Kate
As promised, Tony and I are meeting Kendall for brunch. She’s agreed to meet us at Le Pescadeux on Thompson Street. It’s a cute little French bistro and it serves brunch until three in the afternoon. Tony suggested we bring Jasper to get him out of the apartment and away from surveillance for a bit. I agreed, thinking it might take some of Kendall’s attention off of me and Tony. I’m sure she’s going to make endless comments about us.
We arrive shortly before noon. Kendall is nowhere to be found. I can’t say I’m surprised. If that girl were on time anywhere, it would be amazing. I suggested we take a seat outside, but Jasper thought it better to be inside—something about the chance of showers.
The owner immediately greets and ushers us to a table in the middle of the room. Jasper declined and asked if we could sit in a corner against a wall. Honestly, I was getting a little annoyed. Tony shrugged it off as being Jasper. He looks for safe spots to sit everywhere he goes. Apparently, Jasper likes to have good sight lines of all the exits and windows. It’s part of his training.
The owner, Chuck, is in his early sixties, with gray, thinning hair. He’s tall; I’d guess about six-foot-four. Per Jasper’s request, he takes us to a table in the back corner and pulls my chair out for me.
“It’s so good to see you. How’s your father doing?”
My father and Chuck have been friends since I was a little girl. When he heard that I became a food critic, he asked me to do a piece on his restaurant. It’s the only restaurant he owns, and he wanted some publicity. Reluctantly, I agreed. I typically don’t like to mix family friends with business, but I ended up writing a piece in the New York Dining magazine. As a result of my exposure, his business picked up significantly, and he now has one of the most successful restaurants in SoHo.
“He’s well. I believe Daddy’s going to open a new restaurant at the end of the month.” I smile and give Chuck a kiss on the cheek. He grew up in France and is accustomed to the kiss on the cheek greeting.
“Where does your dad get all that time and energy? It seems like he just opened a new one.”
I nod. “He did about two months ago, upstate. My brother has taken the reins and is now working side-by-side with Daddy. I think he’s priming David to take over the company.”
Chuck smiles as he hands us the menus. “Good for him. Maybe then Charles Anderson can take a much-needed vacation.”
“From your mouth to God’s ears. Although I can’t imagine Daddy ever slowing down.”
Chuck laughs. “I think you’re right, but perhaps your mom might have something to say about that. She can be very persistent when she wants something.” Chuck glances over at Tony, and I become aware that I haven’t introduced anyone.
“I’m so sorry. This is my boyfriend, Tony, and his friend, Jasper.” I point to each of them as I call their names. “Chuck owns this restaurant and has been a longtime family friend.” As everyone exchanges pleasantries, Kendall whisks through the door, attracting everyone’s attention. Her long red locks flow down her back with a large tendril strategically placed over her shoulder. I recognize this look. It’s her sexy I-want-all-eyes-on-me style. I gaze down to her outfit. She’s wearing a navy vertical striped spaghetti-strapped sundress with Jimmy Choo heels. She’s absolutely stunning. That’s my Kendall. She believes first impressions are everything, and she’s made sure to knock ’em dead today.
Chuck pulls a chair out for Kendall. He doesn’t need an introduction, as she’s come here with me many times, and I think he may fancy her just a bit.
“Right on time as usual.” I stand up and embrace Kendall in a hug.
“What? I’m only ten minutes late. By my accounts, that’s right on time.” Kendall smiles coyly and takes a look at the guys across the table. Her eyes widen, and I know she sees something she’d like to dig her fingernails into. For a second, a pang of jealousy forms in my stomach. I’m secure enough with myself to know I’m attractive in my own right. But there’s something about Kendall that exudes sex appeal, and I imagine she’s a fantasy for most guys.
I introduce her to Tony first. He stands up and politely shakes her hand and then returns his attention to me, winks, and provides me with that smile that makes me just want to rip his clothes off. My heart skips a beat as I swallow hard in an attempt to regain my composure.
“And, this is Jasper.” Jasper takes Kendall’s hand in his and kisses the top of it. Her cheeks instantly flush, and she giggles like a little school girl.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you…” She holds her attention on Jasper just a little bit longer than necessary before directing her gaze at Tony. “Both.” Kendall sits in the chair Chuck has pulled out and tucks her hands under her chin.
Oh my. She’s hot for Jasper. I should’ve known the tattooed bad boy would grab her attention. It drives her dad nuts when she brings home guys like Jasper. I think that’s why she does it.
“So, ladies, will you be having the usual mimosas?” I nod. The great thing about the brunch at this place is the all you can drink mimosas or Bloody Marys. Kendall and I have spent many weekends imbibing until late in the afternoon. Tony and Jasper look over the menu and decide on the Bloody Marys.
I glance over at Kendall. She has a quirky grin on her face. Something is going through that girl’s head, and I’m not sure I’m going to like what it is. She smiles at me and directs her attention to Jasper.
“Katherine didn’t mention that we’d have an additional guest here. Tell me a little about yourself. How do you and Tony know each other?”
Jasper pretty much went through the same spiel that Tony gave me when I was first introduced to Jasper in the bar.
“I see. So, you protect people. Can I hire you to be my bodyguard?”
Oh no she didn’t! Kendall literally just batted her eyelashes at Jasper. Tony is going to wonder what kind of people I hang out with. I glance at Tony, who rolls his eyes. He seems as irritated as I am, but Jasper is eating this up.
I clear my throat in an attempt to distract Kendall. “So what are your plans for the rest of the day?”
Kendall ignores me for what seems like forever before she finally responds. “I have none. I was just going to play it by ear and see how brunch went. I’d never pass up an opportunity to spend time with my bestie.”
I grit my teeth. Kendall’s behavior is nauseating. I hate this fake side of her. When it’s just the two of us, she’s fun to be around, but throw in a guy and she turns into someone unrecognizable.
“Tony and I have dinner plans. I’m going to take him to Champagne.” One look at Kendall and I know I’ve said something that’s going to trigger the more serious side.
Kendall gazes over at Tony and her look is shooting daggers. I’m surprised it has taken her this long to pay him any attention. I hold my breath, fearful of what’s about to come out of her mouth.
“So, Tony…what are your intentions with my friend? You caused her a tremendous amount of heartache while she waited a year for you to show yourself. Katherine wouldn’t talk to anyone for a while. She’s become an entirely different person because of you. She’s become Kate. I’m having to establish my friendship all over again and find out who this new woman is. She doesn’t even like to shop anymore!”
Jesus. She didn’t really just say all that. Couldn’t she have waited at least until their second encounter? I close my eyes and take a deep breath through my nose. I try some Zen breathing to calm the nerves that are beginning to roar to life.
I open my eyes. Tony has straightened his posture and is smiling at me. All at once, my worries melt away. Tony’s fine, and he’s going to handle this.
“You have every right to be concerned about Kate. I can assure you that I’d never do anything to harm her. I love her, and I’ll spend the rest of my days trying to ensure she’s safe, to make up for what’s happened to her including my long and unfortunate absence.”
Kendall doesn’t look convinced. “So how do you plan on providing for my friend? It’s come to my attention that you don’t work and yet you live with her. Were you hoping to get a free ride?”
Tony takes a hold of my hand and gently squeezes it. “I assure you I have more than adequate means to care for Kate in the fashion she’s become accustomed to.”
Tony is better than anything I could’ve imagined. A sense of relief washes over me.
Kendall looks down her nose at Tony. “I’ll have to take your word for it now, but if you do anything to upset her, I promise you’ll have me to deal with.”
Um, hello. I’m right here.
Tony leans down and kisses my hand. “I’m glad my beautiful Kate has a friend like you who is so protective of her. It appears as though we have something in common.”
Kendall’s squared shoulders relax, retreating from battle. Tony clearly said what she was hoping to hear. She smiles, and within seconds the charming Kendall is back. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, how about we enjoy the rest of this meal with one another? Shall we?” Kendall picks up her menu and begins to peruse it.
I glance at Tony, who winks and smiles at me. The way he stares at me is almost as if he’s looking right through me and deep into my soul. I love this man. He’d do anything for me and he’s all in. I never had that sort of reassurance or contentment when Mike was around. This feels good.
Tony continues to hold my hand as he looks over the menu. “What should I order?”
His accent still makes me giddy. There’s just something about an accent that drives me wild. I already want to take him back to the apartment and have him all to myself. “You can’t go wrong with the eggs benedict. The French toast is also very good.”
“How about the oysters?”
I look up at the sky and contemplate the menu. “You know, I’ve never had them. I typically just order the breakfast items.”
“Well, I think it’s high time you tried them. I’ll have those and the lumberjack deux.” Tony puts down his menu and picks up the Bloody Mary that has just been delivered to the table.
“Seriously? You’re going to have oysters and breakfast food?” I’m already kind of grossed out by this. I don’t like to mix up my meals.
Tony looks at me with his brow crinkled. Damn, he’s so cute when he does that.
“Sure, why not? You have salmon on your bagel. What’s the difference?”
I ponder what he says. Tony is absolutely correct. Still, it just doesn’t seem appetizing to me.
“Come on, Kate. Live a little. Try something new. Isn’t that what a food critic is supposed to do?”
He has me there. Tony used the food critic card. How does this man know me so well?
The waiter comes to the table and takes our order. I don’t pay any attention to what anyone else gets. I can just hear Tony’s words in the back of my head. Live a little. That’s what I was starting to do in Italy. I was becoming the carefree Kate that was trapped inside my old woman’s body. That’s why I moved to SoHo. I wanted to become more relaxed. Lately, it seems I’ve resorted to my old ways. I’ve got to change that.
“I’ll take Betty’s burger with bacon, please.” I hand the menu to the waiter, and I look up at my friends. Kendall and Tony are staring at me wide-eyed.
“What? You said I needed to live a little.” I smile the shit-eating grin I save for special occasions.
Kendall is about to fall out of her seat. “You’ve only ever ordered breakfast here. It’s your routine. It’s what we do. You can’t go changing it up now.”
God, she can be so dramatic.
“It’s not that big of a deal. I feel like a hamburger.”
“Yeah, but you put bacon on it. You never add bacon to a burger. What have you done with my friend?”
I roll my eyes. She’s getting a little carried away. “Okay, relax. Can we just enjoy this and quit analyzing Kate? Poor Jasper must think we’re nuts.” I gesture toward Jasper and notice he’s already downed half of his Bloody.
“I take it you have the day off from security detail.” I motion toward the glass that he’s just put to his mouth, which is almost empty.
He empties the red liquid and sets down the glass before motioning to the waiter for more. “Yeah. Tony convinced me to take a day off and come out of my man cave. A few of my men arrived in town last week, and they’re taking over for today. I hope you don’t mind if I have another. It feels good being able to let loose.”
How can I fault a man for having a couple of drinks on a weekend when he’s been working like a dog? “Help yourself. They’re unlimited for a reason. You might as well get your money’s worth.”
Jasper holds up the newly refreshed beverage. “Cheers to that!”
The rest of the brunch went well. We all left a little tipsy. Who am I kidding? Kendall and I were definitely feeling no pain. Kendall and Jasper decided to visit the Statue of Liberty since he’d never seen it before. Tony and I said our goodbyes. He put his arm around my waist and led us back to our apartment.