I asked around for places I should hit up tonight, and it was unanimous. Everyone said I needed to check out the new Cajun restaurant around the corner. Which, as it turns out, is where Trey had made my reservation. It’s already getting pretty good reviews. I even called my food critic uncle to ask where he would recommend.

“Go to Canaille. I want your impression. It’s on my list for the food and wine expo. Take notes on the wait staff and the food.”

“How is that going to help you?”

“I trust your opinion, Calla. And you know how everyone acts when they see me walk in the door. This way I can see if they know those in the industry, and how they treat their peers.”

“You know that’s just wrong,” I tell him.

“They don’t call me the Grim Reaper for nothing,” my uncle quips.

“If they only knew.”

He chuckles.

“So, considering my food has been lacking lately, are you coming to Belladonna?” I ask.

“I am.” His tone is somber. “No matter what happens, you know I support you, right?”

“Yes, I know. It’s not your fault I can’t shake this funk. Thankfully, I have Trey and Wes.”

“Calla, you can’t keep letting them carry you. You’re better than that, my dear.”

“I know, Uncle Chris. I’m hoping to get my confidence back, and soon. The guys made me take the day off, and they’re the reason I’m going to Canaille tonight. Plus, after my run this morning, and now that we have Ella, Forest’s daughter, I’ve decided I want to make some big changes at Belladonna. I don’t want anything left in the restaurant that Torrance even remotely had a hand in. So when you come in, I’m hoping to already have a few things implemented, if not have everything completely changed.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see what you do,” he adds.

“Me too, Uncle Chris. I need to go. I have a few things to finish up before I go out tonight. Love you. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye, sweetheart.” The call ends, as I pull into the garage.

I grab my bags off the passenger seat and my phone out of its holder before heading into my building. Once inside, I opt for the stairs instead of the elevator, unlike this morning. On the way up, I mentally run through everything I need to finish before I head out for the night.

Shit! I don’t even know what time my reservation is. Not to mention, I’ll need a ride home tonight so I can give Trey his car back.

The door to my floor opens, as I am just about to push it.

“Oh.” I shift slightly, as the man holding the door startles me.

“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t think anyone used the stairwell,” the man remarks.

He is a couple inches short of six-feet, with light brown hair, stunning pale green eyes, and scruff. The man is maybe thirty, but I highly doubt that.

“I’m probably the only one that does. Did you just move in?” I wonder.

“No, I’m just here visiting. Do you need help?” he asks, finally stepping aside and keeping the door open for me.

“Cool. No, thank you. You’re doing enough by holding the door. Thanks.” I step through the door and take a step toward my loft ,when he stops me with his next comment.

“By the way, my name is Jason. Just in case I see you around again.” He holds out his hand.

“Calla,” I reply.

With my free hand, I shake his. A door opens about three doors down, and a woman sticks her head out.

“Jason, what are you doing? I thought you had to be somewhere?” The woman has her hands on her hips as she glares at us.

“It was good to meet you, Jason. Thanks for holding the door.” I smile at him briefly and head to my loft.

The chick glares at me as I walk past, and I chuckle the whole time. At my door, I glance back to see what might happen between them, only to see the guy slip out the door into the stairwell. The woman slams her door, muttering.

In my entryway, I drop my bags and kick off my boots before moving around the loft to set up my laptop. Facing the cityscape, I open my computer on the coffee table, pull up the programs I use for making orders, and finish the last little bit of work I have left for today. Twenty minutes later, I have everything ordered for the weekend and for Tuesday.

I close out of the programs, shut down my laptop, and fall back into the leather couch, slouching.

Where’s Bagheera?

I scan the parts of the room I can see without having to move. The black furball is curled up on a pillow next to the window, sunbathing.

“Why didn’t the guys schedule me for an afternoon in the sun instead of going out? And knowing my luck, they’ll want me to go to a club, too! They’re going to be the fucking death of me.” I pull on my ponytail.

“Fuck. I forgot to call Trey about the reservation. Damn Jason and his girl.”

I feel around for my phone but can’t find it. So I drag myself off the couch and head for the front door, where I’d dropped my purse.

I grab all the bags off the floor and head down the hall to my bedroom. Once in my room, I toss everything on the bed and dig in my small purse for the phone.

Phone in hand, I dial.

“What do you need, Darlin’?” comes Trey’s deep voice.

I can picture his athletic frame standing at one of the stations, telling the staff to shut the hell up as he answered the phone.

“It could be due to my lack of brain cells, but I don’t remember you telling me when my reservation is?”

“Oh, shit! I actually don’t think I told you. Let me check. Wes, what time did we set up the dinner for Calla?” Even though his voice is slightly muffled, I can tell he is yelling across the kitchen.

“Calla, be there at six thirty. We think the reservation is at seven. Try everything on the menu. We already settled the bill. This was originally to persuade you to want to make some changes, but that’s out the window since you already want to start making them,” he quips.

“Yes, well, it only took a year. Anyway, I’ll be there early just to be on the safe side, since I need to bring back your car.” I unbutton my jeans, which causes a rustling over the phone.

“What are you doing?” he asks.

“Undressing, so I can shower again and put on makeup. Joy.”

“I can’t wait until you’re all dolled up. After work, we’re all going to a bar on 7^th. I better see you there. I want to see this dress you love to hate.” He chuckles.

“I don’t want to stay out too late. And you know I despise crowds. I don’t need strangers grinding up against me. And don't start on me about Rex’s place. I only go there because it's his, and he knows it.” I tap my foot, even though he can’t see it. “I’ll be there just to make a point. Then I’m out and coming home to sleep.”

“Only if we let you. Go get your shower, snack, and get ready. I’ll see you tonight. Gotta go, Darlin’. Not sure if Wes is about to kill one of the staff or not. We got some disturbing news today.”

“What happened?” I demand.

“We will talk about those details in a few days. We are not talking about that situation right now.”

“Trey! What the fuck happened? This is exactly why I don’t take time off!”

“Torrance happened. Now, we will talk details on another day. Stop obsessing.”

“Fine.” I cock my hip and begin tapping my foot again. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Calla, Darlin’, you will have fun. Promise. And if you don’t, I won’t force you to go out again.”

“Don’t you dare lie. You know damn well you’ll try again. The guys will make sure of it. Now let me get a snack and get ready.”

“You need five hours to get ready?” He sounds amazed.

“No. I need five hours to mentally prepare myself for this outing. I may take a nap,” I respond.

We say our goodbyes, and my stomach starts to growl. My shower can wait. I need food. I stroll out of my room to the kitchen. I pull out my notepad and pencil that I keep handy then get to work making my snack. I decide to make a grilled sharp-white cheddar sandwich.

When I finish cooking, I stand in the kitchen and quickly eat my grilled-cheese, while making notes on the cheese, the time it took to cook, and other ideas for different comfort foods I might want to add to Belladonna’s menu. Then I glance at my watch.

Well, hell. That only took thirty minutes. I think I will take a nap.

I walk toward the couch, grab a blanket off the back, and curl up on one side of my soft leather sofa.

“Baggie, come here baby,” I call.

He saunters over and cuddles up next to me. I sleep for two and a half hours, and for the first time in a year, my sleep is restful, and I wake up refreshed.