Chapter 1
On her day off from her FBI job, Gina went to dine at a popular restaurant, Affliction Cafe. She read over most of the reviews and found the menu to her liking to go for a taste.
Upon arriving, Gina noticed a large post near the waiters' podium. It was for someone's wake, Terrance Beckett. On reading it, she learned that Terrance was the cafe owner's husband and that the cafe would be closed that weekend for the funeral and wake.
"Captain, we're willing to cook and cater for the funeral and wake," a chef informed, chasing after a woman.
"Enough, Preston," the lady sighed, stopping and glancing around. "I swear I left it here. Just focus on the catering jobs that are set for this weekend. The staff can stop by when they can and say their condolences."
"Captain Elliot!" another staff member beamed, slightly breathless, as she brought over a wheelchair. "Found it near the back."
"Thank you, Diana," Elliot replied, carefully settling into the wheelchair. "I'm starting to feel the ache. Did I unlock the front doors yet?"
Diana saluted, "Yes, captain. You did that about an hour ago."
Elliot shook her head and sighed, "I'm only 30 yet I feel so much older. Preston, to the kitchen. Diana, get the wait staff going. I still need to find Reese."
"I last saw her heading to the kitchen," Diana giggled.
"Thanks, D!" Elliot smiled as Preston wheeled their boss to the kitchen.
"I apologize for the scene earlier." Diana cleared her throat, "Hi, welcome to Affliction Cafe. Table for how many?"
"Just one," Gina chuckled softly. "It's still early."
As Diana led Gina towards the dining area, Gina glanced around. "Do you have any specific preference?"
"Not at all," Gina answered.
Diana grinned as they headed towards the stair, "We're going somewhere a bit special. My captain always says the best for lonesome diners because they're here for specific reasons such as the food and the ambiance, or maybe people-watching. The best view is from the balcony area."
Gina mused, "Does your captain like to dine alone?"
"She does," Diana answered. "Is water suitable while you look over the menu?"
"Yes," Gina nodded as Diana guided her to the best seat on the balcony and handed her the menu.
/ - / - /
Gina had just received her meal when she noticed someone wheeling out the lady from before but this time, there was a young girl on her lap.
"Who is that?" Gina asked her waiter.
"That would be Mrs. Elliot Beckett and her daughter, Reese," the waiter answered. "Mrs. Beckett owns this place and unfortunately lost her husband recently. I am amazed by her perseverance."
"Do you think she would mind if I dine with her?" Gina questioned.
The waiter smiled, "The captain enjoys dining with guests. Shall I?"
Gina nodded and the waiter took her food. They headed over to Elliot's table on the balcony.
"Captain, I hope you don't mind entertaining a guest," the waiter beamed, setting the plate of food down.
"I don't mind at all, Levi," Elliot smiled before acknowledging her guest. "Elliot Beckett at your service."
"And I am Reese Beckett," beamed the little girl.
Elliot chuckled, "Levi, bring a booster seat for Reese, please."
Gina smiled and bowed, "Gina Graham. A pleasure to meet you both."
"I am pleased that you wish to dine with us," Elliot smiled sadly. "People tend to avoid a grieving widow."
"Dad's in a better place," Reese smiled, earning a peck from Elliot.
"He is and he'll be watching over us now," Elliot chuckled softly. "Behave, Reese. Breakfast will be out soon."
"Mama, when will the wheelchair go away?" Reese questioned as Levi moved her to the booster seat.
"Dr. Blade said it would take a few weeks," Elliot answered. "I did get hurt, you know."
"Were you in an accident?" Gina asked.
Elliot nodded wistfully, "I was with my husband when it happened. It was a surprise date night and we were on our way home when we were hit by a drunk driver. I was napping hence the least amount of wounds. However, Terrance was pronounced braindead a few days later even though I already felt it and due to all the stress, I had a miscarriage. I had told him that night too."
Gina reached out, taking Elliot's hand. "Are you taking the time to take care of yourself?"
"I've been trying but most likely will have more time after the funeral," Elliot sighed. "Thankfully I'm not a full-time chef and can move back to my managerial position which I can do from home with some check-ins here."
"That's good," Gina grinned. "Reese seems to be adjusting fine."
"Only because schools haven't started back up yet," Elliot pointed out. "Her father was a work-from-home dad so he handled her schedule."
"Mama, can I have ice cream with my mini pancakes?" Reese pouted.
Elliot waved a staff member down for a small bowl of ice cream. She rubbed Reese's head before gesturing at Gina to eat.
/ - / - /
Elliot showed Gina to the front of the cafe as her phone chimed, alerting her of an incoming text. Gina noticed how quickly that sweet smile turned into a frustrated frown when Elliot looked at the message. Meanwhile, Reese was unaware of everything since the kid fell asleep.
"More bad news?" Gina questioned.
Elliot sighed and covered her eyes, "Yes. My brother-in-law, Topher aka Terrance's older twin brother, was supposed to watch over Reese for the rest of the day but one of his adopted kids pulled a tantrum over having to go to the dentist today. I was going to go through my husband's stuff and donate what I can."
Gina smiled, "I know we just met but what if I volunteered to help."
"I'd be grateful but would also have to refuse," Elliot informed.
"And if I insist?" Gina smirked, getting the feeling that Elliot wouldn't mind her presence.
Elliot sighed dramatically, "Fine, but you leave at 5 p.m. on the dot."
Gina laughed, "It's a deal."