“Bruschetta,” Loretta said. “We can make up as many carry-out containers as we can.”
“Okay, everybody,” Leo said, giving Tessa a wink. “All hands on deck.”
…
“We ran out of business cards and bruschetta sometime after dark,” Leo’s dad said as he set an enormous bowl of frutti del mar on the table at ten thirty that night. Leo poured wine for his dad and Tessa’s family as they sat and ate and talked over the bizarre evening.
“Yes, but we met tons of people,” Tessa said.
Tessa’s mother held out her glass. “You two charmed the crowd.”
“And the food was excellent,” Leo’s dad said.
Tessa’s grandmother nodded wisely. “Everyone had a great time. They’ll all be back.”
“The bakery stayed open late and made a ton of business,” her mother said. “We had some croissant dough ready to go, so we made a bunch of chocolate croissants. And we sold a ton of coffee, too.”
Leo couldn’t believe the success. It was more than he’d ever thought possible.
Tessa reached into her apron and pulled out a bunch of business cards, opening them like a fan. “Guess what these are, Mom and Gram?”
“Well, business cards, obviously,” her mother said. “But whose?”
“Turns out that some restaurant owners and a specialty bread place caught an episode or two of my videos, and they went in and checked out the bakery. They’re interested in buying our bread.”
Turns out both businesses were profiting from them working together. Bravo.
Tessa’s mom got a little teary-eyed. “Who knew that something you started for fun would create such a pot of riches?”
“Well, not riches yet,” Tessa said, patting her hand. “But this is a very good start.”
“It’s the power of social media,” Vivienne, who was leaning against the end of the booth, said.
“Vivienne,” Leo said. “We owe you a lot. Thank you.” He smiled at Tessa, who looked tired but happy. It made him think he’d like to see that relaxed and contented look on her face for an entirely different reason.
“Hey, no prob,” Viv said, waving her hand dismissively. And smiling from ear to ear. “Turns out you two are a magnetic couple. You have great chemistry on film.” She shook her camera a little.
Tessa frowned. “You still haven’t told us what footage you uploaded.”
“I swear I didn’t upload any video that Juliet might have taken of you after you threw up in the bathroom on your wedding day.” Then she chuckled.
“Dad,” Leo said before Tessa had the opportunity to follow through on a death threat or at least snatch Viv’s phone. “You look tired.”
His dad chuckled. “I haven’t been this tired since your mother was alive and business was booming. Thank you, Leo. Thank you, Tessa. Looks like all your fancy new ideas worked.”
“Not so fancy,” Leo said. “Just a little bit…updated. Same good food.”
“Well, you were right,” his dad said.
Whaaat?
“But maybe I was right, too,” his dad added.
Okay, the world was back to normal again. “What do you mean?”
“People loved you both as a couple. They loved you as a married man in charge of a family restaurant. You’ve both worked really hard to make this happen.”
Well. Full-blown praise from his dad, and a thank-you to boot. He’d take it and run with it.
“Our families have that in common, Marco,” Joanna said. “Work ethic.”
After the delicious meal, Tessa stood to help Leo clear the table. “Where did Juliet go?” Leo asked.
“She left early,” Tessa said, her brows knitting with worry. “Jax showed up with a date.”
Her mom and grandmother looked at each other. “Maybe we’ll bring her some takeout.”
“And dessert,” Vivienne said.
As Tessa walked into the kitchen with Leo, she said, “Maybe I should go, too.”
He gently grabbed her elbow. “Your mom is going. And your grandma. It’s up to you, but I think they might be okay for tonight.”
“Are you gently telling me not to mother my sisters?”
“Maybe I’m gently telling you that you don’t have to be the only one to mother your sisters. And that your sisters are smart women. Maybe it can wait until tomorrow.”
She shook her head and smiled. “You’re full of ideas, Leo Castorini. But I have a feeling that this is a good one.”
“I feel pretty good about things,” Leo said. “Tonight was a success, the bakery’s got a few leads, but most importantly…” His voice trailed off as he looked at her—a little tired, a little disheveled, but her eyes dancing with the same excitement he was feeling.
“Most importantly?”
“I get to go home with the woman in the rainbow flip-flops and the beautiful smile.”
He took her hand and tugged her close.
And his heart was fuller than it had ever been.
…
“I’m so proud of you,” Tessa said to Leo as he opened the door to their house at the end of the evening.
“Of me?” Leo asked, flicking the light switch and entering the kitchen. Cosette, who was curled up on Tessa’s favorite chair, lifted her head and blinked at the insult of being awakened by bright lights. “We had at least a dozen YouTubers there, thanks to you. And the Chicago food critic’s going to write us up. None of that was my doing.”
“It was Viv,” Tessa said. “She did something. I’m not quite sure what the magic was, but it made hundreds of people appear. I still think you should have let me grab her phone. I bet she did post some kind of embarrassing footage.”
“I’m sure we can find out if we watch what she uploaded.”
“Never mind that,” Tessa said. “Let’s check tomorrow. I’d rather stay oblivious tonight. Knowing Viv, it’s probably videos of me asleep with my mouth open and drooling.”
He gave a little chortle. Then he got serious. “We did it. We made it work. Well, at least…we’re off to a great start at saving both our businesses. We make a great team, Tessa.”
She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Leo, I feel so hopeful about everything. For the first time in a long time.”