The Restaurant (The Nantucket Restaurant #1)(27)

She actually thought it might help that she was working in Nantucket for a while. Having some distance from Billy and the day-to-day environment of the office would give her some privacy and also the necessary time to sort out her feelings. She also hoped that Billy might miss her being around and perhaps be open to seeing things in a new light. The first step in her plan was going to take place that night. She was meeting him for dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, Rosa Mexicana, at the Upper East Side location. The restaurant was dark and cozy, and the upscale Mexican food was delicious.

Jill wore her favorite dress. It was a deep ruby red and flattering with a form-fitting cut that was a bit shorter than usual and showed off her legs, and she was wearing a pair of very cute high heels. She’d blown her hair dry just before leaving for the airport and it fell in fluffy, layered waves just past her shoulders. She’d kept her makeup light, just a coat of rich black mascara to make her lashes lush and her eyes pop, and her favorite glossy rose lipstick that had magic lip plumping abilities. She wanted Billy to notice her in a new way tonight.

Jill took the last sip of her wine as the plane started its descent. Within minutes they were on the ground and after jumping in a cab, she was at the restaurant right on time. Billy was already there, waiting for her at the bar.

“Hello, gorgeous!” He pulled her in for a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Have a seat and a margarita. I think we have a few more minutes until our table is ready.”

Jill settled herself in the seat next to Billy and took her coat off. When he saw her dress, Billy whistled softly and said, “You look fantastic. Nantucket seems to be agreeing with you.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I can’t wait for you to visit soon. Remember, we have several guest rooms at Grams house.”

“I’m counting on it. Not next weekend, but maybe the weekend after, if that works for you?”

“I’ll plan on it. So, fill me in on what’s going on. How are things?”

For the next twenty minutes, just up until they were called for their table, Billy filled her in on what was going on in the office, how the month was looking and what issues he needed advice on. The minutes flew by as Jill realized that even though she was connected via the internet and phone, she still was missing the pulse of the business and being up on the day-to-day operations of the office. She and Billy spoke a few times a week, and it didn’t feel like enough.

“We need to talk more often.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re down the hall. Things are different now,” Billy said.

“I know, but it’s a work in progress. If we talk more often, I’ll have a better sense of what’s going on and how I can help.”

“Okay, let’s make a plan then to connect at least once a day, to debrief and say hello.” Billy lifted his margarita and Jill did the same, tapping her glass against his.

The hostess came a moment later and led them to a cozy table for two, tucked away in a secluded alcove. Jill sunk into one of the plush oversized chairs that were more like mini-sofas, covered in a soft brushed suede. Once they were both settled, Billy flipped open his menu. “So, on to more important matters. What are you going to have?”

Jill was about to answer when the waitress appeared and told them about several specials. When she left to get them another round of margaritas, Jill said to Billy, “Too many choices and they all sound good. What are you getting?”

“Well, the guacamole to start, don’t you think?” That was a given, as they made it table-side. The server crushed fresh avocados in a stone bowl, along with tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno to taste. Jill loved watching them make it, and it was how she’d learned to do it herself as well.

“I’m going to have the chili rellenos, I think.” She had them the last time she was there and had been craving the plump peppers bursting with gooey cheese and raisins and sauce ever since.

“I’m going to try the seafood enchiladas. Just to be different.”

Their food was amazing as usual, and when they finished, they adjourned back to the bar for an after-dinner Mexican coffee, a mix of liqueurs, coffee and fresh whipped cream.

Jill had a warm glow going by this point and a hint of courage. She found herself laughing more than usual and touching Billy’s arm to make several points. He seemed a bit confused by her behavior.

“Do you want to come back to my place for a drink?” she asked as they walked out the front door.

Billy raised his eyebrows at her and said, “I think someone has had her limit. Let’s get you in a cab and home. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.” He touched her arm gently and guided her into the nearest cab. “I’ll catch the next one.” They were going in opposite directions.

“Okay. I am kind of tired.” And she was suddenly bone tired. The week had caught up with her. Just going home and going to bed was very appealing. Tomorrow was another day.





Morning came way too quickly. Jill drank several glasses of water and was halfway through an extra-large dark roast coffee when her cab pulled up in front of the office. She’d had more to drink the night before than she usually did, and it was just enough to ensure that she wasn’t at a hundred percent. And she needed to be.

The office was starting to buzz a little as she walked through the hallways and towards her office. People were arriving, settling in, and a handful, the early risers, were already on the phone. Heads turned in surprise as she walked past, as her appearance was not expected. Fridays were generally the most laid-back day of the week, but Jill knew that with both she and Billy on the floor, that wouldn’t be the case.