonymity. He was glad for it. She was a refreshing breeze, and it also reinforced his decision to get to know her better.

“I’ve lived in Seattle most of my life. You said you flew in today, where from?”

“San Francisco Bay Area.” She took a drink of water. “I don’t live in San Francisco—too expensive—but outside the city.”

He nodded. Seattle wasn’t cheap by any means. “Your friend lives here?”

“Yes. In West Seattle.”

“And when do you go back to the Bay Area?” How much time could he spend with her this weekend? Oh yeah, he was thinking of spending time with her. From their short discussion so far, he saw she was more genuine than most of the people he knew, let alone the women. And damned if he didn’t want her back in his arms. He hadn’t wanted to leave the dance floor.

“Monday.” She sighed.

“You don’t want to go back?” Was it because of her ex? Or something else?

“Yes and no.” She shook her head. “You probably don’t want to hear this.”

---