will toward her, other than the nasty looks she’s given me. But there’s something about her that sets me on edge.
“Of course not,” I force the words out. “The more, the merrier.”
We take our seats and the waitress immediately approaches for our drink orders. After she leaves, Allison turns to me, her eyes lit with curiosity.
“So, tell me, how exactly did you meet my brother.”
I laugh. “Right to the point, huh?”
She shrugs, but grins.
“He hasn’t told you?”
Her eyes roll heavenward before settling back on me. “No. You know men. They neglect all the details. He only said your best friend and James were getting married.”
A smirk tips my lips up, because she’s certainly right. Men are horrible storytellers when it comes to relationships. But then again, I’m not so sure I want to disclose how Enzo and I met. How do you tell the sister of the guy you’re seeing you met as a one-night stand? I highly doubt she wants those details.
“We met at one of the downtown bars several weeks ago,” I say vaguely.
“And?” Her eyes dance, begging for more. “Don’t stop now. Was it love at first sight?”
Her words give me pause. It may not have been love at first sight in the beginning, but it’s definitely developed into something more than the intense lust at first sight I initially felt. I’m not sure I’d label it love, but it’s definitely headed that way. At least for me.
That thought scares the crap out of me. It would be so easy to fall in love with Enzo. Which means it would be so easy for him to break my heart.
Luckily, the waitress picks that moment to bring our drinks, stalling my answer. Since the three of us have eaten here before, we all know what we want without looking at the menu. As soon as the waitress walks off again with our lunch orders, I change the subject.
“So, I know you’re a nurse at the hospital, but I don’t know what department.”
She peels the paper from her straw and sticks it in her glass. “The level one well-baby nursery.”
Why am I not surprised by her answer? Allison has a sweet and caring vibe that just oozes off her.
“I bet that’s an exciting job. Seeing all the new babies come in.”
She smiles brightly. “It’s amazing. I adore my job, but it’s killer on my biological clock.” She giggles. “I have major baby fever.”
I laugh with her. “I can imagine.”
“Now if I can only find the right man for the job.” She sighs wistfully.
“The perfect man will come along.”
“Heidi’s already found her perfect man.” She smirks as she slides her eyes to her best friend. “But she’s being mean and not telling me who it is.”
Heidi’s gaze flickers to me briefly before going back to Allison. “I’ve already told you. I don’t want to jinx it.”
“But what if he’s some jerk? I can’t let my best friend be with an asshole. I need to meet him and determine if he’s good enough for you.”
She pats Allison’s hand. “I’ll tell you soon enough. And I promise you’re going to love him.”
I eye the woman suspiciously. What the hell is she playing at? She can’t possibly be thinking of Enzo. Not that I’m so confident that I don’t believe he would choose me over Heidi, but from her and Allison’s conversation, she seems sure her and the mystery man will work out. Maybe I was wrong about her and she’s not after Enzo. Maybe she’s just a natural bitch and something about me set her off. Or maybe she’s protective of Enzo like Allison hinted at when I first arrived.
What if I’ve judged the woman too harshly? I’m not typically so critical of people, so my feelings toward her are unlike me.
The waitress comes back with our orders and for the next several minutes we’re quiet. I cut off a bite of my gravy smothered country fried steak and pop it in my mouth. I moan and barely resist the urge to roll my eyes in delight. Country fried steak is one of my favorite meals here at Mary Bea’s, but it tastes exceptionally good today.
I glance up at Allison’s giggle. My lips tug up at the corners at her amused look.
“Sorry. Either I’m really hungry, or this steak is really freaking good.”
“It’s the steak. Mary Bea makes the best.” She twirls some spaghetti with her fork and deposits it in her mouth. “But her spaghetti is to die for.” To prove