36- Take care of you first

“What do you recommend?”
“The penne arrabiata,” she said without hesitation. “The tomato sauce has a
little kick to it. I gave that one to him when I was in here the other day.”
Mr. Lee chuckled. “Yes, I can see why something spicy would appeal to
you.”He put the menu aside. “What about wine? Shall we order a bottle?”
“Only if you can settle for the house Chianti. I haven’t been able to talk
Tony into starting a decent wine cellar.”
“Chianti it is, then.”
As soon as the waitress had taken their order with a promise to let Tony
know that it was for Hazel and her friend, Mr. Lee studied Hazel. “You look
better.How did the phone call go?”
“The restaurant is very busy. Deidre’s holding the creditors at bay. I can stay
on here a while longer.”
“But not indefinitely,” Mr. Lee said. “Not if you expect to pull Café
Tuscanyout of this mess. You’re going to have to go back and face it.”
Her cheerful expression faltered. “I know, but just for tonight can we not talk
about it?”
Mr. Lee hesitated. “Look, I know I’m probably the last person you want to—
oreven should—discuss any of this with, but I’m a halfway-decent listener.”
“I’m sure you are, but how do I know that you won’t take every word I say
and twist it? Let’sface it, you’re not out here because you want to get to know
me. You’re here because you think I’m guilty of a crime.”
“Not guilty, just involved,” Mr. Lee corrected.
“What’s the difference?”
“I know you’re involved with Rinaldi, and I know that he’s done some shady
financial deals.”
“That’s guilt by association,” Hazel pointed out. “Because Bobby’s guilty,
then I must be, too. That’s what you’re saying.”
Mr. Lee shook his head. “No, I’m trying to keep an open mind where you’re
concerned.”
She regarded him doubtfully.
“Okay, maybe when I first scheduled the deposition, I made some
assumptions,” he conceded.
“And now?”
“I’m beginning to think my secretary might have been right, though if you
ever tell her that, I’ll be forced to deny it.”
“Your secretary?”
“Lydia Allen. She’s a big fan of yours and your restaurant.
Hazel’s eyes brightened. “I know Lydia. I should have realized who she was
when I first spoke to her about changing the deposition. She’s a regular at the
restaurant. And she works for you? How fascinating. You must have some
redeeming qualities, then, if you can keep a woman like that on your payroll.”
Mr. Lee winced. “She might not agree. In fact, she says she stays with me
precisely because I need someone to keep me honest.”
“You’re scared of her, aren’t you?” she said, clearly enjoying the discovery.
“What is she? Five-two, a hundred and five pounds? And you’re scared of her. I
love it.”
“I am not scared of her,” he insisted.
“Oh?”
He grinned. “Actually, I’m terrified. She can make my life a living hell. In
fact, she takes great pride in it.”
Hazel chuckled. “I’ll have to call Deidre and let her know that Lydia’s next
meal is on the house.”
“Which won’t do much to help your financial situation,” Mr. Lee pointed
out.“Nor will it do a thing to get you into my good graces.”
Her gaze narrowed. “What would it take for me to get in your good graces?”
“Some honest answers.”
“I’ve never lied to you, Mr. Lee.”
“But you haven’t told me the whole truth, either.”
“I will when the time comes.”
His spirits, which had been astonishingly light during their bantering
exchange, sank. “And that will be?”
“When we do the deposition,” she said flatly, and turned her gaze to Tony,
who was crossing the restaurant, a beaming smile on hisface for Hazel, a cooler
acknowledgment for Mr. Lee.
Mr. Lee couldn’t help the trace of envy that filled him as he listened to
the warm exchange between these two old friends. He wasn’t used to feeling
shutout, all but ignored, especially by a woman. Nor was he used to the distrust
thatTony made no attempt to hide.
After the man had gone to check on their meal, Hazel regarded him
apologetically. “Sorry about that. Tony’s very protective of me, and he knows
about everything that happened with Bobby and that you’re here to keep an eye
on me. He’s worried about what’s going on with the two of us.”
“You mean romantically?”
She had the audacity to laugh at that. “Hardly! No, he’s convinced you have
ulterior motives, that you’re trying to wear me down so I’ll incriminate myself. He mentioned it after meeting you the other day.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“That you were a lawyer. That seemed to be explanation enough.”
The stereotype rankled. “Your friend Emma is a lawyer. He doesn’t distrust
her, does he?”
“No, but Emma grew up here. That gives her an advantage.”
A few minutes later Tony returned with steaming plates filled with aromatic
pasta. He served them, cast yet another suspicious look at Mr. Lee, then
returned tothe kitchen.
“It’s no fun, is it?” Hazel
asked.“What?”
“Being regarded with distrust.”
“No,” Mr. Lee agreed.
She smiled happily at that. “Good. Then you know how I feel every time I
catch you watching me.