Perfectly Pink - An It's Always Been You Romance (Complete)

Chapter 34

"What do you do?"

In an effort to avoid meeting Hunter's eye, Simon made a show of searching for spices. "I work at a restaurant in town."

"My brother's being modest." Finn opened the fridge and pulled out a platter of steaks. "He owns The Waterfront and a few other businesses."

"Really?" Mary's father leaned forward. "You own the restaurant now."

Before Simon could answer, Finn stepped in. "Not just one. Three. Plus has shares in a bakery. And he recently purchased a winery."

"Smart." Hunter raised his glass of lemonade. "Controlling the supply chain."

Simon twisted the pepper grinder over the steaks. "That's the idea. Also, trying to support local. Eventually hope to have a true farm to table business model."

"Impressive. Good for the environment too." Hunter's approval sat heavy in Simon's gut. The last thing he wanted to do was like the guy.

"You've come a long way from slinging drinks and waiting on tables." Phillip interjected.

Simon couldn't resist looking at the man. His approval was something he desired. The man obviously admired Hunter and Simon wanted an even playing field, even though it wasn't a competition. Or was it? From the conversation earlier, when he'd tried to support Mary with her drawing, he'd seen how she'd shut down as soon as her father denied her talent. Exactly how much of an influence did her father have on her?

"It's been a long time. I considered moving to a larger city and opening a restaurant there, larger clientele base etc., but Bridgetown afforded opportunities I couldn't resist." Like the chance Mary would walk into the bar. "It's worked out so far."

Mary's father nodded, and Simon had the impression he'd scored a point.

Finn was back at the fridge, moving around items on the top shelf. "I'll have to go downstairs and get a bottle of red wine."

"I'll do it." A few minutes later, Simon returned with two bottles of Mary's favourite. Picking up the salad, he joined his brother in transporting the rest of the meal outside.

As they approached the table, Mary's father beamed at his daughter. "Good, its settled. You and Hunter will join me."

"Join you where?" Finn asked.

"Florida. Perhaps you and Emily would come down as well."

The older man's words jabbed at Simon's chest, and he stared at Mary. She was making plans for the future with Hunter. He wanted to interject, remind Mary she had plans with him. They were to spend a weekend at Clara's bed-and-breakfast. But pushing that agenda didn't seem right at the moment, especially with the way Mary avoided looking at him.

Unable to face the family discussion, one he obviously didn't belong to, Simon joined Hunter by the barbeque.

"How long have you..." he couldn't bring himself to say the word dating. "have you known Mary?"

"We met at her sister's—" Hunter flipped a steak "—at your brother's wedding reception. I tried to play it cool and wait to ask her out, but with a woman like that, you can't hesitate."

Simon's stomach rolled. That's all he'd been doing for almost a decade. Waiting for Mary.

"I mean, can you believe she's still single?" Hunter flipped another steak. "I couldn't believe my luck."

"Hmm." The man had no idea how lucky he was. "They look done." Simon offered the plate and Hunter piled on the grilled meat. Heading back to the table, both men bee-lined for the empty seat beside Mary. The plate of food in his hand delayed Simon by a fraction of a second, and Hunter won the coveted spot.