Lesley leaned casually against the side of the bar, one elbow resting on the polished wood as she lifted her glass. The margarita was cold against her fingers, salt clinging lightly to the rim. When she took a sip, the sharp citrus and tequila burned pleasantly down her throat, grounding her in the moment. It had been a good evening. A busy one.
The restaurant buzzed with life. Laughter rose and fell in waves, plates clinked, cutlery scraped softly against ceramic. The warm glow of overhead lights reflected off wine glasses and polished tables. Every seat seemed occupied, and new customers continued to trickle in through the door, greeted by the scent of grilled meat and simmering sauces.
"We have more customers today, boss," Benjie said from behind the bar, wiping down a row of glasses. His tone carried a hint of pride.
Lesley glanced around, taking in the full dining room. "Yeah," she said, smiling faintly. "And it's all thanks to you guys. People won't come back if the food's great but the service isn't. You all make this place what it is."
Benjie grinned widely and gave her a playful salute before returning to his work, shoulders squared with renewed enthusiasm.
A moment later, one of the waiters approached, hesitating slightly before speaking. "Ma'am... she didn't accept the free meal. She insisted on paying for everything and said she won't accept your peace offering."
Lesley's eyebrows lifted just a little. "Really?" A quiet chuckle escaped her lips. "So her pride chose for her... I shouldn't be surprised."
She waved him off gently, signaling that he could go. The waiter nodded and disappeared back into the crowd.
Lesley brought the glass back to her lips, swirling the margarita before taking another sip. Her gaze drifted toward the dining area, unfocused, and she shook her head slightly, a disbelieving smile tugging at her mouth.
"You really are something, Denisse," she murmured, the words tasting like astonishment on her tongue.
Her thoughts slid backward anyway, the memory surfacing uninvited.
Earlier, when she had been heading back toward the kitchen, she'd spotted her. Sitting right there in the middle of the restaurant, bathed in warm light. Laughing softly, eyes bright, shoulders relaxed. She looked... happy. Comfortable. Like she belonged exactly where she was.
Lesley had stopped short when she saw her, breath catching for just a second.
Oh, look at what we have here, she had thought bitterly. The death plotter herself.
She hadn't lingered. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked straight into the kitchen, the familiar heat and clamor wrapping around her like a second skin.
"David," she called, scanning the prep stations. "Has table ten already fired?"
"Yes, boss," David replied, glancing up from the stove. "Why?"
"Make it extra good," Lesley said, her tone casual, almost careless. "Give them a little extra."
David blinked, clearly surprised, then nodded. "Okay, boss."
Lesley moved through the kitchen after that, inspecting dishes, watching the chefs plate meals, correcting small details. She kept herself busy, hands clasped behind her back, eyes sharp. Work was easier than thinking.
When she stepped back out, she nearly bumped into Kate, the restaurant manager, who was holding a clipboard and frowning at a seating chart.
"Hey, Kate," Lesley said, a grin slowly spreading across her face. "I've got a special guest tonight. And you won't believe who it is."
Kate raised an eyebrow, curiosity immediately piqued. "Who?"
"See table ten?" Lesley nodded subtly toward the dining area. "The woman in the maroon blouse and black blazer."
Kate followed her gaze. "Okay... I see her. Who is she?"
Lesley smirked. "I went on a date with her once."
Kate snorted, "Please. Should I believe that?" She glanced back at the table. "You usually date women who play the same game as you-fun, flirty, confident, not looking for anything serious."
"Trust me," Lesley said quietly. "I did."
Kate tilted her head, studying Denisse more carefully now. "She's nothing like your usual flings," she murmured. "She's... understated. Beautiful in a way that doesn't even try. Too innocent for you, and... almost angelic-."
Then she froze, her eyes widening. "Wait. Don't tell me... is she who I think she is?"
Lesley's smile sharpened, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Yeah. She's Denisse. The one who sent me rushing to the ER."
Kate's jaw dropped slightly, her gaze flicking back to the table. "Oh my god, Les... you weren't lying when you said she was angelic."
"Told you," Lesley replied, though something darker flickered behind her eyes. "But behind that angelic face? She's a monster. A chaos magnet."
Kate crossed her arms. "So what's your plan? Don't tell me you're going to sabotage her meal."
"No," Lesley said immediately. "Of course not. I won't jeopardize the reputation of my beloved restaurant."
"Okay... then what? You're just going to let her sit there?" Kate said, eyes narrowing. "That look on your face... you're already plotting something, aren't you?"
Lesley shrugged, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "What-no. I told David to give them VIP treatment... and I was thinking of making it on the house."
Kate looked at her skeptically. "Wow. How generous. Didn't you say you'd never date her again?"
"I won't," Lesley said firmly. "But I forgot my wallet that night. She paid for everything. I just don't want to owe her anything."
Kate gave her a knowing look. "Sure. That's all it is?"
"Yes, Kate," Lesley said, already turning away. "Now go back to work."
Kate laughed under her breath. "Fine, fine. But I can tell you now, this love story isn't over."
"If you don't get back to work right now, I'll cut your salary," Lesley shot back.
Kate immediately scurried off, pretending to check on servers while grinning to herself.
Lesley shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips.
The sharp swing of the kitchen door broke through her thoughts, the sudden clatter snapping her back to the present. Lesley blinked, the noise of the restaurant rushing in again as she finished the last of her drink and set the empty glass down.
"That wasn't even a peace offering," she muttered to herself. "I just don't want to owe her anything."
She exhaled slowly, then straightened, pushing the thoughts away.
"If you don't want it, then fine," she added quietly.
With that, Lesley turned and walked toward her office to collect her things, the echo of laughter and clinking glasses following her down the hallway as she prepared to head home.