Page 42 of Hot in Witch City
“Thanks, Sebastian. You’re really sweet. I’d love to come down with Nova.”
“Great. Just let me know when and I’ll handle everything.”
“Seven.”
“Got it. See you tonight.”
“Wait,” I stopped him. “I didn’t even ask how you’re doing.”
“Now that I’ve talked to you, Gianna, everything is absolutely terrific.”
We ended the call. I bit my lower lip. Where we stood was confusing, as well as where I wanted us to be.
Why question it? We both enjoyed each other’s company. It didn’t have to mean anything other than that.
Later that evening,Nova sat across from me in Sebastian’s restaurant. Our round table was covered by a crisp, white tablecloth, daisies in a glass stem-vase, and a tea light candle.
“This is a step up from my club,” I noted with a wry grin. Although the food we served tasty, it was pub food served at booths or small tables sans tablecloths.
Nova laughed and spread her napkin on her lap. “It depends on the mood you’re going for.”
With the waitstaff wearing black and white outfits, shiny black shoes, and a maître d, this restaurant had a classy vibe going on. Soft music played in the background. The air was rich with the scent of delicious meals. Many of the items on the menu were described with flair, noting their local sourcing, and they were rather pricy. Definitely more of a special occasion place rather than a quick bite.
Sebastian came out after we had our wine glasses filled. He wore a white chef uniform, and damn, he filled it out well. “I’ll take good care of you tonight.”
Heated awareness swept through my body. He always did.
He pointed to the menu. “You need to try everything.” Then he said, “I’ll bring you a little of each.”
“You don’t need to convince me,” I said.
Nova agreed.
He brought out the juiciest cuts of steak, and I moaned. We ate coconut-crusted seafood, eggplant bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and more.
Minutes later, Sebastian checked on us. “Is everything good?”
“Spectacular,” I assured him.
Once Nova and I slowed down on devouring every delicious item Sebastian brought out, our conversation turned to my recent turmoil. I told her about the call with my father. We’d known each other since we were kids, so she knew what he was like—strict, overbearing, and overprotective.
"You and your dad going at it over your mom?” She made a hissing sound and recoiled. “That must have been as calm as a storm in a cauldron.”
“Yeah,” I released a rueful grunt. “Butting heads since I hit puberty.” I took a big swig of wine. "Check you out with your witch metaphors. I like seeing you embrace that side of yourself."
"You know, Gianna, you could do the same with accepting your nature. You’re not just a siren or human, but both. And what that means is you don't have to be defined or limited by either. You’re Gianna. You can be whoever the hell you want because you're a bad ass who does whatever she sets her mind to do."
I laughed. "Thanks for the moral support."
Sebastian returned. “Need more wine? Ready for dessert?”
“I don’t think I can eat another bite.” Nova covered her stomach. “Everything was so good.”
“Mmm…” I was just as full, but the food was so good. Me and my voracious appetite. “What kind of desserts?”
He listed some. “My favorite is the chocolate tarte with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”
“Ooh, sounds decadent.” I reached across the table and touched Nova’s hand. “Split it with me.”
