Page 140 of Mayhem
“Grams, this is Paetyn and Cruz,” Erin stated, pointing between them. “This is my grandmother, Julia.”
Her grandmother was petite—Paetyn would guess she was barely five feet tall—but it was easy to see that they were related. They’d seen pictures of Erin’s mother; those genes were strong. He was not at all surprised to find that it looked like her grandmother spit them out.
Paetyn took her hand in his, kissing it. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Careful now. I’d hate to take you from my sweet girl,” she responded with a playful smile. “But it’s nice to meet you.” Paetyn chuckled as she moved over to Cruz, bumping Morris out of the way.
“It’s a pleasure,” Cruz stated, kissing her knuckles.
“Who knew Batman was so smooth?” Julia asked. Cruz slid his eyes to Erin with a raised brow, but she waved him off.
“Shall we?” Cruz asked, pulling out one of the chairs for Julia as Paetyn pulled out the one between them for Erin.
Their server took drink orders. He and Cruz hadn’t wanted to assume Erin’s grandmother liked wine and didn’t want to offend her if she didn’t. When she asked Paetyn for a wine suggestion, he realized they didn’t have to worry about that. Silence settled over them for a minute as those unfamiliar with the restaurant looked over the menus.
“Paetyn, I don’t see the dish I got the last time. Maybe I’m overlooking it. I don’t remember the name,” Erin broke the silence.
Paetyn remembered what she’d gotten last time and realized it was one of the three dishes he’d substituted for the holiday.
“I changed a few options for the holiday.” He could still have them make it for her. It was a chicken dish, and they had all the ingredients since they were also used for other dishes. “If that’s what you want, we can order it. They’ll still be able to make it.”
Erin shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I don’t want them to have to go out of their way. Will you choose something for me?” she asked, putting the menu down.
“Of course, Angel.”
When their server returned with drinks, they placed their orders; Paetyn ordered Erin the dish she wanted because it wouldn’t be out of the way for his chef, and to be honest, even if it was, he signed their paychecks. It would get made.
“This is a nice restaurant, Paetyn. The atmosphere is nice, and this room is spacious but cozy,” Julia stated.
“Thank you. I firmly believe that people enjoy food more when their surroundings give off the right vibes.”
“How many rooms does it have?” Julia asked.
“There are two others. Most of my restaurants have private rooms or areas for more personal dining experiences or events.”
“Erin said you owned over two dozen restaurants.”
“I do, in different cities.”
She turned her attention to Cruz. “So, Batman.”
“Grams,” Erin stated with a laugh. “Cut it out.”
“What?” Julia asked. “You’re the one that said you felt like his company was taking over the world and that he was secretly Batman,” she responded innocently. Still, Paetyn could see the playful glimmer in her eyes, and he, Cruz, and Morris chuckled while Erin shook her head with a fond smile.
“A security company that my granddaughter believes is taking over the world. That’s impressive, Cruz. What type of security?”
“Majority residential and commercial,” Cruz responded.
“And the minority?” Julia asked.
“Government buildings, and other things.”
Julia hummed with a nod. “I’m going to assume that your intentions with Erin are pure and that this isn’t a game for both of you. It isn’t some odd thing you participate in to pass the time until you get bored. Because if they weren’t, this one,” she pointed at Morris. “Would not be sitting here as relaxed as he is. He likes to say she’s an adult and can make her own decisions, but even when he’s quiet about it, his dislike and disapproval is a tangible energy.” Her eyes shifted between him and Cruz. “That’s my sweet girl, so you better not hurt her. I may seem like an old lady to you, but I have excellent aim. Keep that in mind.”
“Julia, you can’t go around threatening to shoot people,” Morris stated as if it was something he’d told her a few times before.
“I didn’t. I pointed out my incredible aim.”
