Can't Fool Me Twice: Sweet Contemporary Romance: Belles in the City Book 1 (13 page)

Dante glanced over at Sunny whose chin had dropped. He was about to bow out, but Twila's eyebrows shot up. "I think that's a great idea. I could use some extra support too."

Sunny tightened her jaw. She really didn't want Dante tagging along, but she couldn't very well say anything now. There would be too many questions.

Dante gave her an apologetic look before turning to Mama. "I don't want to be in the way."

"Oh, don't be silly, Bubba Dante. You're never in the way." Miss Lucille batted her eyelashes in an exaggeratedly coquettish manner. "I've always enjoyed being seen with good looking men."

"I have to admit I'm nervous as a cat in a room full of rockin' chairs," Mama said. "Goin' to a new doctor is always a little unsettling. Havin' you with us will make me feel better." She grinned at Sunny before adding, "It'll be more like a bunch of friends hangin' out than a regular doctor's appointment."

"Oh, trust me, this will be unlike any doctor's appointment you've ever had," Miss Lucille said. "C'mon, let's get outta here. I don't want to keep Dr. Simone waiting."

They all piled into a cab, with Miss Lucille in the front with the driver. Mama wanted Dante in the middle in the backseat, so they obliged. The closeness prevented any hope Sunny had of not touching him.

Miss Lucille chatted with the driver all the way to the hospital and seemed oblivious to the people in the backseat. Mama and Dante made small talk, while Sunny looked out the window.

"Hey, sweetie, why so quiet?" Mama leaned forward and looked at Sunny. "I don't think I've ever heard you go this long without talkin'." She settled back. "Bless her heart, she comes by that honestly, don't you?" She leaned forward again. "Oh, you don't have to answer that. I think there's some law about not havin' to incriminate yourself."

Once the hospital was in view, Miss Lucille turned around. "We're almost there. As soon as we get out, let's say a prayer for Dr. Simone."

The driver pulled up to the front of the hospital, and Miss Lucille started to pay. However, Dante was forceful in insisting he cover the cab ride. "She's my employee," he explained. "It's the least I can do."

At first, Sunny was surprised that Miss Lucille didn't argue. But Miss Lucille leaned over and whispered, "Some men are insulted when you don't let them pay, and I'd never want to hurt Bubba Dante's feelings."

Miss Lucille was definitely old school on the surface. But looking closely at how she interacted, she was clearly in charge, and no one dared to challenge that.

They all held hands in the middle of the sidewalk. "Okay, bow your heads," Miss Lucille commanded. Once everyone had their heads bowed, she said a very short prayer for guidance and wisdom. "Okay, let's go see what she has to say."

Sunny noticed that Mama suddenly grew quiet. She looked at her and saw something else—a timidity that she'd never seen in her entire life. Mama had always been the most fearless person Sunny had ever known.

They rode up the elevator to the oncology floor and headed down the hall toward a row of offices. Miss Lucille walked right up to one with a nameplate that read
Simone McRay, MD
. Dante scooted ahead and opened the door for the ladies.

A slender woman with a blond up-do greeted them in the waiting room. She smiled directly at Miss Lucille.

"I'm so glad you could stick around for us, Dr. Simone." Miss Lucille took a step to the side and gestured toward Mama. "This here's my friend Twila Tatum from Charleston, South Carolina. She recently found out she has breast cancer, and I want to make sure she gets the best care possible."

The doctor smiled at Mama and extended her hand. "Who have you been seeing in Charleston?" she asked.

As Mama and the doctor chatted, Miss Lucille pulled Sunny and Dante aside. "Let's give them some space. I don't want to interfere."

Sunny almost laughed out loud. She'd never seen Miss Lucille hesitate even a second before interfering if she thought it would do any good.

"I'm taking her back for an exam," Dr. Simone said. "We'll only be a few minutes."

"Take all the time you need," Miss Lucille said. "We're not goin' anywhere."

The three of them sat while Mama followed Dr. Simone. Sunny was uncomfortable, so she picked up a magazine and started thumbing through it.

"I'm glad your mama didn't give me any static about coming here," Miss Lucille said. "Because if she had, she would have had a fight on her hands. Dr. Simone is the best oncologist in the country, as far as I'm concerned." She snickered. "And she puts up with me, so she's a saint."

Sunny glanced up at Dante who smiled. "Ms. Chambray, you're a sweetheart. I bet she considers you her best patient."

Miss Lucille shrugged. "Maybe so, maybe not, but what does it matter? She took over after my old doctor retired, and she's keepin' me healthy … and my cancer never came back. I'm giving her … and God all the credit."

Sunny couldn't concentrate on the magazine, so she closed it and put it back on the table. "I just wish she'd told me about it before. I had no idea Mama was sufferin' alone. I would have been right there with her if I'd known."

Miss Lucille made a face. "That's probably why she didn't tell you. Some people don't like worrying others."

"My mother is like that too," Dante said. "She didn't have cancer, but the doctor found some suspicious spots during a mammogram. My family never found out until all the other tests came out negative."

They chatted about family secrets over the next half hour, until Mama and the doctor joined them. The doctor was smiling. "Looks good from what I can tell. I'm running some tests, though, so we'll know more in a few days."

Mama let out a deep sigh. "Looks like my doctor back in Charleston did a good job."

"Yes," Dr. Simone agreed. "In fact, I actually know him. We met at a conference a couple of years ago."

"But you're still the best," Miss Lucille said.

The doctor laughed. "I'm glad you have confidence in me, Ms. Chambray." She turned to Mama and extended her hand again. "If you have any questions, just call the number on my card. Otherwise, I'll call you to let you know as soon as the results come in."

As soon as they got out in the hallway, Miss Lucille linked arms with Mama. "See, I told you she was nice."

Mama nodded. "You sure did, and I agree. I like my doctor back home, but I have to admit there is somethin' special about Dr. Simone. Did you know that she's from North Carolina?"

"I sure did." Miss Lucille chuckled. "In fact, that was why I picked her out of the entire team of oncologists. I wanted a woman doctor, and I love North Carolina. It's gorgeous there in the spring and fall."

"I'm not so sure that's the best way to pick a doctor," Sunny said.

"And why not?" Miss Lucille said. "It worked for me."

"Okay." Sunny slowed down and fell behind Mama and Miss Lucille. Dante hung back with her.

"This was definitely an answer to prayers," he said softly. "I'm glad I was there to hear it firsthand."

Sunny nodded. "Yeah, I'm glad you were too."

"You are?" He looked surprised.

"Yes, I am." She swallowed hard as she looked down.

"But you said—" He cut himself off. "Never mind."

"Dante, it's not that I didn't want you to go. It's just that I'm so confused by everything."

"I thought we were starting over."

"There's something else we should probably talk about, but this isn't a good time."

Dante's face tightened, forming deep lines on his forehead. But he didn't say anything else until they got outside.

"Do you wanna come over and celebrate?" Miss Lucille asked him.

"No thanks," he replied. "In fact, I'll get a cab for you ladies, and then I'll just go on home. I have some paperwork to look over before I sign the lease on the new location."

"Have you decided what to call your new place yet?" Miss Lucille asked. "If you haven't, I'd like to help you come up with something."

"I'll probably just call it Bubba's Home Cookin' in Harlem."

Miss Lucille made a face. "That's not very creative. I think it should be original."

"I like Bubba's Home Cookin' in Harlem," Mama said. "That way people know what they're gettin'—especially if they've been to the original location."

"But won't the food be different?" Sunny asked. "Mama and Riley have different recipes for the same dishes."

"Speaking of Riley …" Dante said. "He's planning to go to the diner tomorrow. I called to find out what his plans were about returning." He nodded toward Mama. "I hope you're okay with that."

"Of course I am. I'm actually lookin' forward to it. He keeps a kitchen just like I do."

"But he's very different from you," Dante warned.

Mama tilted her head back and laughed. "I think I'm the one who's different."

"We'll see." Dante lifted his hand to summon a cab. After it stopped, he held the door for the ladies. "I'll stop by the diner and see how you're getting along."

Sunny noticed that he looked directly at Mama as he spoke. That shouldn't have bothered her, but it did.

*

Dante walked a couple of blocks before he got a cab for himself. Being with Sunny always made him antsy, and he needed to release a little extra energy before he sat. As he walked, he thought about how little it took to upset Sunny. As much as he enjoyed being around her, he wasn't sure he could continue with the way things were going. Her skittishness was starting to get on his nerves. Good thing she wasn't like that as a restaurant manager.

The next morning, he got to his office before anyone else. It was a lot easier to get work done without all the noise that started once Pop and his brothers arrived. However, Anthony came in shortly afterward, and he made a beeline for Dante's office.

"So how's the Harlem location coming along?" Anthony asked.

"All I have to do is sign the papers, and it's mine."

"What all do you have to do to get it ready for business?"

Dante shook his head. "Very little, actually. The previous tenants finished it out pretty well, so all I have to do is cosmetic to give it that 'down-home' feeling."

Anthony laughed. "Make sure you have Mom take a look at it to see if it's authentic."

"Nah, she's been in the city too long to know. I think I'll let my employees give me some pointers."

Anthony plopped down on the side chair, folded his arms, and extended his legs. "So are you fully staffed?"

"Not completely, but I have some of the key people in place."

"Yeah, you mentioned something about Sunny's mother. Do you think she'll be able to handle the workload of such a busy place?" He grimaced. "I mean, you know what happens when people get older. The stress can be killer on someone who isn't used to city business."

Dante laughed. "You should meet Twila. She might be from the South, but she can probably work circles around any of your seasoned city chefs."

"Then I might just have to stop by and see if she's interested in switching to Italian food."

"You do, and you'll have a fight on your hands, bro."

"Just kidding." Anthony stood. "You don't worry about me. I'm just glad you're doing so well. Let me know if there's anything else."

Dante thought for a second and pointed to the chair. "There is something else. Sit back down. I think it'll take a while."

"Sounds serious." Anthony sat. "What's up?"

"You know how I feel about Sunny, right?"

"Of course I do. You showed me the ring you bought."

"Yeah, the one she turned down." Dante closed his eyes and massaged his temples. "I keep trying to break through, and just when I think I've made progress, she puts up a shield."

"What happened?"

Dante told Anthony all about what she'd said about being hurt by her high school boyfriend. He explained how she'd seem to warm up to him, only to stiff-arm him when he thought things were going well.

"That's no way to have a relationship," Anthony said. "Either she likes you, or she doesn't."

"That's just it. I think she does, but she's afraid to."

Anthony shook his head. "Life's too short to put with that. If she isn't into you, it's time to move on." He paused and rubbed his chin. "Do you think she can continue working for you if things don't work out in the romance department?"

Dante nodded. "She asked if she needed to look for another job. I told her she was the best thing that could have happened to Bubba's Diner, and she seemed okay with sticking around."

"What are you gonna do?"

"I think I'll take your advice. It's time to move on." As Dante said those words aloud, he felt as though an essential element of life had drained from his body.

Sunny watched Mama apply her lipstick as she got ready for work the next day. "You look happy."

Mama spun around and faced her. "Maybe I shouldn't be this happy, but I am. I feel like I've just gotten a new lease on life. A new purpose."

"I'm glad things are working out so well for you."

The smile faded from Mama's face as soon as it formed. "What's wrong, sweetie? I hope you're not upset about my bein' here 'cause if you are, I can go right back home and find myself another job."

"No, that's not it." Sunny placed her hand on Mama's shoulder and looked her in the eye. "In fact, I love having you here. It's just that … well, I don't know how to say—"

"It's Bubba Dante, isn't it?"

In spite of the fact that Mama had nailed why Sunny was so blue, she laughed. "Oh no, not you too."

"What?" Mama leaned back.

"Bubba Dante. His name is Dante."

"I reckon I've been hangin' around Miss Lucille too much," Mama said. "She's influencin' me."

"There are worse influences," Sunny said.

"So answer my question. Is Dante what's got you all worked up inside? Because if that's what it is, I think the two of you need to go somewhere and talk it out."

"We've talked and talked … and then talked some more, but we keep coming back to the same thing. He says he's sorry for what he did, but the fact remains that he did it. And I'm seeing other things that are red flags."

"Red flags?" Mama lifted an eyebrow as she tilted her head. "Are they truly red flags or warnings that your hypersensitivity is creating?"

"Sounds like you've had some therapy training," Sunny said.

"Not training. But I will admit that I've spent some time in a therapy office."

"Really?" As far as Sunny knew, Mama didn't have any issues.

"Yes, sweetie. You're not the only one who's dealin' with stuff. Ever since your daddy took off, I've felt like I didn't deserve the love of a good man. That's why none of my relationships lasted very long after that."

"But I thought—" Sunny clamped her mouth shut before she blurted that she'd always assumed Mama was perfectly happy on her own.

"My childhood dream was to find a wonderful man, have his young'uns, live in a nice home, and build a wonderful life together—as a team. I didn't expect to be an old maid working at a series of dead-end jobs."

"Mama, I would never describe you as an old maid." Seriously? Mama might be bumpin' into 50, but with so many people assuming they were sisters, it was obvious that most people didn't think she looked her age.

"I wouldn't have been if your daddy had stuck around." Mama gave her an apologetic look. "But I'm sure it was worse for you than me."

"Not really," Sunny said. "You did such a good job that I never felt slighted."

"But I wasn't able to buy you all the things you needed."

"Actually, that's not true." Sunny smiled at Mama. "You gave me everything I needed … and then some."

"When all your friends got cute new wardrobes to start school, you had to make do."

"And I never had a problem with that. It forced me to be resourceful with what I had."

Mama laughed. "Resourceful? I reckon that's what you were. Remember that time you cut your thrift store dress in half, thinkin' you'd make a top and a skirt out of it?"

"How can I forget?" Sunny said. "After we put the elastic in the skirt, it was way too short, and the top never hung right."

"But you were a good girl, and you never complained."

Sunny shrugged. "I never had anything to complain about. I had the best mama in all of South Carolina."

"I'm certainly not gonna argue with you about that." Mama blotted her lips on a tissue, took one last glance in the mirror, and gestured toward the door. "Ready to go earn some nickels and dimes?"

"Let's go." Sunny started for the front door, only glancing over her shoulder momentarily to make sure Mama was behind her.

A cab came up the street right when they got to the end of the sidewalk. Before Sunny had a chance to do anything, Mama stepped out and lifted her hand.

"Good job, Mama," Sunny said. "You're fitting in quite well."

"Think I can fool people into thinkin' I'm a New Yorker?"

"With that accent?" Sunny giggled. "Not a chance."

"Are you ladies gonna stand there talking all day?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Mama slid in first and Sunny was right behind her.

"Where to?"

Sunny knew the address by heart, so she told the driver where to go. He grinned. "That's Bubba's Diner. Great place."

"We work there," Mama said proudly. "I'm one of the cooks, and my daughter runs the place."

"No kidding?" The driver glanced at them in the rearview mirror, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "I've only been there once, but I had some of the best food I've ever eaten."

Before Sunny had a chance to say something, Mama spoke up. "If you're ever in Harlem, I'll be runnin' the new Bubba's over there."

"Is it open now?"

"Nope, but it will be soon." Mama proudly lifted her chin. "It's going to be called Bubba's Home Cookin' in Harlem."

"I'll be sure to keep an eye open for it."

"And don't forget to tell all your cab driver friends too."

He laughed. "I will." He pulled up in front of the diner. "Here we are, ladies." Sunny handed him some money. "Keep the change."

The driver nodded. "Have a good day." And then he sped off.

"Such a funny man," Mama said as they walked toward the diner door. "He didn't say much."

"He said more than most cab drivers."

"Looks like we're going to be busy." Mama pointed to the line that had already formed for lunch. "I better scoot on in and get to work."

Sunny followed behind Mama whose family nickname used to be
Fleet Feet
. Some things never changed.

Estelle approached with a smile. "Things should get interesting in a few minutes."

"Things are always interesting around here," Sunny said.

"I should have said
more
interesting. Riley's back." Estelle grimaced. "And he doesn't sound happy about your mother taking over his kitchen."

"Why should he be unhappy about that?" Sunny asked. "He couldn't work, and someone had to do the job."

"I know, but you understand the logic … or lack of logic in the mind of someone who feels threatened."

"Riley should never feel threatened." Sunny liked him, and Dante spoke glowingly about him. "His job is secure … at least as long as he doesn't chop his whole hand off."

"Yeah, but you know how temperamental and sensitive Riley can be when things don't go the way he thinks they should."

Sunny cupped her hand over her ear. "Well, I don't hear any yelling yet, so maybe it's not too bad."

"Maybe one of us should go check on things." Estelle glanced over at the table where she'd just seated a large group. "Why don't you make sure they're not back there pulling each other's hair out?"

"Okie dokie." Sunny lifted her head, squared her shoulders, and headed straight back to the kitchen. As soon as she spotted them standing side-by-side, apparently engrossed in something, she stopped in her tracks.

Mama glanced up, grinned, and wiggled her fingers in a wave before looking back down at the counter top where Riley was trying to show her something. His hand was inside a glove, but he didn't look unhappy in the least. In fact, he looked pretty pleased about whatever he was doing.

"Looks like I have a lot to learn." Mama pointed to the counter. "Riley is showing me some biscuit making shortcuts that don't take anything away from the taste or texture."

That sure was fast. Mama couldn't have been in the kitchen more than a couple of minutes. "I'm sure he can show you all kinds of things," Sunny said. "I told you he was good."

"You sure did, sweetie, and you weren't kiddin'."

Riley tried not to smile, but the corners of his lips twitched. Looked like Mama had already charmed the temperamental cook.

"We have a full diner and at least a half dozen groups waiting to be seated." Sunny reached for an apron and put it on. "I need to get to work."

"Don't worry about the kitchen," Mama said. "With me and Riley workin' together, I'm sure we can handle anything."

Riley still didn't say anything, but the pleased expression said more than words ever could. He clearly liked Mama, and if the way she looked at him was any indication, she liked him too.

"Are you permanently back?" Sunny asked.

"I am, but in all honesty, it'll be a while before I'm up to speed." He glanced over at Mama. "It's good to have someone else to help out here."

"Hey," one of the younger cooks said. "What about me? I've been here almost as long as you."

"But this is your first cooking job," Riley reminded him. "It took me years before I got to be the head cook."

Mama laughed. "It took me decades, and I've never actually had the title head cook. I've just had to be one without the acknowledgment."

"That's too bad," Riley said. "At least you'll get to show what you're made of when Dante opens the Harlem diner." He paused. "Any idea how long before that happens?"

"Six weeks," came a voice from the door.

They all glanced over and spotted Dante. "Hey," Mama said. "Six weeks? What do you want me to do in the meantime?"

"You're doing it." Dante walked farther into the kitchen. "So how's the cut, Riley? Are you okay working?"

Riley held up his gloved hand. "This thing slows me down, but I can still do the work. Your timing on bringing Twila in is perfect, boss."

Dante gave a brief smile before backing out of the kitchen. Mama shot Sunny a curious glance, but she didn't say anything.

"Well, I reckon I really do need to get to work," Sunny said. "Let me know if y'all need anything."

"There is one thing." Riley winked at Mama before looking back at Sunny. "Your mama prefers a different kind of mayonnaise. We're almost out, so why don't we try the brand she likes?"

"Are you sure, Riley?" Mama said, her voice lilting and flirty. "I just made a casual comment."

"The fact that you made it right after introducing yourself let me know it was important to you."

Her eyes twinkled as she smiled up at him. Sunny felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach as she watched Mama and the man she'd only known as the Bubba's Diner cook make eyes at each other. The chemistry between them was palpable.

Estelle stepped into the kitchen and held up her pointer finger. "I'm taking a short break now. I'll be back in about fifteen minutes."

Sunny headed out to the dining room and went straight to work. All of the customers had what they needed for the moment, so she went to the front and straightened all the menus in the stand. She'd wondered if Dante would still be there, but he left as quickly as he arrived.

The rest of the day was busy as usual, and the time went by quickly. Sunny didn't hear a peep out of Mama or Riley, which was unusual since both of them generally liked to be heard. Estelle made a couple of comments about Cupid's arrows zinging all over the place in the kitchen, making Sunny laugh. But deep down, she was confused. Mama already had enough on her plate, and getting involved with Riley would only complicate things.

Half an hour before closing, Dante showed up again. Sunny noticed that he avoided looking directly at her. He tossed some of the old menus and replaced them with new ones, helped clean up in the dining room, and went back to the kitchen to check on orders. Warning bells sounded in her head. He was doing her job.

Estelle left a few minutes after closing. "Looks like you have everything under control."

"See you in a couple of days," Sunny said.

"If you need me, call me." Estelle patted her on the shoulder. "And don't worry about your mama. She's a big girl."

"I know." Sunny forced a smile. "Enjoy your time off."

After Estelle left, Sunny looked around the dining room. All of the tables were clean, the floor had been swept, and the kitchen sounds were dying down. Dante was still in the kitchen, and although she knew he was trying to avoid her, she went back to check on Mama.

She had to blink because she couldn't believe what she saw. Dante was leaning against the counter chatting with Riley who held tightly to Mama's hand.