Page 14 of Unrelenting
“I see.” Perhaps I need to have Bruno here whenever the restaurant is open. “Does that happen often?”
Stefan shakes his head. “Only the second time I’ve seen an altercation turn physical, and I’ve been here three years.”
Clearly desperate to get on with his job, he presents the wine to me, showing me the label.
I nod, and he uncorks the bottle before pouring a little into a glass for me to taste. I oblige by taking a small sip.
“That’s perfect.”
“Very good,signore.” He pours my wine and glances at me for permission before filling Olivia’s glass as well. Then he places the bottle on the table.
As he turns to leave, I call out to him. “Stefan.”
“Signore?”
“Why haven’t I seen you at my vineyard? Every other sommelier within a hundred-mile radius has come out to sample our wine.”
He sighs regretfully. “Signorina Lazaro makes all the decisions about the wine we carry. She prefers to deal with the same producers her grandmother did.”
There’s disapproval of Lucia’s management in his tone that makes me want to test his loyalty. I don’t like the thought of people working for her who don’t fully support her.
“You know, I have a vacancy coming up at the vineyard for an experienced sommelier.” It’s actually true. I’m planning to offer a fine-dining experience in one of the empty rooms beside my coffee shop and restaurant. “Would you consider taking the position? You’d be generously compensated and have full control over our wine list.”
Stefan’s eyes widen. He gives it only a moment’s thought before shaking his head. “It would be an honor, of course, but Signorina Lazaro has been good to me. I won’t leave her.”
“Of course.”
As Stefan walks off, Olivia sends me a puzzled look. “You’re trying to poach your girlfriend’s staff?”
“Lucia is not my girlfriend.” I hate that juvenile term. “And I wasn’t trying to poach him.”
“Ah, you were testing his loyalty to her.” Olivia is more astute than most people give her credit for.
“Yes, and he passed with flying colors.”
“Or he’s hoping you’ll come back with a huge salary offer he can’t refuse.”
I glare at Olivia, hating that she might be right. Perhaps the man isn’t entirely loyal to Lucia. I consider calling Stefan back to try to tempt him.
“Don’t do it.” Olivia reads my mind. “She won’t thank you for playing with her staff.”
Before I can respond, the kitchen door flies open with such force everyone turns to see what’s happening.
Lucia storms out, carrying a platter of steak, and makes a beeline for our table. Anger emanates from every pore as she sets the plate down with a clatter and glares at Olivia.
Angelina follows a moment later with the potatoes and spinach I ordered. She puts them on the table and beats a hasty retreat. Sensible girl.
“Signore Volante.” Lucia spits out my name. “It’s a pleasure to have you and your companion in the restaurant tonight.”
My eyes widen at the vitriol in her voice. This is an unexpected, but not unwelcome, development. My little kitten is seething with jealousy.
“Thank you,” I reply placidly. “My companion and I are looking forward to our meal.”
Lucia’s jaw clenches so hard I fear she’ll break a tooth. I grin, enjoying her reaction immensely.
By the time I dropped her off at her apartment on Thursday night, her manner toward me was distinctly cool. She didn’t argue with me about having someone to protect her, but I could tell she wasn’t happy with my decision. She didn’t make plans to see me again, and her goodbye was definitely supposed to sound final.
Now, seeing me with another woman, she’s struggling to contain the anger inside her.
