People in suits, dresses, and jeans came through the doors, and Antonio treated them all the same.
Gavin smiled when the owner’s voice rang out. “Ahhh, mí amigo, Señor Barcina is here. Welcome.”
Gavin and Antonio hugged.
They spoke back and forth in Spanish, and Gavin watched Alexa look around the restaurant with wide eyes.
“And who is this lovely lady?” Antonio asked in Spanish.
“She is my date for the evening,” Gavin told him.
“Well, I can tell she’s a sweet one. You be careful with her.”
“Always, amigo.”
“Let’s put you in a private booth so you can hear each other.”
“Gracious.” Gavin wrapped an arm around her waist and followed Antonio.
Gavin watched as Antonio made sure she was comfortable.
“Thank you,” she said and smiled.
The owner handed them a menu and then yelled for some chips and salsa to be brought to their table. “If there is anything either of you need, don’t hesitate to call out.”
“Thank you,” Gavin said.
He watched Alexa look over the menu, and her expression got more anxious as the seconds passed.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“There’s just so many choices.”
“Honey, do you want me to order for you?”
He bit back a smile at her dramatic sigh of relief.
“Yes. Please.”
“Anything you don’t like?”
She shook her head and handed him her menu. “Nothing except for black beans, tomatoes, guacamole, fried beans, or anything really hot.”
He hid his grin. It would be interesting to see what he could get her to eat.
The waiter came with a basket of chips, salsa, and glasses of water.
“What would you like to drink?” the waiter asked.
“Can I have a margarita?” Alexa asked.
He studied her for a moment. “Do you drink alcohol a lot, honey?”
She shook her head. “No, but after the night I’ve had, I think it would help.”
He thought it would make it worse but nodded at the waiter. “The smallest one you have, and I’ll take a bottle of beer.”
The waiter nodded.