Chapter 3 - The Woman Who Stayed
The first course arrived.
Ethan’s did not.
Twenty minutes passed.
Every table around him had food.
He did not.
Isabella noticed.
Victor blocked her.
“What are you doing?”
Victor looked toward Ethan.
“He was moved.”
“I know.”
“So send a plate.”
Victor’s expression hardened.
“Isabella, do your job.”
“I am.”
She stared at him.
“Because I asked for dinner?”
Victor leaned closer.
“That guest is complicated.”
“He looks hungry.”
“Leave him alone.”
Ethan could not hear the words.
Five minutes later, Isabella returned with a plate she had clearly taken from the kitchen herself.
Ethan looked surprised.
“How did you know?”
He smiled.
“You pay attention.”
“What does your father say?”
Her smile faded.
“He died when I was twelve.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too.”
She set the plate down.
Then noticed Brooke watching.
Brooke called across the room.
“Waitress.”
Isabella turned.
Brooke held up an empty wineglass.
“Refill.”
Isabella went over.
Brooke looked at her name tag.
“Isabella. Cute.”
“Thank you.”
“Why are you hovering around Ethan?”
“I’m serving guests.”
Isabella paused.
Then said, “He does.”
Chad laughed.
Brooke’s expression changed.
Isabella held the bottle steady.
“What?”
Isabella poured Brooke’s wine.
Then smiled politely.
“You’re right.”
Brooke lifted one eyebrow.
Isabella continued.
“Some people have manners.”
Chad choked on his drink.
Brooke went still.
Victor appeared immediately.
“Isabella.”
She knew that tone.
“You’re off the floor.”
“What?”
“Now.”
Ethan wheeled closer.
“Why?”
Victor looked at him as if the question itself was inappropriate.
“Staff issue.”
Ethan said, “She did nothing wrong.”
Brooke smiled.
“See? This is what happens when you encourage people.”
Isabella took off her apron.
“Clock out.”
She started walking.
Ethan called after her.
“Isabella.”
She turned.
“Don’t leave the building.”
Victor snapped, “Excuse me?”
Ethan looked at him.
May you like
“I wasn’t talking to you.”
And for the first time that evening, Victor looked uncertain.
