I rolled my eyes. “Never mind. I’m sure you don’t want dating advice from your ex-wife.”
“Oh, I don’t know. There are probably worse people to consult.”
I hid my smile. “Regardless, no woman you bring here on a date is going to think you’re prince charming.”
“Really?” He offered an innocent grin we both knew was fake. A beat of silence passed between us. “We were actually supposed to meet at the wine bar, but the wait was too long, so we came here.”
“You didn’t get reservations?”
“It’s Monday night. I didn’t think it’d be crowded.”
“Don’t you know? Nobody cooks for themselves anymore. Not even on Mondays.”
“Really? That can’t be right. There are so many cooking shows.”
“True, but there’s a conspiracy theory that all those cooking shows are sponsored by restaurants who want to raise expectations and make the idea of having a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner unacceptable.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. You’re in the restaurant business. Haven’t you heard of this?”
Salvador smiled. “No, but it makes sense.”
A lovely, tingly feeling washed over me as I smiled back.
“You always made the best grilled cheese sandwiches, Ruthie. And had the best conspiracy theories.”
“Did I?” I started to smile again but stopped myself when I realized I was headed down a path I didn’t need to take. “Well, I should get back to my table.”
“Of course.”
With a nod, I quickly walked away, but Salvador called out to me.
A warmth I didn’t want to feel compelled me to turn back to him. “Yes?”
“Would you like to grab a cup of coffee sometime? Just as friends?”
Despite wanting to accept his invitation, I shook my head. “No, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“No, you’re right. That’s a horrible idea.” Salvador’s mouth tugged upward in a knowing grin. “What about an appetizer at Steak-mart?”