Page 76 of Seasoned
“What?” Eleanor widened her eyes innocently. “We’re all thinking it, aren’t we?” She looked around the table.
Hector put down his knife and fork and shook his head. “Go ahead and ask, Eleanor.”
“Well, if you insist. Are the two of you getting back together, for good?”
The room fell quiet. Adelaide looked at Hector, and he took her hand.
“Yes. We’ve decided to give marriage another try.”
“Hallelujah!” Eleanor threw up her hands. “You have no idea how invested I was in your marriage. Before Matt and I got married, I told him this is my second marriage and this time I want to do it right. I said I wanted a marriage like yours. Real and loving. I was devastated when you divorced, so I’m glad you’re back together. We have to do drink to that.”
There were big smiles around the table, as well as “Congratulations” and “We’re so happy for you two,” all of which brought a smile to Adelaide’s lips. It was nice to be in the company of her friends again, and even nicer to know how happy they were that she and Hector were reconciling.
Eleanor held up her glass of red wine. “Cheers!”
They all clinked their glasses together.
“Lots of good news tonight,” Martin said. “Might as well tell you all about the third store Hector and I are opening. This one is in Carlsbad.”
“Wait a minute, aren’t you supposed to be retiring to Jamaica, but you’re opening another store?” Jessica asked.
“I still plan to retire if I can get this man right here to buy me out.” He pointed his fork at Hector.
“I want to, believe me. It’s definitely something I’m thinking about.” He glanced at Adelaide beside him, sending a silent message that he hadn’t yet told Martin he’d been approved for the loan. Knowing what a perfectionist he was, she figured he was still crunching numbers and ironing out the details.
“Do you need Adelaide’s permission, is that it?” Eleanor asked mischievously.
“He does not,” Adelaide said. “Don’t start trouble, we just got back together. He’ll make the decision on his own, when the time is right. You know Hector—he’ll sit down with his calculations and turn the numbers over in his head, and then decide.”
Hector slipped his arm along the back of her chair. “Until then, she’s been very supportive. She’s coming with me next week to watch them put the permanent sign on the store.”
“Aww, how sweet. See, that’s what I was talking about when I said I want a marriage like yours. You’re supportive of each other.”
“I’m supportive of you,” Matt said, sounding a little hurt.
“Yes, you are, darling.” Eleanor blew him a kiss. “Everyone is doing so well. Hector and Adelaide reconciled. Hector and Martin opening a new store. Jessica got a promotion, and Adelaide starts classes in the fall.”
“Classes?” Paula said.
“Yes, I start culinary classes in September. I’m going for my diploma from the School of Culinary Arts.”
Eleanor beamed at Adelaide. “She’s going to start catering, and I can’t wait to be her first customer!”
“That’s wonderful!” Paula said.
“I thought you were putting that on hold.” Beside her, Hector’s voice didn’t carry the same enthusiasm as their friends.
“I never said that.”
He slowly removed his arm from the back of her chair, and silence filled the table as they stared at each other.
“Once we’re remarried, when will you have time to cater events? Not to mention you’re going to be helping Danny and Jamie with the baby, aren’t you?”
Adelaide bristled. He was doing it again—squashing her dreams, and this time in front of others. “Actually, I’ll have plenty of time because although I’ll help Danny and Jamie with the baby, the baby is their responsibility, not mine.”
He looked at her. She looked at him.
“More wine?” Eleanor asked cheerily, holding up the bottle.
