Sidney loved the gypsy caravan feel that the decor provided. A canopy of red fabric draped from the ceiling. Colorful glass lanterns lit every table. Mixed print throw pillows accented the room with their rich hues and bold patterns. It was all so different from any other restaurant in the area…as was the wonderful gourmet food Jessa served.

The hostess provided them each with a glass of water and a menu and told them their server would be with them in a moment. A few minutes later, when the server finally appeared, Sidney was still looking over her menu, but Brett’s chuckle had her glancing up to see what was so funny.

Max stood there with an apron wrapped around his waist and a tablet in his hands, ready to take their order. He glared at Brett. “Laugh again, and I’ll spit in your food.”

“Max!” Jessa came from somewhere behind him and stood at his side. “You can’t say stuff like that in here.”

“Oh, I was only kidding…mostly.”

Jessa grabbed the tablet from him and turned her attention back to Brett and Sidney. “Don’t mind him. He’s just cranky because he’s having to wear an apron. He’s filling in for one of my waitresses while she’s on maternity leave, but I promise he won’t touch your food. What would you like?”

“I’m not the least bit worried,” Sidney said with a smile. “I’ll have the pan-seared halibut with the lobster risotto and sautéed asparagus. No parmesan, please.”

Brett shrugged. “Well, I guess I’ll take my chances,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll have the beef Wellington with mushroom sauce, bacon mac ’n’ cheese, and roasted Brussels sprouts. No saliva, please.”

Max grinned. Probably because he knew he had Brett worried. “You’re so lucky I’m not filling in for one of the chefs.”

Jessa elbowed him and whispered, “If you keep saying stuff like that, you’re going to be lucky if I don’t make you sleep on the couch tonight.”

He threw his hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave.”

She rolled her eyes. “No, you won’t. We all know you better than that.” Then she winked playfully at Brett. “If he gives you too much grief though, let me know, and I’ll put him on dish duty.”

Brett laughed. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I can handle anything Max throws my way.”

Max lifted one brow. “I hear a challenge calling my name.”

“Give it your best shot, buddy.”

“Oh Lord. I’m going to go get started on your order. You two behave yourself,” Jessa said to the guys before heading for the kitchen.