everyone. Her brother says she is shy… but the Mirabella I know hasn’t acted nervous.
She laid it all out there for me like an open book.
Damn, I want to spend the rest of my life reading each of her pages. Learning every single detail, savoring her words. I want to know her by heart.
When I get home, I make a point to tidy my penthouse up. If the night goes as planned, maybe we’ll end up back here talking till dawn. I text my sister Lucia, not expecting her to answer — she’s always busy at the farm where she works.
Me: Hey… I need dating advice.
Lucia: WAIT, WHAT? MY BACH4LIFE BRO IS DATING?? WHO IS THIS UNICORN?
I chuckle, typing back.
Me: Unicorn is right. I think she’s the one.
Lucia: And I’m just hearing about her?
Me: Well, we met yesterday.
Lucia: If you could see me, you’d know I was rolling my eyes. I’ll believe this when I see you giving her Grandma Angelina’s diamond ring.
I run a hand over my jaw… my sister has no idea. I have plans for the ring. Big ones.
Me: The photo will be coming shortly. Be on the lookout.
Lucia: Wait. Are you for reals?
Me: Yes. Her name is Mirabella and she’s… she’s special.
Lucia: Do you want to talk?
Me: No. I just need advice. Should I ask her brother for her hand in like, marriage?
Lucia: No. This is 2020.
Me: FYI, I expect whoever you date to ask me permission.
Lucia: You are so weird.
Me: Love you too.
Lucia: Well, good luck tonight. And yes, that is sarcasm. Maybe sleep on it before you pop the question.
Me: You know I always listen to my sister’s advice. Will do.
I slide my phone in my pocket, feeling oddly at peace with things. I may be jumping the gun here… but maybe not. Maybe there are crazier things than meeting the girl you are going to spend the rest of your life with.
Once I get to Angelina’s, I park in my reserved spot and head through the back kitchen, clapping my head chef on the back.
“Lucia sent some gorgeous tomatoes over this afternoon,” he tells me. And I check them out, reminding myself to thank my sister for always making sure our produce from Nettle Bank Farm is top notch.
I check in with my right-hand man, Lukas — the floor manager. “The back room will be all ready for you at eight o’clock, boss,” he tells me.
The next few hours fly by. I’m on the floor, checking in with the sommelier when he has a question about a new wine, making sure our regulars are happy and that the kitchen isn’t falling behind.
I own this restaurant. It’s my pride and joy. And I can’t wait to show it off to Mirabella tonight.
Mirabella
I change my clothes four times. This isn’t any old date. It’s the date. The date of my life. Well, technically the only date of my life — but more importantly, it’s a date with Matt. A man whose last name I don’t know, but whose eyes I’ve already memorized.
“I don’t understand. You want to go out with this guy?” Tony is scowling. “In that?”
“In this?” I look down at myself. I have on a fit and flare peach-colored dress that hits above my knees and simple, black three-inch heels. Nothing flashy or showy… though the dress does hug my body perfectly and the neckline is flattering… and clearly Tony disapproves.
“He is gonna get the wrong idea,” Tony says with a frown.
I smirk, grabbing my purse. “The thing is, Tony, this is my life. My body. I get to decide what idea I’m offering up. And frankly, it’s none of your business.”
Tony’s eyes go wide. I never, ever am so blunt or direct. I always nod, say yes, please and thank you, and I’m over it. He thinks I keep everything bottled up, but I feel ready to throw the damn bottle across the room and let it break. If there is a man worthy of my love, he won’t be scared by what is scattered amid the broken glass. In fact, a man deserving of my love won’t mind bleeding a bit in order to hold my heart forever.
I leave the apartment, my heels clicking against the stairs in a satisfying way, and I order an Uber to take me to the fanciest Italian restaurant in town. When I pull up to Angelica’s, my heart flip-flops. I kissed Matt earlier… and yet I know next to nothing about him. I need this