“Don’t give it another thought.”
Izzy and Toni returned to the table.
“Oh my goodness, Cami,” Izzy said. “What happened to your beautiful dress?”
“It was just an accident. It will be fine. I’ll have it dry-cleaned.”
“I will pay for that,” Alessandra said.
“There is absolutely no need for that.”
“But I insist.”
“No, Alessandra, it really isn’t necessary.” She turned and looked at Roberto and Miguel. The concern on their faces remained. Their intensity was so appealing to her, and yet also overwhelming. Her instincts about men had never been good.
Then that horrible memory flashed in her mind, a memory she wished had never happened. Hank was on top of her, his face twisted and full of anger. Why do I keep seeing this? But she knew the answer, because it only replayed whenever she started to open up to another man. Was it a mistake to say yes to dinner?
She forced the vision out of her head. “Seriously, it’s fine, guys. It’s only a dress.”
Chapter Four
With his brother beside him, Roberto watched Cami and her two friends climb into the taxi that he and Miguel had called for them. The three women had walked from Izzy’s high-rise building, which was only seven blocks away, to the restaurant. Still, he and Miguel thought it best that they get a ride, especially after what had happened.
As the cab drove away, Alessandra rushed out of the restaurant. “I’m so sorry. I’m such a klutz.”
“I’ve never known you to be clumsy before,” he said.
“Just ever so often. I really hope Cami will change her mind and let me pay for the dry-cleaning, and if the stain doesn’t come out, I will pay for a new outfit for her.”
“Like Camille stated earlier, Alessandra, accidents happen,” Miguel said. “Let’s just forget it and get ready for the dinner rush.”
She nodded and walked back inside, while he and Miguel remained on the sidewalk for a moment.
“Camille said yes, Roberto.” Miguel’s enthusiasm was something he shared. “Can you believe we are actually going to enjoy her company tomorrow night?”
“We’ve waited a long time for a date with this angel, but I’m so glad it’s finally going to happen.”
“I was thinking we should take her to Pierre’s restaurant.”
“Excellent idea, and after dinner we can go dancing at Club Río Azul.”
“Perfecto, mi hermano.” Miguel nodded, and then sighed. “But did you get the sense Camille’s mood changed suddenly?”
“I did, and you and I both know that wasn’t about the spilled wine.” He recalled the look in Cami’s eyes, a look of panic, and wondered what had caused it. “She got edgy for a moment, but it didn’t last.”
“True, but whatever is bothering her, I hope it’s not about our date. Do you think she’s worried she is too old for us, like Izzy felt about Jay and Clay at first?”
Thinking Miguel might be onto something, he said, “That might be it. But she said yes to the date, so we need to make sure it’s the best date she’s ever been on.”
“Yes, we do. Camille is like no other woman I’ve ever met before.” Miguel sounded like he was already falling hard for her. “I don’t want to scare her away before we even get started. After we close down the restaurant tonight, let’s put a plan together that will blow her mind tomorrow.”
His brother sounded like he was planning more than just a date. But that didn’t surprise Roberto. He was also falling hard for her, too.
“You got a deal, hermano.”
“Roberto, I wish we could get her to go to Spain with us.”
“I totally agree, but first things first. Let’s see how she’s feeling about us during our date. If things go as we hope, then we can ask her if she’d like to go.”