“It’s been packed for the last three nights.”
“Good.” I may not have gotten Shalimar back with the place, but at least something had come out of it. Since the chef’s hiring, everyone had been getting to know her.
Now it was my turn.
I continued, “We should meet one evening. Very soon.”
When we’re all not running from Kazimir.
Gwen gave me a nervous smile. “That sounds good.”
I looked around the kitchen. “Yeah. We could talk about some improvements for the place.”
“Shalimar’s is an amazing restaurant, and it could be even more.”
I frowned, not enjoying that name on her tongue. Gwen’s voice was too beautiful. I sighed. “I’m going to change the name.”
“Oh.”
“The theme too. Something…else.” There were too many memories now. It all had to end. There was no need trying to save the place’s theme or the woman. Both had been lost to me long ago.
“What are you thinking?” Gwen asked.
“I don’t know yet. We can play with your idea of New Orleans cuisine and traditional French dishes.”
Those lovely eyes brightened. “I like that.”
“Of course, we can find a way to include the teriyaki croissants.”
“Oh.” She stirred. “Are you sure we need to keep them?”
“It would be for the hard-core customers that have been here from the beginning. We don’t want to lose the core base—”
“I…I’m not sure there were any fans of the teriyaki croissants.”
I shrugged. “Maybe a few people?”
“Actually, our yelp review score is the lowest in Paris with many of the reviewers saying they wouldn’t come back due to the croissants.”
“Well, we will figure something out.”
Police sounded off in the distance.
Sirens came next.
“Paris has been wilding out this morning.” She hugged herself. “We’ve got this terrorist running around the city. Did you hear about the shooting at that one hotel? They almost caught him.”
“That’s crazy.”
“And then some sicko stole a family of lions from the zoo. Not that the police have time to find the lions, when they’re searching for the terrorist.”
Lions from the zoo? What are the chances that it’s only a funny coincidence?
Jean-Pierre called from the front. “Rafael, we should go!”
Jesus Christ, man.
“Don’t worry about any of that. Paris will always be fine.” I pulled out my phone. “What’s your number? I’ll call you, and my number will be in yours. If you ever get scared or are in danger, call me. I’ll be there. In fact. . . let’s close down the restaurant for a few days.”
I planned to have Louis put some men on Gwen later. One never knew what could happen in the next couple of days. Kazimir knew the restaurant. He could try to attack my staff.
“Are you sure?” She blinked.
“Yes.”
“Thank you. That’s really nice.” For some reason she looked sad, or disappointed as she gave me the numbers.
I dialed her phone. It rang off near the supply room. Once it rang three times, I turned the phone off and stared at her. “What happened to that smile?”
“I…well. . .it’s not a big deal.”
“Go ahead.”
“I understand this is your business, so you have a right to make decisions, especially on a day like today. It’s just that I needed those extra hours this week to make the rent. My sister and her little son are living with me. I’m kind of taking care of everybody.”
My interests peaked even more. A family girl with a big heart, struggling to survive and doing it all with a smile. This would be a change from the women I usually met. While she had the body type I loved: curves and a fat ass for days, hips that would make my cock sing and breasts to lick and nipples to suck, her heart would be the thing that would trap me.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. The thought made me nervous. I’d just put myself out there with one woman. I’d made a fool of myself in front of everyone for years. Even the restaurant was a symbol of the stupidity of it all.
Who cares? I want to fuck this one. I like her smell. I like her voice. I like the way she helps her family. I like the way she cooks.
“I’m sorry we never met before.” I extended my hand. “I’ll be regretting that for a while.”
“That’s fine.” She took mine. “I’m sure you’ve been busy.”
Warmth surrounded my fingers. I could’ve stayed in my kitchen all day and just held her hand.
“Don’t worry about the money.” I kept my hold, not ready to let go. “The restaurant will be closed, but you’ll be paid. In fact, I believe you need a raise.”
“Wow. Thank you.”
“You’ve been getting people in here. You’re the one filling the seats. You’ve done more, than I ever have. You deserve it.” I let go of her hand.
“Thank you so much. That means a lot to me. I really think Shalimar’s is a fun place and can be even better. I’m committed to working with you on your dream.”