Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights #2)(30)
“Yes, she is a remarkable woman,” Jewel agreed, and let the subject drop. She didn’t want to pry too much especially when she saw it had made him a tad uncomfortable.
Then the conversation turned to past relationships. She took a steadying breath. “No. Never close before,” she answered about being engaged or in love. “The longest I’ve dated someone was three years ago, and that only lasted four months.” It was true. She’d never found the one. The two guys she dated in culinary school had been just as focused as she on their career path. Antonio was now in Milan. And Herbert, yes Herbert, he was in New York now and cooked in a posh upscale Manhattan eatery in the theatre district. It had been more about having someone to go to school events, and having someone to hang out with on the weekends. Both relationships had ended amicably.
When she returned the question, she saw a look of evasion cross his face. But he plowed through and answered honestly. “Not for a long time. I had only one steady girlfriend that lasted any length of time, but she liked to party hard in college. I was only twenty when it ended. But back then, I thought it was going to last.” She knew he must have been referring to Tara. Linda and Dinah had filled her in on that little tidbit of gossip. “School became my focus after that. And politics. I’ve always wanted to try my hat at that.”
“Really? Why?” she asked with curiosity. She’d never known someone who wanted to pursue politics. And in her mind she pictured all those tattoos, true, with his suit on, he appeared stately if somewhat young for a member of government. But she knew what lie underneath and had a hard time imagining it.
He laughed at her perplexed expression. “It’s not my mother’s idea of the job for me. But,” he paused, “it’s really because of her that I’m interested in politics. She was always around politicians, fighting with them, lobbying, writing letters, and attending hearings and such. She dragged us around plenty on one of her many errands into Hartford, and Washington too. In her quest to get our people recognition, she brought us up in that world though she was on the other side of it. I always thought, what if there were more natives in government, more people who understand the plight we have endured. It just seemed such a good idea to me that if we had more representation the path would not have been so difficult.” Jewel watched as he spoke with such energy and conviction. She could tell this was what he wanted. She heard the passion in his voice. It’s how she felt when she thought of opening her own restaurant someday.
“You should do it then. I think you need to pursue that dream.”
Joseph smiled at the woman across from him. He loved that she could tell from just a few words how important this was to him. “I am. I’m going to run for tribal council. The vacant seat. Get my feet wet.”
“That’s a fabulous idea. You would be a great addition to the council.”
“I know I have Myrtle’s support. And I was thinking of calling Julian Silver.” He saw Jewel’s eyes widen at the mention of one of the senators for the state of Connecticut. He explained. “He’s a family friend. He helped mom get federal recognition for us decades ago. But he used to be local when he was a state representative. They go way back.”
“It’s nice to have powerful friends,” she mused in awe.
His smile was bright when he responded. “It’s come in handy from time to time.” And it had.
“I must say that I’m impressed. I’ve heard on the news that people are saying next year he may throw his hat in the ring for the presidency.”
“Well, I’m not sure about that. I haven’t seen him in nearly a year. But he would make a good president. I’d vote for him. But he’ll be here in two weeks. There is a convention coming up, some kind of fundraiser for the Democratic Party. Hey, you’ll probably be cooking for it.”
“Wow! That would be an honor.” To cook for a presidential hopeful! That would be great, she thought. “They’re having it at Mystic?” she asked. She felt selfish thinking about her credentials. But not many people could claim to have cooked for a presidential nominee.
“Yes, and a smaller dinner the night before.” He smiled obviously reading her mind. She blushed under his mesmerizing gaze.
“So what do you see yourself doing down the road? I know you cook for the casino, but anything else? Any other dreams?” Joseph was enjoying himself immensely. They had both finished eating. Just getting to know her better had been an eye opening experience. Her commitment and love for her brothers had shown that.
“Actually, I do. I’d love to run my own restaurant one day. But that is a dream for down the road. I’m going to need capital to pull off something like that. But I’d love to get a head chef position for a few years, and then eventually make the move. But something local. I loved Boston and thought my life was there, but now that I’m back I just don’t see myself leaving.” Her brows were furrowed in concentration. She could start saving soon. Once her brothers were away at college. She needed to work for a while to develop a reputation too.
“It’s tough to make it in the restaurant business these days.” He saw so many restaurants open and close these past few years. Unless it was a chain, or something close to bigger attractions, it was very difficult. He was sure she must be aware of that. She’d need to draw people in somehow. And keep them coming.