Just Add Spice

“Spruced it up, I see.”

“Yes,” she said. “You weren’t leveraging this location. I had hidden speakers installed so the music flows out here, not too loud. I think it’ll be a great gathering place.”

“So far, I’m liking what you’ve done…”

She beamed. “This will rock your world, I promise you. Tad conveyed all of my ideas perfectly to the contractors—he really outdid himself. I am so indebted to him. The implementation is spectacular, Rafe.” She reached for the door handle and said, “I’ve got one very lovely bombshell in store for you.”

Jenna pulled open the door and music and laughter spilled out, clearly taking Rafe aback.

His brow dipped. “I thought the reopening was tomorrow. That’s what we agreed to, Jen.”

“This is a private party, Rafe.” They stepped inside and Rafe drew up short, sucking in a breath. Jenna smiled brightly. “Surprise!”

His family had gathered to celebrate the pre-reopening.

“Jen,” he said, emotion tinging his deep, intimate tone. “Holy shit. Everyone’s here.”

“Even Vinny and Macy made it. Their manager is covering for them.”

Rafe took in the scene before him and Jenna cataloged the astonishment on his face. The love he had for his family. The pride he had for his restaurant. The gratitude he felt toward her and Tad. The emotions shone in his slightly misted eyes. Hers were a bit watery as well, because she was happy she’d been able to do something meaningful for Rafe and his relatives.

She swept aside a tear and announced to the group, “Please, everyone, just give Rafe some time to absorb the remodel before you swoop in.”

They respected her wishes. Only Vesta stepped forward. She said to her nephew, “Jenna offered Sampogna’s for Marco’s going away party tonight. She knew we all wanted to see the restaurant, and thought it should be before the public did.”

“Family first,” Jenna told her, her voice cracking.

Vesta smiled graciously at Jenna and said, “Such a lovely girl.” She kissed both of Jenna’s cheeks.

Jenna took Rafe’s hand. “Let me show you everything.”

She started with the tall, elaborate hostess desk—no mere staid podium—and the point of service computers and the iPads she’d purchased to manage the reservation system and to-go orders. The center of the room had tables pushed together for large parties and Rafe’s fingers glided along a napkin spilling over the edge of a wineglass.

“This color really is spot-on,” he said. “And the glasses are just right.” The nearly translucent citrine subtly set off the teal-blue. Rafe let out a low laugh as he eyed the new tablecloths. “A contemporary take on the traditional red-and-white-checkered linen. Unbelievable.”

Inspiration had struck Jenna when she’d mentally deduced she had to capture a bit of Italian heritage in a modern way. The checkered linen in white and the rich blue were the perfect complement to the wood paneling, artfully painted walls and the soft lighting from the globes overhead, attached to large ceiling fans with wide blades and bronze bases, all operating from an old-fashioned pulley system.

The three art niches built into the far wall had additional intimate lighting at the top of the space that filtered down onto cylinder, crystal vases with fresh calla lilies in them.

Once the paper coverings over the windows that opened to the street was removed, the wide, wood-trimmed sills would feature trendy lanterns that created golden up-lighting. The oil lamps on the tables added more seductive illumination.

Rafe took it all in, one corner of his mouth lifting. Jenna followed as he circled the restaurant, inspecting the more private alcoves where the four tops sat, and the sofa-style booths along the wall with the calla lilies. Then he reached the back and stood before the striking, hand-crafted bar.

“Jen,” he said on a sharp breath. “Jesus.”

Gio was behind the bar and he spread his arms. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I must’ve stared at it for a good ten minutes, utterly speechless. I’ve never seen a more stunning bar, Rafe. It’s excellent for showcasing our wine list.”

“Very befitting,” Rafe concurred. “Damn. It’s…extraordinary.” Several plush, upholstered high-backed stools lined it, all as intricately carved as the ornate bar. No attention to detail had been spared.

Jenna tugged on his hand, directing Rafe to the happy hour lounge with its comfy, oversized sofas and chairs. A cozy fire blazed in the large hearth, which she’d had refaced.

Rafe’s family chomped at the bit to speak, she could tell. But they allowed him a few minutes more to take in the entire scene. Jenna knew from the look in his eyes, he liked what he saw.

Finally, Vesta wandered over. “Your parents would have fallen in love with this place instantly, Rafe.” Her gaze shifted to Jenna and there were tears in her eyes. “What you’ve done…” She shook her head. “It shows how much you care for tesoro mio, and the entire family.”

“I had help. Lots of help. Tad made sure it all came together.”

He stood off to the side, by the bar, a glass of champagne in his hand. He raised his glass to Jenna and said, “You trusted me with the most important job of your career—and your life. That’s what best friends do.”