Monday morning at 11 a.m., Dani opened her doors to the public. She had a freezer stocked with emergency meals. The one remaining cooler was packed with Olivia’s freshly baked fruit pies and coffee cakes, and her own famous chocolate chip cookies. The backside of the island was open to shelves stacked neatly with napkins, plates, coffee mugs, and silverware. She had cooked her way through her nerves all weekend, and now all she could do was wait for someone to arrive. The shredded napkin on the counter top was a casualty of the panicky thoughts running rampant in her mind.
When Jimmy stepped up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder, she yelped and the napkin bits shot into the air like confetti.
"Don't worry, ma'am. People will come. You'll see."
"I know, Jimmy. I know. I just can't wait until they do. If this doesn't work, I'll start back over from nothing again. I don't know if I can do that."
"Did you hear what you said? You didn't say you'd be back down at nothing, but that you'd start over from nothing. That’s the key. Of course, you can, ma'am. But I don't think that's going to be an issue." He pointed out the window.
There was Nick leading a procession of vets coming straight down from the VA. Dani began laughing and crying simultaneously. He came up to the counter as the twenty guys of varying ages found seats together around the large tables. Dani ran from behind the counter and threw her arms around his waist, squeezing tight.
"Thank you!"
Nick dipped his head just slightly and leaned into the hug. It took real effort to let go and keep it friendly. Damn. She had to get better at that. Maybe she should have a no touching rule.
“You'd be surprised how many guys are just hanging out over there. I invited everyone within hearing to go out to lunch on me, and the place emptied out!"
"You are an amazing friend! Thank you! I'd better get moving." She pulled out of his embrace reluctantly and hustled out to the tables to explain how the restaurant worked and take drink orders. She’d certainly have to think about new rules later. Right now she had work to do!
Nick took his seat next to one of his new buddies from the therapy group, when a hand clapped on his shoulder and a voice spoke quietly, quite close to his ear.
"If you hurt her, you won't be able to run far enough fast enough." Jimmy fixed him with a glare.
Nick had the grace to flush. The young man had clearly seen through his careful mask. Confident his meaning was clear, Jimmy hustled to the kitchen to get plates for everyone.
Adam reached over and shook his hand, then gestured to the table that was clearly a custom build.
“This the one you were talking about building?”
“Yep. I built the table, the counter, the seating bench, and the island in the back.”
“You do nice work, man. Listen, I’ve got this shop over in Berkeley, and people are always asking me to do custom jobs. If you want, I could send them your way, maybe bring you in for consultations.”
Surprised at the man’s generosity, he focused on his hand as he smoothed it over the reclaimed pine he’d lovingly stained and sanded for Dani.
“Why would you take a risk like that on me?”
“Because we all need somebody on our side. Besides, these pieces are gorgeous. You’d be doing me a favor.” Was he ready to risk himself? He looked around at the shop. Dani had risked it all and look how it had turned out. She was so damn brave. If he wanted to be worthy of her, he needed to find his own bravery again.
“It’s a deal,” Nick said, reaching out to shake the man’s hand again. “Thanks.”
Seth chimed in.
“Hey, if you’re ready to start working more seriously, Dad’s got a list a mile long. He keeps asking about you. Seems our higher end clients are loving your work in our portfolio. I’m sure I could work it out so you could do your freelance stuff in our workshop, too.”
“You’re a good friend, Seth. You tell your dad we can talk about it. I think it’s about time.” Nick's grin split his face. His future was beginning to look brighter for the first time in ages. He still had to get through the evening without touching Dani like he wanted to, but solid progress was worth celebrating.
By closing time, Nick had officially reached the end of his tether. Letting go of Dani’s hug earlier had been difficult. But when she had collapsed onto one of the stools at the bar happily exhausted, and it had been nearly impossible not to bundle her up in his arms and carry her home. His protective streak was being put to the test with not interfering as she ran herself down getting the restaurant opened.
Enough. He had to make his move. He couldn't take her out on a date to help her relax, but Captain America could. As he settled on his couch with his laptop, he ticked off all the reasons that this was a good idea. Dani needed a fun night out. She said she really liked him. She deserved to know the truth. And it was all utter crap. This was about him being selfish and wanting to have her in his life with no restrictions. But he was going to do it anyway. He didn't think he could keep up the charade much longer. Something was going to slip.
He opened up his browser and logged into his profile. It was nearly their normal chat time. There was already a message waiting for him. She must have written to him from the café to share her day with him. Warmth spread through his chest. Seth was wrong. She already cared for him. This would work.
SunnyD: I did it! We opened the café today! I was so worried, but it was amazing! A ton of people dropped in just to see what we had done to the place, and more than half stayed for lunch or dessert and coffee. We had such positive feedback from everyone! My feet are killing me, but I've never been happier!
CaptAm: I'm so proud of you! That's fantastic news. I wish I was there, so I could rub your feet for you. :)
He sat back to wait for her to respond. It was the first time he'd ever expressed an interest in being near her. He wondered how she'd take it. Within minutes she logged in, her profile chiming as she checked her messages. He toggled back over from checking the baseball scores, to see what she'd say.
SunnyD: I wish you were, too. I would pay good money for a foot rub right now.
CaptAm: You sound happy, but tired, too. I know you've been working really hard on opening the restaurant. When's the last time you took some time out for yourself?
SunnyD: I have down time, like right now talking to you.
CaptAm: I meant, time out, like going for dinner. Maybe with a friend.
Nick waited as the silence stretched painfully. What was she thinking? Had he moved too fast? Was she even interested in meeting him? Blessedly, the three little blinking dots signaled that she was typing a response to put him out of his misery one way or another.
SunnyD: I go out with friends all the time.
She wasn’t making this easy for him. He tried a more direct tack.
CaptAm: Maybe with me?
SunnyD: What are you suggesting? :)
CaptAm: I'm suggesting that you have dinner with me. I feel like I know you so well. I want to celebrate with you. How does Saturday night work?
SunnyD: Saturday would be fine, but I have a ton of prep to do for the café Sunday morning so it can't be a late night. Where do you want to meet up?
CaptAm: There's this great restaurant downtown, Rafaelli's. I could pick you up around 7?
SunnyD: Ooh, I've heard that place is fantastic! But let’s meet there.
CaptAm: OK. 7 at Rafaelli's.
SunnyD: I guess you'll need to know who to look for. I have blond hair and blue eyes. I'll be wearing a coral colored dress. How will I know you?
Nick's mouth began to water remembering just how amazing she looked in that particular dress. Stoked that she'd responded so positively, he thought for a second before replying.
CaptAm: I'll be carrying a bouquet of flowers, to celebrate your success. I can't wait to meet you. Well, I should let you get some rest. I know you'll be up early to head to the restaurant. Sweet dreams.
SunnyD: Sleep tight, Captain.
Pleased that the final phase of his mission was in motion, Nick logged off and turned in for the night. He settled into his bed, and pictured Dani doing the same thing across the hall. She slipped into his bed with him as he drifted off to sleep. She often kept him company in his dreams, where he could play out any number of the fantasies that tortured him during his waking hours. But tonight was different. In his dream, Dani climbed into his bed, spooned in front of him, and fell asleep. He wrapped his arms around her, keeping her close to his heart, and fell asleep too. Incredibly, this dream was even more tempting than his sexual fantasies. He craved the right to just hold her close and show her his love. Victory was near. He could hardly wait to make his dreams his reality.