Page 10 of Her Guardian
My uncle’s primary clientele is college students from Las Vegas University. The restaurant is within walking distance, the prices are fair, and he offers a discount with a student ID. All of that was my idea when I bankrolled the restaurant for him.
I lead Sarah inside and spot my uncle.
“Wait right here,” I say, motioning to a row of chairs where customers normally wait. “I’ll get us a table.”
Sneaking up on people isn’t usually possible, because of my size, but my uncle is busy yelling at two of his waitresses, so I’m able to walk up behind him without him noticing.
“Uncle Belen!” I roar. “Leave those poor girls alone and get me a table.”
My uncle spins around with a smile on his face. “Boyd, my boy!” He immediately glances back at the waitresses. “Don’t fuck up again. The customer is always right.”
“Y-yes, Mr. Sagona,” they reply, almost in unison, before scurrying away.
“Can’t get good help around here,” Uncle Belen says. “Fucking college kids don’t want to work for shit. Anyway, how’s my favorite nephew?”
“Youronlynephew,” I mutter.
“Yeah, yeah. Semantics,” he laughs. “Table for one? I’ll put you over by the wine bar.”
“Table for two.” I jerk my thumb toward the hot little blonde waiting at the entrance. “I’m babysitting her for the boss.”
My uncle glances in Sarah’s direction, then raises a brow. “She looks a little old for a babysitter, Boyd,” he laughs. “She’s fucking gorgeous. She single? Any chance she likes old Greek men?”
“No fucking clue,” I smirk. “Run out of college girls that need a sugar daddy?”
“Never!” he laughs. “Want to see the pictures?”
“No,” I sigh. “Just a table.”
“Give me a few minutes,” he says, then he turns and yells at one of his waitresses.
I walk back over to Sarah. She’s typing away on her phone, but looks up when I approach. Fucking gorgeous? Hard to argue with that. She’s younger than the girls I normally go for, but I haven’t been with anyone in a while. Being Erica’s bodyguard didn’t leave room for much else, and I’ve been too bitter since everything went to shit.
“We’ll have a table in a few minutes,” I say, glancing at her phone. “Already working on your notes, huh?”
“Yeah, I wanted to get a few things down while everything is still fresh,” she says. “I prefer my laptop, but this will do for now.”
“No names, right?” I question, giving her a stern look.
“No,” she says. “Just stories.”
“Good,” I mutter, then the waitress walks up beside us.
“If you’ll follow me, your table is ready,” she says in a singsong voice that sounds way too sugary sweet for my liking. “I’m Allison. I’ll be taking care of you tonight.”
I follow the waitress with Sarah trailing behind me, still typing on her phone. I really hope she’s following instructions and not taking down anything that could get us both into trouble. I’ll definitely have to review her notes tomorrow and clean them up if there’s anything bothersome.
“Here you are,” Allison says, gesturing to a table. “Mr. Sagona said everything is on the house, so let me know when you’re ready to order. Can I start you off with some drinks?”
“I want a glass of the scotch my uncle keeps in his office,” I say, pointing in the general direction. “She likes fruity drinks, so let her try the Cherry Vyssinatha.” I turn my attention back to Sarah. “Unless you’d rather pick something from the menu.”
“Um,” Sarah replies, doing her adorable head tilt. “That sounds great. I like trying new drinks.”
“Coming right up!” Allison says, then she walks toward the bar.
“I’ve never had Greek food before,” Sarah says, picking up the menu and opening it. “Well, except for the salad. I really like the peppers they put in them. They’re so tangy!”
“Mm, pepperoncini peppers,” I say, nodding in agreement. “You might like the potato salad then. My uncle puts them in that, too.”
