Dinner for Two?

Toni was loaded for bear by the time she and Gerry arrived at Andy’s. Pulling him by the hand, she rounded into the dining room. Lucy was being hostess tonight.

“Hey Toni,” she said, eyeing Gerry, “you need a table for…two?”

“Lucy…has my father arrived?”

“I haven’t seen him but he does have a reservation?" Lucy answered.

“Okay…would you let me know when he arrives…I guess we can have a drink first?” she looked at Gerry.

“Yes…I think so,” he answered.

“Are you here for dinner?” Lucy asked, “I can get you a table.”

“Yes…oh I’m sorry Lucy this is Gerry Stanley…my brother from France. Please, if you can, seat us after my father arrives.”

“Sure…I’ll let you know…you’ll be in the tavern? Nice to meet you Gerry,” she smiled and wrote down their names.

“Toni what are you going to do….you will not make a scene…he has a right,” Gerry spoke quietly as they moved into the tavern.

“I’m not sure Gerry…he’s not divorced yet you know. If Mom found out…”

“She would only find out if you told her…you will not tell her…it is none of your affair,” Gerry looked her in the eye.

Toni thought he sounded like Richie. “I will make no promises…it depends.”

“I will buy you a drink and you will calm down,” Gerry said matter of factly.

Toni looked at him and bit her lip, “you don’t see a problem with this…it’s okay with you if he’s seeing another woman and he hasn’t even divorced mother yet.”

Gerry ordered their drinks and turned to her, “she’s not my mother and no I don’t…he is a man,” Gerry lifted his chin and gave her a sideways look.

Oh he’s like Dad, Toni thought and smiled, no nonsense…cut to the chase. Maybe it was his French upbringing but she didn’t see things the same way. She would let it drop until her Dad showed up.

Steve brought their drinks and Toni asked about little Ben and Millie she’d bought some cute baby things and would be bringing them by. They were finishing their drinks when Lucy came up behind her.

“He’s here,” she whispered her eyes wide…what was going on?

“Thanks Lucy where are they seated?”

“By the fireplace, are you ready for a table?”

“Um yes please,” followed by Gerry Toni followed Lucy back to the dining room and walked inside peering around the column she stopped and Gerry bumped into her.

Toni burst out laughing and Gerry turned her around, “what…what is it?” he asked.

“It’s…its Miss Peeg,” she said relief showing on her face, “Miss Peeg…Richie’s assistant…all is well Gerry shall we say hello?”