Page 13 of This Is Who I Am

Cass lingers for a second, her gaze flicking over my face. “I felt inspired this week,” she says, almost as if she’s trying to tell me something else entirely.

I dip my spoon into the broth, then bring it to my lips. It’s exquisite. Layers of warmth and depth, the briny sweetness of the clams balancing against the heat of the Metaxa, the brightness of citrus cutting through like sunlight.

“This…” I shake my head, searching for words. “This is something special.”

Cass beams me a smile. “I’m glad you think so.”

And then she’s gone, back to the kitchen, back to her world.

I taste another spoonful of broth, letting the flavors expand, trying not to think too much about how all of this is making me feel.

The rest of the meal passes in a slow, luxurious blur. Course after course arrives, each dish some sort of revelation, each paired with a different wine. Cass has more than delighted me with her surprise menu for one.

The dining room thins out as the evening stretches on, tables emptying one by one. The soft clatter of cutlery and murmur of conversation fade, replaced by the sounds of the kitchen winding down. My wine glass is nearly empty, the candle on my table burning low.

I could leave. I probably should. But something keeps me here, nursing my last few sips of wine slowly, watching the movement in the open kitchen as the staff wraps up for the night. I tell myself I’m just savoring the experience. That’s what this restaurant is called, after all.

But when Cass finally emerges, wiping her hands on a towel, her chef’s coat unbuttoned at the collar, I know that’s not the whole truth.

“Still here?” she asks as she approaches.

“I didn’t want to rush a perfect meal.” I lift my glass slightly. “And I absolutely wanted to thank the chef in person.”

She leans a hip against the table. “Will you have a drink with me now?”

“It’s a yes from me tonight.” My head is light and my body warm from the wine.

Cass nods toward the bar. “Come on, then. Let me pour you something special.”

Although my legs feel unsteady, I follow her without hesitation.

CHAPTER9

CASS

“Neat or on the rocks?” I lift the bottle of Metaxa, the same brandy that inspired tonight’s seafood special. Estelle’s eyes have grown soft around the edges, her smile even more generous than before. I should be pouring her water instead of Greek brandy.

“Chef’s choice,” she says. Her words are still crisp and clear, though her movements have slowed. “All your choices tonight have been excellent so I’d be foolish to start making my own now.”

I drop ice cubes into both glasses, letting them crack before pouring. The ritual gives me a moment to steady myself before sliding onto the barstool next to Estelle.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening.” Estelle holds up her glass, then winces when she gets a whiff of the Metaxa’s strong aroma.

“Thank you for being such a loyal Friday evening customer.”

“Put my name down for next week, please.” She peers over the rim of her glass, her gaze both intense and mischievous.

“Sure, but… hm…”Come on, Cass. There’s no better time for this question.“Wouldn’t you rather have dinnerwithme instead of just having me cook for you?”

“What do you mean? You have to work on Friday night, don’t you?” Maybe her brain functions are more impaired than she lets on—although she still looks good enough to eat in that pristine white blouse that stands out against her skin so gorgeously, just enough of its buttons undone to give you an idea of what’s underneath but not nearly enough to stop you from guessing.

“How about tomorrow?” I ask.

“Savor’s not open on Saturdays. I read all about your slow restaurant philosophy on the website.” She finally takes a sip and it’s as though the shock of the alcohol, paradoxically, allows her to see what I’m getting at. “Do you mean a private dinner? Just for me?” Her lips curve into the most divine smile.

“That’s exactly what I mean.”

“Hm.” Her smile abruptly disappears as she swallows slowly. “I’ve had too much to drink so I will say yes for now, but I reserve the right to change my mind tomorrow when I’m sober.”

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