Behind the Masque Book 2

The restaurant is insanely busy tonight, unlike most Wednesday nights. Chris and I have been run ragged without a break for almost nine hours now.

The Red Fire Grill has been a huge success since it opened its doors nearly a year ago.

Chris and I are still co-head chefs, and we have personally prepared meals for a lot of very prominent names from all over the United States who have visited the restaurant while in Houston.

Chris and I often put our heads together to come up with new ideas that keep it fresh and different, and Spence has even sent us to multiple workshops all around North America to learn all the latest techniques.

It’s been a fantastic experience that I wouldn’t give up for anything, and I am glad I didn’t quit last year after my whole life went to shit.

Spence wouldn’t have let me, and I’m grateful for that every day.

Spence had bought me a one-way, first-class ticket to Italy, not knowing when I’d be ready to come back. I had insisted that he take it out of my pay, but he was having none of it.

So, I was gone for over a month before I decided it was finally time for me to come back to my life and face it all.

During my time away, I gained some perspective, and it gave me a whole new lease on life.

I had gone into the entire situation with Lucas knowing full well what could happen, and when it did, I had no one to blame but myself. I’ve accepted that now, and I have moved on.

I still see Lucas around the hotel from time to time because he still works for Spence, but I consistently ignore him despite his multiple attempts to talk to me. I don’t miss him at all, and

I see him now for what he really is, blinded by him no longer. I still miss Casey like crazy, though.

When I came back from Italy, I had tried to contact her, but she’d declined every call and request I’d made to see her. After multiple failed attempts, I gave up.

I still hold out hope that one day she will find it in her heart to forgive me; I refuse to believe that this is the end for us.

Italy had been an absolute dream come true, despite the circumstances that had taken me there. Spence had arranged for me to stay in the Manfredi Hotel in Rome for as long as it suited me.

I did a lot of touring and visited Milan, Verona, Tuscany, and Naples. I did wine tours, learning a little bit more about it, and I ate way too much pasta.

I gained a few pounds as a result but didn’t care. I took some authentic Italian cooking courses and even went olive and grape picking, and I did it all by myself.

There had been a few overly friendly, charming Italian men who had made some attempts, but I hadn’t been interested in the least—my trip had been aimed at getting far away from men.

“Rox, let’s go take a break. I think we have some time before that party comes in tonight,” Chris hollers across the kitchen, waving at me to follow him.

I drop what I’m doing and happily join him outside.

“Fuck, it’s busy tonight,” Chris grumbles, bouncing anxiously from foot to foot.

“Need another patch?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I think this one has run its course.”

He lifts his sleeve to reveal his nicotine patch; Chris is making a strong effort to finally quit smoking at the request of his live-in girlfriend, Lena.

I’m so proud of him, and I have been acting as his quitting coach. I pull out a new patch from my pocket; I always keep some on me just in case.

He pulls off the old one as I slap the new one onto his arm.

“Thanks,” he says. “God, I want a cig.”

“Be strong, Chris, you’re doing so well. How long has it been now?”

“Two months and counting,” he tells me.

I already know this, but I like to remind him of his progress.

“I bet Lena is so happy that you’ve quit,” I smile at him encouragingly.

“Yeah, she is, and I’ve saved a lot of extra money too…which I plan on putting to good use,” he says.

“Yeah, what are you going to buy with those savings? A trip or something?”

“No…a ring.”

He smiles, and I squeal in surprise, hugging him tightly.

“Oh Chris, that’s so awesome! Congratulations!”

“I’m still wondering how I’m going to do it, though; I want it to be a total surprise. Something awesome,” Chris says excitedly.

“I’d love to help you with that if you’ll let me,” I offer.

“I’d love that, Rox, thanks,” he sucks in a deep breath. “All the more reason to stick to this thing, I guess. It’s just hard sometimes, you know?”

“I know, Chris, but it’ll be so worth it.”

I pat him on the shoulder, and he nods.

“I hope she says yes,” he murmurs.

“Chris, Lena loves and adores you. She even let you talk her into getting her first tattoo. Trust me, she’ll say yes,” I assure him, and he chuckles.

“Yeah, that tiny little flower on her shoulder; I love that thing,” he smiles. “You should get one too, Rox.”

“Um…no. Tattoos are not for me. I mean, I like to look at them, and I love yours and appreciate the art, but there is nothing that I would feel comfortable enough with to permanently ink onto my body,” I tell him.

One particular tattoo that I love comes to my mind.

“Maybe someday you’ll find something you love enough to tattoo onto your skin,” he muses.

“Sure, maybe. I guess it’s not completely out of the question,” I consent.

“Hey, what time is it?” Chris asks me.

“No idea.”

“Then I guess we better get back inside before everything falls apart.” Chris sighs and opens the door leading back into the hot kitchen.

A few minutes after ten, Chris, Lena, and I sit in the hotel lounge for a quick drink after a long day. Lena had acquired a later shift at the front desk so that she could get off at almost the same time as Chris.

I’ve come to know Lena pretty well, and I find that I like her very much. She’s perfect for Chris, and she’s the cutest little thing too.

She’s twenty-two, stands only five feet tall, and has almost white-blonde hair cut into a funky pixie that complements her soft features.

She’s also got big blue eyes that light up every time Chris walks into a room—they are just the best couple ever.

However, despite her sweet exterior, she’s got a spunky attitude and curses like a sailor.

“What a long fucking day,” she complains, taking a sip of her beer.

“I had this crazy bitch demanding that all these ridiculous things be brought to her room; I wanted to slap her over-plastic face.”

Chris gazes at her adoringly and chuckles.

“I think I know who you’re talking about, and she’s been causing problems all week. She’s this close to getting kicked out,” I tell them, holding up my thumb and forefinger a hair apart from each other.

“Good, I fucking hope so. I can’t take her bullshit for much longer,” Lena laughs.

“All just a part of the service industry, I guess. Having to deal with crazy people with a big smile on your face,” I say, shaking my head.

Luckily, being in the kitchen, I don’t have to deal with the people that Lena has to endure every day; she’s right at the front lines.

“Asshole alert,” I hear Chris mutter under his breath.

I look at him, and he discreetly points to the door. Lena and I turn to see Lucas striding into the lounge with a tall blonde on his arm. They go over to a corner booth and take a seat.

Lucas glances over at the three of us and quickly turns away. He always has a new girl every few weeks, doing what Lucas does best.

“Still haven’t talked to him?” Lena asks quietly, as I turn back to face her and Chris.

“Nope, and I don’t plan to either,” I scoff.

“Did he finally give up trying?” Chris asks me.

“Yeah, I think so,” I tell him.

We haven’t talked about Lucas in a long time.

“Good, that fucker can just get lost,” Chris snorts.

He is not a fan of Lucas’s and is still openly hostile toward him every time we have to be in the same room as him.

Lena had told me that after I left the restaurant opening party, Chris had really given Lucas a piece of his mind, not caring about the fact that Lucas could beat the shit out of him if he wanted to.

But Lucas had just stood there and taken all of it before disappearing.

Lena had been completely stunned and impressed that Chris had valiantly stood up for me, and she said that’s what really sealed the deal for her and Chris.

Chris and I had told her the whole story leading up to the events of that night, and I had revealed things that even Chris hadn’t been aware of.

That was one very long drunken night for the three of us; it was a bonding experience for Lena and me as well, and it felt so good to have a female friend to talk to.

The two of them have basically become my best friends. Chris has always been a close friend, but we’ve crossed into best friend territory, and wherever he is, Lena is too.

“So, changing the subject,” I start, wanting to wipe Lucas from our radar. “Is everything good at the house? Do you guys need anything?”

“Everything is great,” Lena says, “but I was wondering if it’d be okay if I painted the living room.

“I found this really fucking great color that I’d love to use, but I wanted to make sure you’d be cool with it first.”

“Paint whatever you want Lena, I trust your judgment,” I smile at her.

I am currently renting my little house to Chris and Lena who’ve been there for just over three months now.

I had saved enough to buy a new condo downtown so that I could be closer to the restaurant since I’m there so much. Driving across town almost every day was really wearing on me.

I give them a good deal on rent, and they are hoping to save up and buy it from me.

I had made enough at the restaurant to pay off the house in full and also make a significant down payment on my new place.

All of this is possible because Spence pays me more than what I think is necessary or fair compared to everyone else, but who am I to complain?

Chris now makes the same amount as I do, but he blew a lot of his money on a fancy new truck for himself and a car for Lena.

“Yay! Awesome. I hope you like black,” she says excitedly, and I almost spit out my drink.

“Black?” I confirm.

“Kidding,” she giggles, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

Ultimately though, once they buy the house, they can paint the whole of it black if they wanted to.

“Well, you two,” I start, finishing my drink and standing up. “I think I’m going to head home. We’ve got another long day tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I guess we should head home too,” Chris agrees. “See you tomorrow, Rox.”

“Night, Chris; night, Lena,” I say, leaning in and giving Lena a hug and a kiss on each cheek.

“Goodnight, hun; I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says softly.

“Love yas!”

I smile and wave at them, making my way toward the entrance.

“Have a good night, Miss Vice,” the doorman, Bob, tips his hat to me as I walk out of the hotel and gesture to the valet.

“You too Bob,” I smile at him and walk over to the curb to wait.

“Are you ever going to fucking talk to me?” I hear a quiet voice behind me.

“Not if I can help it. Why don’t you just give it up already? I don’t know what you’re trying to achieve here Lucas; so just…go away,” I tell him, turning my back to him once more.

“Come on, Roxanne. You don’t have to be like this. We have to be able to be civil at some point. Couldn’t we at least try to make it a more comfortable environment?” he requests.

I don’t turn to look at him this time, keeping my back to him.

“I’m perfectly fine with the way it is now. I’m not so worried about whether you are comfortable Lucas; that’s your problem.

“Now, if you would excuse me, I need to get home,” I tell him just as my car pulls up in front of me.

Without another word to Lucas, I hop in and drive away.

Saturday rolls up on me, and Chris and I are having a welcome slow afternoon. It’s a long weekend, so we assume everyone has gone out of town.

I get off early today and have Sunday and Monday off as well. I’ve been looking forward to having some time off. Chris had last weekend off, so it is my turn.

“So, I thought I would propose next weekend,” Chris says out of the blue as we stand in front of the grill.

“Feeling a little eager, are we?” I chuckle.

“I just don’t want to wait anymore, I’m picking out a ring tonight,” he tells me.

“You do know the Masque is next weekend, right?” I remind him.

Yes, the annual Manfredi Masque has come upon us once again. Chris and Lena are on the guest list this year, and both of them are beyond excited to be attending this party.

After my experience last year, they are dying of curiosity. I will be attending as well, but my activities this year will be very different from last year’s.

“Oh, I’m aware. I was actually thinking of popping the question in the limo on the way to the party. You know, while we’re all looking our best?

“I’ve never worn a tuxedo before, and Lena bought this beautiful dress. I just thought it might make the night all the more romantic,” he explains.

“That actually sounds pretty nice, Chris,” I praised, impressed that he’d put a lot of thought into this.

I guess the Masque can be whatever you want to make it. It can be an adventure, a sexy time out, or even a romantic experience. My experience wasn’t romantic in the slightest—hot, yes, but not romantic.

Was that really a year ago? So much has happened since then.

“I think so,” he nodded.

We were going to share a limo, but I think I will try and arrange for them to have one to themselves now…with a few extras. Help him out a little.

I head home around three o’clock, eager to start my weekend. I pull into the underground parking lot of my new condo. I am on the thirtieth floor of a forty-story building, a new modern structure near the heart of Houston. I can see the Manfredi Hotel from my balcony, but this place is way more convenient.

My new mortgage is substantially higher than that at the last place, but I can afford it now, especially once I sell my other house. That should help with a huge chunk of the mortgage.

Chris had mentioned yesterday that he has already put away almost enough for a down payment and that he would like to surprise Lena with the house after their engagement; so, that should be happening soon.

I take the elevator from the parking garage up to my floor, and as I put the key in the lock, I realize that my door is already unlocked. I smile to myself, knowing what’s waiting for me on the other side.

I step into my apartment and see a suitcase sitting there in the foyer; he’s finally back from his weeklong business trip. I walk through the big open space, eager to see him.

My boyfriend of over six months, the beautiful man that I love, steps out from the bedroom, and sends a warm smile my way the moment his eyes land on me.

I drop my purse on the floor and hurry over to him, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck and kissing him hard. I break away, breathless, and look up at him.

“Did you come straight here from the airport?” I ask, gesturing toward the suitcase.

“I couldn’t wait any longer to see you,” he tells me, his arms tightening around me.

“I missed you so much,” I tell him.

“I missed you too my love,” he smiles, leaning in and kissing me again, and this time he reaches down and squeezes my ass.

“I missed this ass, and I need to get it naked right now.” He grins, lifting me up and throwing me over his shoulder, causing me to squeal in sheer delight.

“Spence!” I giggle, smacking his butt as he strides toward the bedroom with sensuous purpose.