He brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. His eyes are on mine as he murmurs, “Nothing’s too good for my wife.”
Elizabeth rolls her eyes. “Get a room.”
Her gaze lowered, Traci sips her water, hiding a big portion of her face behind the glass dripping with condensation. “I think it’s romantic. They’re newlyweds. They should be all over each other.”
“Yes, but I’d rather not think about it. Elliot is my brother.”
Nonny nods in sympathy. “Totally gross.”
“I’m going to need more than one champagne to get over the trauma.”
Elliot snorts. “Don’t drink too much. You have to drive.”
The waiter serves our bubblies. I pick mine up and inhale. It doesn’t have the bite of alcohol, just the spicy sweetness of ginger ale.
Elliot raises his glass. “To new beginnings.”
We toast and drink. I give him a smile. I didn’t realize my life would change like this when he thrust the contract at me. Now I’m grateful for having met him.
The food comes soon after our toast. My dinner is seared beef medallions with a dark wine-based sauce and potatoes on the side. The meat is so tender and juicy, it practically seems to melt.
Elizabeth licks her lips after a bite of fish. “This is really good.”
“Is this authentic?” Nonny asks, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“No. It’s adjusted to suit the American palate,” Elliot says. “And bigger portions. The French take two bites and they’re done.”
Traci giggles.
“So when does the job start?” Nonny asks me.
“Tomorrow.”
Elizabeth quirks an eyebrow. “That’s fast.”
“It’s just training until Friday.” I wipe my hands on napkin. “I hope I can learn everything I need to in three days.”
“You will,” Traci says. “Jana wouldn’t have hired you if she didn’t think you could. Besides, if you need help, you can always ask me.” She grins at me, and I flash her a grateful smile in return.
“Fake it ’til you make it,” Elliot says. “Not that I think you’re going to need to fake anything for long.”
“You’re going to finish college too, though, right?” Traci asks, leaning slightly forward.
“I want to. I’m looking to see if I can have all the credits transferred.”
“You should be able to,” Elliot says.
“Where are you thinking?” Traci asks again.
“Someplace local, but if that’s not possible”—I shrug—“out of state, but preferably someplace West Coast.” I make a face. “I can’t imagine living the rowdy dorm life again, but…”
A strange look crosses Elliot’s face. “You aren’t doing a dorm.”
“Even if I get an apartment, I’ll probably need a roommate—”
“No, you won’t, because I’ll be going with you.”
I blink at him.