Page 168 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

She should perhaps have been proud of her own restraint, but instead, in the hours that had passed, her regret at declining Dante’s offer had increased tenfold.

Perhaps it was for the best, Susie mused now as she waited on tables. She had absolutely nothing suitable to wear for dinner with someone as sophisticated as Dante, and certainly nothing daringly unsuitable in the underwear department...

The thought of one night, no strings, might have appalled her once upon a time—but that was before she met Dante...

Right now, she ached for that one night.

There were a lot of shouts and a lot of laughter in the kitchen. It would seem Cucou was in great spirits tonight. She felt like a cat out in the rain, peering in as she collected some orders.

‘Hey, Susie,’ called Nico, one of the pastry chefs. ‘Cucou said you have a twin.’

‘No!’ Cucou laughed. ‘Not Susie.’

Not Susie.

That should be stencilled on her forehead.

Chiselled on her grave.

Not boring, plain old Susie...

And then everything changed. Or rather, life got interesting.

‘Signor Casadio.’

She looked up at Pedro’s effusive greeting—he was clearly thrilled to have Gio back in the restaurant. ‘We have missed you,’ he said to the elderly gentleman, and then he nodded to his stunning companion.‘Signor.’

‘Pedro.’ Dante nodded, and then his eyes skimmed past Pedro, and somehow, in a room full of people and noise and all things wonderful, he found her.

Thankfully she didn’t have to wait on his table, or the gorgeous pale grey linen shirt he wore might have become the worse for wear.

Instead, she waited on her regular tables, chatting to the guests, trying out her Italian.

She never caught him looking at her, it was absolutely subtle, but she had never felt so aware. She was certain he noted her every move, heard her every word—and then, of course, Gio saw her.

‘Susie!’ He half stood to greet her. ‘It is so good to see you here. So nice to be out.’

‘It’s lovely to see you too, Gio.’ Susie smiled.

‘He wanted to go elsewhere.’ Gio gestured towards Dante. ‘He said I must surely have eaten enough food from Pearla’s.’

‘Oh!’ She smiled, and raised her eyes a fraction. ‘That’s disappointing to hear.’ From the corner of her eye she saw Dante’s wry smile at the riposte, aimed at him, then her words were all for Gio. ‘Well, we’re all thrilled you chose to visit us.’

Should she be disappointed that Dante hadn’t wanted to come here tonight?

It didn’t feel that way—not in the least.

Perhaps his arrogant pridehadbeen a little dented?

She chose to think of it that way, and happily got on with her work.

She was clearing a table of plates, and busy wishing she was doing something else. Shaking a cocktail—or even carrying one. Instead she passed Dante with an armful of crockery.

‘Break, Susie,’ Pedro said, and she nodded.

‘Scusi...’

Dante had put up a hand, and though the table was not her own, she of course had to go over.