Page 112 of The Boss Upstairs
“So she knows about us?”
“Of course she does. She’s no dummy,” I point out. “I swear I didn’t tell her a thing.”
He smiles. “I believe you.” He dips his head again. “I think I’ll have the seafood pasta. What would you like as an appetizer?”
“I love calamari,” I say. “But anything—”
“Calamari, it is then.”
“Great.”
“How about wine? Do you like Shiraz?”
“Love it actually.”
“Wow, you really are easy.”
We both enjoy the appetizer and the conversation. It’s mostly about work and Rosetta’s antics. We also chat about our kids.
“I love Ethan,” he says. “He’s such a sweet boy.”
“Thank you. I’m proud of him.”
“You’ve done a wonderful job with him,” he goes on. “And I’m not just saying that. I’m not one to offer insincere compliments. He’s so kind and smart. I was watching him eat his snack when I picked you up, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was dipping his nacho into the guacamole. Didn’t spill a drop. I’ve never seen a two-year old do that before.”
I laugh. “Yes, he loves guacamole. It’s good for him.”
“I would love for the three of us to do something fun together,” he says. “Like the zoo or the aquarium.”
“He would love that!”
He smiles. “I would love that too. I’ll look into it, and let you know.”
“Thank you.”
He rakes a hand through his hair, a sexy habit of his. “He’s beautiful, but he looks nothing like you.”
True. “Yes, he’s all Donovan.”
He reaches for his wine. “Is that difficult for you? Seeing Donovan in him every day?”
“On the contrary,” I say. “It’s a blessing. I get to keep a small bit of Donovan. I get to see him every day in Ethan’s eyes, in his smile.”
Weston is teary-eyed. He shakes his head. “That’s beautifully put, Gretchen.”
“Here are your entrées,” the server announces. “Looks delicious, doesn’t it?”
Weston clears his area, and she presents him with his seafood pasta. “Careful… it’s very hot.”
Next, she sets down my plate, and my mouth actually salivates. The veal is beautifully displayed, but it won’t be there long. I’m famished.
“You need anything else?” she asks.
“Uh… no. I think we’re fine,” Weston offers.
“Yes, thank you,” I agree.
“Enjoy!” she says, and quickly disappears.
