Page 52 of Savoring Christmas
“These are for table three.” Mia slid the finished plates toward him.
“Excellent.” He gathered the plates with practiced ease before heading back toward the dining room. “There’s only one more table left besides four and they’re enjoying espressos and dessert but should be leaving soon. Samuel will be back with the sleigh to get them. He’s dropping table six back to their car first.”
“As usual, you’ve run everything perfectly,” Mia said.
“Table six said to tell you that it was a meal to remember,” Remi said. “It was their mother’s eightieth birthday.”
“How lovely of them.”
Remi cocked his head to the right, studying her. “You’ve been in a particularly buoyant mood this evening. Are the rumors in town true? You and hunky Logan Hayes are dating?”
She shrugged as a blush bloomed in her cheeks. “Something like that.”
“I’m delighted for you. It’s about time you decided to live again.”
“I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Thanks for being here for me.”
“Where else would I be that would be better than here?” Remi asked. “We’re living in a magical place.”
“That seems to be so.”
He gathered the plates with practiced ease before heading back toward the dining room.
She smiled as she glanced around her kitchen. When she’d first opened Mia’s, she’d felt as if she had made a huge step back in her career. The kitchen was small, with exposed brick walls, sleek black cabinetry and open shelving displaying neat rows of plates, copper pots, and jars of spices. Stainless steel counters gleamed, reflecting the soft light, while the big gas range sent out a low, steady heat. Her long prep table in the center was dusted with the faintest sheen of flour, the surface worn smooth from years of service.
From the dish station came the sound of Evan setting another tray into the washer, steam curling upward as the cycle kicked on again.
When she’d made the changes necessary for a commercial kitchen, she’d wondered if it was a fool’s errand. Would anyone show up? Was service only two nights a week enough to keep the place afloat? Could she really cook the way she wanted in such a small space? But word had spread quickly about the special dining experience at Mia’s, including the sleigh ride in from the parking area and Remi’s excellent service and the excellent food. In hindsight, she shouldn’t have worried so much. She offered an experience people valued. One they chose for their special celebrations, which warmed Mia’s heart.
She wiped her hands on her apron, thankful for another successful night almost complete. Upstairs, Cannoli would be waiting for her to arrive with a few treats for good behavior. Maybe she would text Logan and see if he wanted to join her for brunch in town tomorrow. She hadn’t seen him today at all, and she found she missed him more than she’d thought possible.
“Hello, anyone home?” Logan peeped in through the back door.
Mia’s pulse quickened at the sight of him in a dark coat, snow dusting his shoulders. “What are you doing here?”
“I missed you.” He crossed the kitchen in a few strides, leaning in to brush his lips against hers in a quick, familiar kiss. “Is it okay that I’m back here? Am I breaking a code or anything?”
“Since I own the place, I’m going to say no.” Her heart did its now-familiar flip. “It’s late. What are you doing out?”
“I was out at my parents for a family dinner and I wanted to see you but I couldn’t think of an excuse until Max reminded me about his ugly sweater party Sunday night. He asked if I wanted to bring you, which I most certainly do. If you’d like to go, that is.”
“You had me at ‘ugly sweater.’”
“The sweaters are usually truly hideous. My entire family will be there, trying to outdo one another with the tackiest one. It’s usually loud, especially because the kids will be there, but very fun. Max puts out a great spread and there’s always good wine open.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” She hesitated. “Should we invite Patty and her kids?”
“Already taken care of by my mother.”
“She thinks of everything,” Mia said.
“Absolutely true.” He glanced toward the ceiling as if he’d heard the click of Cannoli’s paws. “Want me to take Cannoli out for a quick break before I go?”
“She’d like that.” Mia reached under the counter to give him a few dog treats. “She’ll especially like to see you with treats in hand.”
“I’m on it.”
He turned to go, but she grabbed his arm, pulling him in for a kiss. “Thanks for coming to see me. You’ve made my night.”
