A Table for Two Read Online Free PDF Page A

truth. You're the most talented and creative chef I've ever worked with, not to mention the nicest boss anyone could ever hope to have in this crazy business."
    "Stop it before you make me blush." Dana fanned her face with her hand. "I like you, too. Now where do we stand with reservations? Have you checked?"
    "We're totally booked again. In fact, we had to turn people away."
    "Wow! It's been like that every weekend. I thought it was a fluke the first time it happened, but it looks as if it's going to continue." Dana's mind drifted off for a moment as she thought about how much her restaurant meant to her and although the odds of making it in the restaurant business after the first year or two were abysmal, she wanted to beat the odds.
    "Yeah, it does," Tracy said.
    "Has the bread arrived yet?" Dana referred to her standing order of crusty Italian bread from Sarcone's, the best bread bakery in South Philadelphia. If there was one thing Dana hated it was a restaurant that served good food and mediocre bread.
    "It should be here soon. If not, I'll call Vinnie and check on it," Tracy assured her. "Didn't you tell me that Karen and Laurie are coming for dinner tonight?"
    "Yes, they are. This is the first time I've had a chance to socialize with them since I moved back here. You met them before, remember? That time they came to visit me in Chicago?"
    "I remember and I liked them. From the looks of it, things are going to be hopping tonight, but I'll try to come out and say hello to them if I get a chance."
    "I'll have to spend time with them, but I won't leave you alone the whole time they're here. That's why I want to get as much prep work done ahead of time as possible. I'll have all the lasagna done and the other specials aren't that complicated to make."
    "Not a problem," Tracy said as she went over and poured herself another cup of coffee. "Would you like another cup of coffee, Dana?"
    "Please. I need more before we get to work. I was hoping it would just be Karen and Laurie, but Karen called yesterday and told me they're bringing a friend of Laurie's along, another teacher that works with her. I'm not sure I feel like meeting someone new."
    "It won't kill you, you know." Tracy turned her head and glanced at Dana as she poured a little milk into her coffee.
    "No, I don't suppose it would."
    "You say that, but I can see by that look on your face that you're not convinced."
    "I'm not. They'd better not be playing matchmaker."
    "Relax, will you? It's just dinner and maybe you'll like their friend." Tracy came over and set Dana's cup of coffee on the counter in front of her. "Why don't you make an effort to be more sociable? You need to meet new people."
    "Why?" Dana asked.
    "Because you're too attractive to hide away in this kitchen for the remainder of your days on earth, that's why. There's more to life than this."
    "I know that." Dana picked up her coffee. "Thank you for the coffee and the unsolicited advice." She blew on the hot liquid as she lifted her eyes and focused on Tracy with what she hoped was a stern gaze. "Don't you worry, I'll be sociable." Although it was evident Tracy had her best interests in mind, Dana hoped she would heed her warning and refrain from making any further comments about her personal business.
    "I'm not worried, I'm just saying."
    Dana changed the subject in a hurry. It made her uncomfortable to talk about her lack of a social life and it embarrassed her even though she had no reason to be embarrassed in front of her very best friend. Over the last year, she'd become more and more withdrawn and she knew it wasn't good, but she wasn't ready to do anything about it. "When Jimmy gets here, we'll have him run over to Claudio's for mozzarella and provolone for the lasagna. I need more Parmigiano Regiano and I want some of those oil-cured black olives. We can always use them. And remind me to tell him to get the ones without pits. I don't want to pay anyone's dentist bills."
    "Yes, boss." Tracy