A Match Made in Wilde (Wilde, Nevada Beginnings 2)

“Is that who I think it is?” she whispered and motioned subtly to a table with a movie star who often graced the covers of international magazines.

“Probably,” Greg whispered back. “Giovanni has quite the clientele. In fact, I know that Sylvester is a regular whenever he is in town. Lots of celebrities are spotted dining here, especially on the weekends.”

“And apparently you’re also at the top of Giovanni’s list of VIPs.”

“Dad and Giovanni became friends a long time ago back when he only had his mother’s recipes and big dreams. Grant and I still supply him in beef.”

Giovanni led them to a private room, set apart from the main dining room.

A single table with two chairs sat in the center of the space. In the middle of the table was a vase filled with beautiful red roses.

“Let me introduce you to your staff for the evening,” Giovanni said. As if by magic, five people appeared in the room, three men and two women. “This is Adrian. He is your headwaiter.”

The man stepped forward. “I look forward to serving you.”

“This is Isabella, my granddaughter,” Giovanni said with pride. “She will be assisting Adrian. Miguel and Liliana will also be ready to serve you in any way. And this is Anthony, your sommelier. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call me.”

“Thank you, Giovanni.” Greg shook their host’s hand.

Giovanni smiled and turned to her. “The smile on this young man’s face is nice to see again. I’m sure it is all your doing. Please.” He pulled out the chair for her.

Maude felt a connection to the gentlemen, who seemed so open and kind. “I’m sure the evening will be wonderful.” She sat. “Thank you so much.”

Giovanni left, and Adrian, the headwaiter, stepped forward as the others filled their water glasses, placed a basket of bread on the table, spread out napkins on their laps, and lit the candles.

“Tonight, Chef Petrocelli has prepared a delicious sampling to start your evening. Watermelon salad with hazelnuts, cherry tomatoes, and blu di bufala tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette. Prosciutto with ripened figs.”

Adrian continued informing them of the dishes they would be enjoying. All of them sounded absolutely divine. When Adrian finished, he and the other servers left.

Anthony, their sommelier, stepped forward and recommended wines for each course.

“Anthony, the lady likes sweet white wines,” Greg said, taking charge completely. “Bring us your best.”

“Of course, Mr. Strong.” Anthony exited.

“Greg, this is so special. I’ve never taken a plane to have dinner before. I’ve been in some nice restaurants, but none on the caliber of Giovanni’s. You sure know how to impress a girl.”

He reached across the table and took her hand. “I’m so glad you like it. I know you’re going to love the food. I’ve never been disappointed. It’s always great.”

“I’m sure it is, but nothing is going to top our plane ride together.”

“I really hope you’re serious about learning.”

“Oh, I am. I hope you’ll let me take the yoke for some of the time during our flight back to Wilde.”

The servers brought their appetizers to the table, which looked like works of art on the white plates.

Anthony appeared with a bottle of wine, showing the label to Greg. “This is a Riesling from the Mosel Valley in Germany. The vineyards in the area are famous for their wines as far back as the 1300s. Bottled in 1972, this wine is delicately sweet with notes of honeysuckle and strawberries. It will pair beautifully with your salad and the prosciutto and figs.” He opened the bottle and poured a little sample into Greg’s glass.

It was clear to her the way Greg sampled Anthony’s offering—swirling it in the glass, inhaling its scent, then taking a sip—that he was quite knowledgeable about wine.

Greg put the glass down. “Perfect. Thank you.”

Anthony nodded and then filled her glass.

She took a sip, loving the sweetness of the wine. “Thank you. This is very good.”

Greg had been right about their meal. Every bite was incredible. She had a warm glow from the wine Anthony had served them. Greg told her what it was like growing up in Wilde, and she told him about her childhood. The more they talked, the more she felt like she’d known him her whole life.