CHAPTER EIGHT - CINDY
“There’s the old pro. How are things going tonight?” Patrick’s tone was light, and I’d noticed that he was in a good mood considering how busy we’d been with the second gala of the season.
As I stopped next to him, I checked to see how much liquor had been served and so far, we were right on track. “Much better than I thought it would be. There have been little to no problems. I just need to keep that record going, and Selena will have nothing to bitch about.” She’d lit into me good over the water-throwing incident, and I still don’t know what had come over me. I had felt threatened and lashed out, and I could only blame the stress of the evening because I had never acted that way before.
“I was looking for him earlier when I was out front. I wonder if he’ll show.” I knew better than to let the smile spread my lips at the mention of Enzo, so I pulled them into a tight line and continued to peruse the list.
“Don’t pretend you’re not interested, miss thing. I saw the way the two of you looked at each other. You are going to have to get a better poker face if you want me to think you’re not into him.”
“I barely know him. He did ask for my number though, but then he got a call and had to rush out. I think it was something to do with his daughter. Whatever it was, he looked worried and left without saying goodbye.”
“I’m sure it was something important. He’s the prince of Aramis. He’s bound to have lots of important things happening back home.”
“Which is just another reason I don’t understand what he could possibly see in me. I mean, we’re worlds apart. I’ve never even heard of Aramis.”
“There’s plenty to have in common. I’d start with sex; I’m sure it’s a safe bet you both like it.”
I gave him a nudge. “I can’t just sleep with him.”
“Why not? I would. ” He walked off and went to the preparation area to check on the food, leaving me to think.
I wondered if Enzo would be at the event and decided that if he was, I’d give him my number. They way he’d rushed out the last time she’d seen him was a clear indication of how much he loved his little girl. He couldn’t be all that bad.
I was just about to prep another drink tray when one of my servers, Annie came in looking for me.
“Cindy, there’s a man out front who would like to speak to my manager.” She had a dreamy look on her face, and I had a hunch that I knew who had put it there.
“Who is it, Annie?” Suddenly, my nerves were frazzled.
“I’ll take you out.” She put down her tray and led me to the door.
As we walked out and approached his table, I smiled. “Already causing trouble, I see.” I stopped next to this table between him and the adorable little girl sitting with him.
“Just enough to find a reason to talk to you.” He gave me a wink. “This is Esme. Esme, this is Cindy.”
“Nice to meet you, Esme. That’s a beautiful name. Is it short for something?”
She shook her head. “No, but sometimes my daddy calls me Essie.”
He smiled and cleared his throat. “I wanted to ask if there is any shellfish on the menu. My daughter has an allergy.”
He had called me over for legitimate reasons and wondered if he’d really expected me at all. I turned to see that Annie was still lingering by, starry-eyed for Enzo.
“Annie, please get Patrick from the kitchen.” I turned back to Enzo who had leaned in and was whispering to his daughter across the small, table for four.
“You should ask her.” He sat up straight, and then his daughter tugged on my apron.
“Would you sit with us please?” Her smile was so warm and friendly that I couldn’t tell her no.
“Maybe for a bit, until my friend Patrick come out.”
“You have a friend named Patrick? Is he handsome?”
“Quite handsome, actually. He’s my best friend.” I glanced to Enzo who narrowed his eyes as if trying to figure that one out. “I’ve known him since college.”
“I like your necklace. Daddy bought me one like it for passing my lessons last year.
I clutched my necklace knowing it had cost fifteen hundred dollars and thinking how that was an awful lot of money for a little girl to spend on a necklace. I thought of all the payments I’d made and how I’d even gotten mine on sale. “Well, you’re a very lucky girl. I’m sure your daddy treats you like a princess.” I caught myself the moment it hit me, and my face burned red with embarrassment.
“I am a princess.” She giggled and her father, who must have seen my embarrassment, gave me a sympathetic smile.
“It’s just an expression; I’m so sorry.” I closed my eyes and wanted to die.
“It’s fine, and I do treat her as such when I can. She’s away at school so often.”
Patrick walked up and gave me a sideward glance. “May I help you, Sir?” He gave Enzo his biggest, flirtiest grin.
Enzo shifted in his chair. “I was wondering if there was any shellfish on tonight’s menu.”
“We have a shrimp alfredo, but the shrimp is grilled separately if you’d like to order that. I can prepare the plate myself.”
“How’s that Esme?” Enzo lifted a brow to his daughter.
“Does it come with garlic bread?”
“If you’d like, it can,” Patrick said.
“Then yes, please.” Esme turned back to me as Patrick hurried into the kitchen. “You’re pretty.”
“Thank you. You’re a beautiful girl, too.” I wasn’t used to compliments, especially from royal princesses.
“You know, Esme, I asked Cindy for her phone number so I could keep in touch and maybe take her out for a cup of coffee and she didn’t know if she should give it to me.” I turned my head, and he stared at me with a sly grin.
Esme bounced in her seat. “Oh, you have to! Daddy is a lot of fun. Did you know that he’ll be king soon? My grandfather is sick and—”
He cleared his throat and leaned forward. “Esme, that’s a little too much information for Cindy, we don’t want to bore her with family stories.” The weight in his expression was heartbreaking.
I leaned forward and took his hand. “I’m so sorry about your father.”
“Excuse me? What’s going on here?” I looked up as Selena stopped beside the table and glared down at me.
Enzo stood from the table. “This young lady was just helping my daughter with possible life-threatening issue. You know, Selena, you should have twenty like this one. She’s incredibly helpful and isn’t afraid to do what it takes to make the guests feel welcome.”
Her eyes widened, and she glared down at Esme.
“Cindy’s the best, and we’re new friends.” She smiled up at Selena even though the woman’s face was contorted with anger.
“That’s lovely dear. You’re needed in the kitchen, Cindy.” She turned and stormed away, and I decided it was time to excuse myself.
“I must get back to work. But thank you. It was lovely to meet you, Esme. Good to see you too, Enzo.”
I started around the table, but he put his hand on my arm to stop me. “How about that phone number?” There were his smoldering looks. “Better yet, the kitchen can wait. Dance with me?”
I looked toward the kitchen knowing that’s where Selena had gone, and I wondered if she was in there waiting for me. I took a deep breath and looked over to Esme’s hopeful eyes. “Okay, but just for a moment. I’m not supposed to be dancing.”
“It’s a party, everyone should be dancing.” He stood and took my hand and led me to the floor as Esme watched from a distance.
His arm fell heavy around my waist and pulled me closer. “I’d like to call on you, Cindy.”
“Are you sure? I’m just an average girl, though you do make me feel like one of those fairytale princesses.”
“I’m positive, but you know, you’d be a more fitting queen.” He nestled close, and before I knew it, he kissed my cheek and then whispered in my ear. “We have a captive audience.”
I glanced back over to the table and caught Esme watching us. Her smile had lit her face and brightened her eyes with such happiness.
“She likes you.”
“She seems like the kind of girl who liked everyone.” I didn’t want to belittle his remark, but I didn’t want him reaching for straws either.
“She is. So, let’s not disappoint her.”
“What about my boss?” He gestured across the room, and I looked over to see Selena flirting with another man. She had already come out of the kitchen, and she was not hurting for attention.
“I’m not interested in Selena White. Shouldn’t I have a say in who I want to date?” He wanted to date me. I couldn’t help but think of what Patrick had said.
“Fine. In that case, I’d love to.” I let out a long sigh as I finally gave in and hoped that Selena wouldn’t retaliate too much.