Baby Love (Baby #2)(120)

Preston was now sitting on her lap totally content to be left with Jean. I kissed her on the cheek reminding her to be good girl.

When Trey and I got to the club we were impressed with the new signage outside.

The name 'Tristan's' was done in neon lighting in cursive style very elegantly; the rest of the sign that read 'Shady Lady Saloon & Restaurant' was done in plain printed neon lighting. Various other signs adorned the outside front fa?ade with spotlights shining on them. One said 'Winery'; another read 'Gourmet Dining'; 'Weekend Music'. It was tastefully done and I noticed that the landscaping had been re-done professionally giving the building a more elite appearance.

We entered the club and headed toward the neon light over the double glass doors that read "Tristan's." Trey gave our name to the ma?tre de and we were escorted to our table. The dining room had soft lighting and classical music played softly in the background. A Christmas tree with white twinkle lights was in the corner. All of the tables had red linen tablecloths. The linen napkins were all green. It had a warm holiday to feel to it.

Trey ordered a bottle of Tristan's signature wine from the Bristol winery. It was a dark red Cabernet. It was smooth and crisp. I enjoyed a couple of glasses. We ordered braised beef loin for our entre. Everything was delicious. So far we hadn't seen Tristan or Gina.

When the waiter brought us the check Trey inquired as to Tristan's whereabouts. The waiter said that Tristan was working the upstairs bar with Gina. There was a wedding reception earlier in the day and apparently some of the guests had stayed to party.

Trey and I headed upstairs. Tristan had the contractors remove the alcove that had been up there so it was now much more open. There were two bars now; one on each end of the mezzanine. Tristan and Gina were working the busier end of the mezzanine and Eddie was working the other bar.

Trey and I found two empty bar stools at the bar that Gina and Tristan were working. Tristan hadn't spotted us yet. He looked very elegant in his black tuxedo.

Gina had on a tight black velvet skirt with a white satin blouse under a black velvet vest. She had added a red velvet bow tie that looked very festive. She saw us immediately.

"Hey you two," she greeted us.

"How was dinner?"

"It was fantastic," I said.

"Great job, both of you."

Gina beamed and touched Tristan's arm to get his attention. He smiled when he saw us making his way over to Trey. I noticed he patted Gina's behind as he went past her.

Trey and Tristan were discussing the restaurant and winery. I turned my attention to Gina.

"So," I said leaning over the bar so that only she could hear me.

"Kinda heard Tristan's declaration of love last night, followed by the banging of the headboard."

Gina blushed and looked over quickly to make sure that Tristan was not listening.

"I know. It shocked the hell out of me," she whispered.

"I mean I knew that I loved him but I wasn't about to say it first."

"Gina then why all the shit about it not being serious and you are not going to be his 'bridge bitch' when you really were serious about him?"

"I don't know Ty - maybe I was afraid that it was just too good to be true. I mean think about it. Do I have any business falling in love so soon after the heartbreak of my divorce?"

"Gina someone recently told me something that makes sense: the heart wants what the heart wants. It's that simple."

"Yeah?" she said, "I guess that is a good way of looking at it. Uh-oh."

"What uh-oh?" I asked turning to see what she had seen.

"I think it's about to get complicated," Gina commented.

Ian had just come up the stairs to the mezzanine. He was looking around as if seeing the place for the first time. In a way he was since there had been plenty of changes.

"What's he doing here?" she said more to herself than anyone else.

"Have you seen him since the divorce?" I asked.

"Not really - but Eddie told me the other day that he split with Shelly."

"Who?"

"The skank."

Ian weaved through the crowded tables after spotting Gina behind the bar. I felt uncomfortable even acknowledging him after what he had done to her so I turned my attention back to Trey and Tristan. They were still talking unaware of the fact that Gina's ex was on his way over.

My ears were clearly tuned in to Ian's conversation with Gina.

"Hey Giner," he said in his once-charming British accent as he stood beside me at the bar.

"The place looks fantastic. I had heard you opened a restaurant for weekday dining."

"What are you doing here Ian?"

"What? I'm not permitted inside the club that I once owned? I'm a patron tonight love. My money's good here, yeah?"

"What can I get you then?"

"How about 'Sex on the Beach?"

Gina turned away to make his drink. Tristan had gone to wait on another customer and Trey finally turned to look at me. I was using my eyes to signal Trey to look behind me. I did this several times but he was clueless.

"Are you alright sweetie?"

I glared at him then finally lip synced for him to look past me. He finally got the message.

"Hey Ian," Trey greeted him, "Merry Christmas."