Pinkie Promises

Chapter Eight

PRESENT: SIMONE

"Did you know you're up for best local catering?" Leah, my assistant, asks.

"I got the call yesterday. But I don't want to get my hopes up," I tell her. "We'll know by noon whether or not I get it or not. There's a lot of competition out there."

It's been three long years, busting my tail to make a name for myself. If I got such a prestigious award, it could really put me on the map. I could expand and be more behind the scenes.

"Still, it's exciting," Leah says.

Four long, excruciating hours later, my phone rings inside my messy smock.

"Hello?" I say into the receiver.

"Hi. Is this Simone Rayburn?"

"This is she."

"Hi I'm chairman Grady Biggs, with the restaurant association, and we'd like to offer Taste an award for best catering in the area. Would you be able to attend the awards ceremony and dinner this Saturday?"

"I would. Thank you so much."

"We'll email you the details. See you soon."

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman."

When I hang up the phone, Leah notices the smile on my face. "We won, didn't we?" she asks.

"We did. I get to accept the award this Saturday. They are going to email me the details, and I'll forward it to you and Jared so you both can attend. I wouldn't be here without the two of you," I say, gratefully.

Leah's smile widens. I watch as she makes her way over to Jared to relay the message. They seem genuinely happy about the news. I have half the notion to jump up and down myself. Three years of hard work finally paid off.

Still clutching my phone, my first call is to Jace.

"Hello?" he says.

"Guess what? I got an award for Taste for best catering in London Falls. I get to accept it this Saturday. There's an award ceremony and dinner."

"Simone, that's amazing. I'm so proud of you."

"You are coming with me on Saturday," I tell him as a matter of fact.

"As long as I don't have to wear a freaking suit."

"I'll get back to you on that. They are sending the email out with all the details."

"You know I'd never miss it."

"Thanks, Jace. I'll let you get back to work."

"Hey. How about I treat you to dinner tonight, to celebrate? Around seven?"

"That sounds great. I'll see you later."

"See ya."

Hanging up the phone, I call my mom and tell her the news. She's happy for me. The phone call is quick so I can get back to work.

The rest of the day goes by as we have a little more pep in our step. Finishing for the day, I head home with enough time to shower. The catering business is not a glamourous job. Most jobs require cooking, and that makes me a mess on most days. When you cook all day as your job, the last thing you want to do is go home and cook a meal for yourself. So I'm thankful Jace offered to take me out.

Just as I step out of the shower to dry off, I hear the front door open. "I'm here!" Jace yells through my apartment.

"I'll be out in sec!" I yell back. Pulling my wet hair back, I secure it in a low bun. After lining my eyes with eye liner, I then lather on a thick coat of mascara and add a peach colored blush to my cheeks. In my tiny closet, I pull out a pair of dark colored skinny jeans, and my pink sequins tank top, finishing the look with a pair of heels and then adding lipstick to my full lips. "Is this okay?" I ask, walking out to meet Jace.

"You look gorgeous, as always. You ready?"

"Thanks. Yeah. You driving?" He nods, and we head to his truck.

Ten minutes later, we arrive at Sous Steakhouse. Upon entering I take in the scene, since I've never been here before. A waitress seats us in one of the black booths along the window. This place is very modern with silver, black, and red throughout the place. I notice booths line the outer perimeter of the restaurant, while black tables and chairs line the center. The bar lines the back wall which is mirrored giving it a more open feel. The silver bar stools have red leather cushions, and the lights hang low above the booths and tables, giving off a soft glow to the room.

"It's really nice in here," I tell Jace as the waitress approaches to get our drink order.

"What can I get you two?"

Jace speaks up, "Two glasses of your best Moscato. Actually, bring the whole bottle."

My eyebrows perk up and I smile, since Moscato is my absolute favorite wine. Picking up the menu, I look it over and realize Sous specializes in steaks.

"This is a special day, so order whatever you like. My treat," Jace insists.

The waitress drops off our drinks then returns a few moments later to take our order. But her eyes barely avert from Jace's. I'm sure every woman in here has turned to look at Jace and all his gorgeousness. Yet, he doesn't even notice, which is surprising. I decide on the skirt steak with potatoes and veggies.

The waitress finally retreats, and Jace holds up his glass. "Cheers."

Holding mine up, I clink it with his. "Cheers." I take a sip. "Thanks for this."

"You deserve it. After three years, you are getting noticed. It's a good thing you asked me to go to the event, so I can fight the guys off."

"Ha ha," I say.

"And it's a good thing you agreed to date me."

"This is not even real," I state.

The food arrives, and he doesn't acknowledge my comment. I guess things will be interesting on Saturday. Especially with Jace. He's unpredictable, at best. Taking the last sip of my wine, my plate is cleared away and my belly is full.

"That's the best meal I've had in a long time."

The waitress continues to fawn over us, more so over Jace. He only offers her a smile before turning his attention back to me. Just as he should be as we pretend to be a couple. To onlookers, I'm sure people think we're a young couple in love.

"I'm glad you liked it. So when did you first find out about being up for that award?"

"Last night after I got home. I knew I was in the running, but never expected to actually win. There are other great caterers in the area. Some have done it longer than me. And I definitely don't claim to be a pro. It was unexpected."

"I'm happy for you. Now you have bragging rights," Jace says.

I laugh. "I can put award winning caterer on my website."

Jace agrees then tosses his cloth napkin on the table. "You about ready?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you, again."

Standing to leave, Jace puts his hand on the small of my back. And I have to take a deep breath, reminding myself to breathe. Then I start to wonder why I feel this way and blame it on the wine. Remembering this is all for show.