“A bride that had her tasting tonight. She’s been a little…challenging with her demands. So, we didn’t know what to expect, but fortunately she liked everything,” Nick said.

“I’ve actually never seen Davina in such a good mood. Turns out she’s a foodie and she loved everything,” Paula added.

Bella laughed. “How could she not? Nick’s food is amazing.”

“Thank you.” Nick looked at both Bella and Julia. “You two should be sure and come in one night while your sister is here. I told Bella I’ll do a special tasting menu for you. It will be fun.”

Julia smiled. “Bella mentioned that, and I am really looking forward to it. I leave on Sunday, so we are thinking to do it on Saturday night.”

The chair next to Hallie opened up, so she and Paula both moved over to let Nick sit next to Bella as he was deep in conversation with her and Julia. Paula could tell her brother was interested in Bella as more than a friend. She hoped he wasn’t going to fall too fast and end up heartbroken when Bella’s two months were up.

“They look cute together,” Hallie said. “Where is she from? Any chance there could be a romance there?”

Paula shook her head. “Not anything long-term. She lives in California.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.” Hallie took a sip of her wine. “How’s it going with David? He seems nice.”

“It’s going okay. I thought it was going better than it was. David had a meeting with me earlier today and told me I’m too nice. That I need to be firmer, so people don’t walk all over me.”

Hallie was quiet for a moment. “And what did you think about that feedback?”

Paula sighed. “That he was probably right. I just didn’t like to hear it.”

“Well, there could be some truth to that. You’re the total opposite of Andrea and the way she approached people. She was a little too blunt and direct.”

“I don’t like conflict,” Paula admitted. “But I’m going to work on that and do better.”

“You’ll do great. People like you. So, what’s David’s deal? Is he single?”

“Why, are you interested?” Hallie dated but wasn’t seeing anyone regularly and hadn’t been serious with anyone in a long time.

“No, I don’t think so. He’s a little too corporate for me. He seems nice, though, and he’s certainly good-looking.”

“He is. I don’t really know his status. It’s never come up in conversation. He hasn’t mentioned a girlfriend.”

“I was just curious. So, when’s your date with Jason? Are you excited?”

“We’re going to dinner Saturday night. He mentioned The Gaslight. Said there’s a good blues band there that night.”