Tonight, we are having a little celebration for the last leg of our US tour and where else to have it?  Yes!  Here at home in New York.  It's good to be back after months of being away.  I am so looking forward to the break because Josephine and I are scheduled to go to Hawaii a week after we wrap the tour.  

Hearing the buzz of people at the restaurant tonight made me realize it's a busy Saturday at our favorite place.  I always like going to Le Boeuf Rouge since Atticus first brought us here. We haven't been back for months since we're on the road. 

The place is classy by any means.  You can see the wide selection of wine that they have on the glass wall display that is situated by the bar.  Big floral arrangements adorn the tables against the wall. Dim lights across the restaurant gives it a cozy and romantic feel. Tables are covered in white cloth, finished with smaller flower arrangements and candles. There's soft music playing in the background and busy servers neatly dressed in all black. On top of the ambiance, the amazing food they serve here makes this place the go to in New York City.

The owner, Geoff has been friends with Atticus since his Onyx days. So it's no surprise that Jake and I have become friends with him, too.

"Hello guys! How is it going?" He asks us as he stands next to Jake clapping him on the back.

"Doing well. How are you?" Atticus says him.

"I'm good buddy. The tour is about to end, yeah? By the way, Ashley and Eliot here will take care of you guys," directing to the wait staff handing us our menus.

"Thank you,"  Atticus turns to Eliot as he takes the menu from him.  "Yeah, two more shows then we'll be on a short break," he adds looking up to Geoff. "How's business doing?"

"It's great! Got some new staff in the kitchen a few months ago then new ones coming in for the front of the house in the next week or so. They come and go you know, but the back of the house seems pretty solid now. I'm happy," Geoff replies.

"Oh yeah? What? You stole some chef from your neighbors around here?" Atticus chuckles.

Geoff snickers along with him, "Not exactly, she came willingly from the other side of the country. Great talent! Unbelievable work ethic."

"Ahh! A west coaster eh? Did you hear that Jakeyboy?" Atticus addresses Jake and winks at him, "Geoff here has some awesome female Chef in the kitchen right now. Should we hook you up? Since, you can't cook shit."

I laugh with Geoff when Atticus playfully raises his eyebrows teasing Jake who after all these years managed to stay still single.

After what he went through, I don't blame him but if there's anybody who deserves to be happy and be taken care of it's Jake. I cannot put into words how much I admire the guy's character. Whoever catches his heart again is one lucky girl because I know he is a keeper.

"Is she pretty, Geoff?" Atticus asks, his eyes  are still on Jake waiting for his reaction.

"Alright, alright, enough of that now. Should we get a bottle of red?" Jake says as he peruses the menu. Obviously, intending to divert the attention off of him.

"Are we all having steaks tonight or I should get white?"  Addressing our tour manager, Perry and Tamara, our publicist.

"Just get a bottle of Merlot and Cabernet to start off," I reply as I start looking at the main course section of the menu. 

"Red sounds fine," our manager, Joshua adds putting his reading glasses on before looking at his menu.

"Okay. Your house Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, please," Atticus says to Ashley and smiles at her.  She nods and takes the drink menu from him.  I see a hint of blush on her cheeks as she collects the other drink menus that's on the table.

"I'll see you guys later.  I have other guests coming.  Enjoy your dinner," Geoff says excusing himself so he can visit other tables.  "Alright buddy!" Atticus' replies to him still looking at the menu haven't decided yet what to have.

When the bottles arrive and we got our glasses filled up with wine, we each order steaks and some sides to pair it with.

"One of the reasons why we're here is because I want to discuss with you the world tour. We all know the reception of the fans to the new band and music is very positive," Perry says while looking at Atticus. "I think we should go to the big venues. We had a meeting at the office a few days ago and presented a line up of cities.  The logistics are going to be more complicated of course, that is why the sooner we decide the sooner we can put up the team to handle the back room.   We would like to discuss it with all of you but the big question is, are you all on board? We can always push it back a few months," he raises his eyebrows while he scans everybody around the table. 

"This is a good opportunity," he adds focusing his attention to Atticus while Duncan, our drummer and Luke, another guitarist are having their own little discussion.

"Well? Aren't we going to regroup and write more songs first?" Atticus says. I catch him looking at me and Jake. I know he is doubting himself again.

"As Perry mentioned, the tour is a success and the reception is phenomenal. Your new sound, Atti, is well loved. I think Onyx fans worldwide would like to see you again as Atticus Walker sans the boys. The album sales are telling us you still have a strong following and your fan base is still there," Joshua says which I absolutely agree.

I cannot find the words to describe how it feels like every time we perform on stage with Atticus.  The energy is amazing and the fans are just astounding.  City after city is a sold out show.

"There's not much to think about it really. The rest of the world is ready to see you again," Tamara adds.

"What do you guys think?" Atticus addressing the rest of the band now. I could sense his hesitation not only because we are talking about bigger stage and more crowd but I am also aware of the personal issues he wants to settle first once this tour is over.

"I think it's a great idea. Strike while the iron is hot,"  Jake says. "Whatever the consensus of the majority is, I'll be okay with that," he adds smiling at us.

"Duncan? Luke? Any thoughts?"  He asks then looks at me and Josephine who is sitting right next to me. 

I put my hand on her thigh and give it a squeeze so I can have her attention.  She looks at me and smiles.  I lean closer to her ear, "You know this means I will be away for months again if I do this.  Should I think it over before I commit?"

She quietly answers,   "Chase,  it would be stupid not to go with the rest of the band. This is what you always wanted, to perform with your best friends." 

Turning to face me she adds, "You guys are making exceptional music together and fans love it. Josh and Perry are right, people are waiting.  I think you should do it. Be part of this, baby. It's going to be great and  you get to see the world.  Wouldn't that be fun?" She runs her hand on my cheek to give me more encouragement. 

I kiss her on the forehead grateful for having such a supportive girlfriend. I turn my attention back to Atticus, nodding and giving him a thumbs up, "let's do it!"

"Yes!  Chase is in."

"Yes for me,"  Duncan says, "let's go!"  Luke adds. 

"It's settled then,"  Mike says happily. "I'll start working on the details right away. Let's get the last two shows done then I'll call for a meeting to present the plans. I think with the timeline we have and the holidays coming up, we are looking at sometime March next year."

"Alright. That sounds good! I'll get a head start on spreading the word and will announce the dates and cities as soon as it's locked in," Tamara says.

We clink our glasses to toast the next adventure ahead of us. Damn! I am excited. 2020 world tour here we come!

After dinner, we were just chatting when Geoff came back to our table to check on us and to bring three bottles of wine compliments of the house. Decisions about dessert and plans of staying put or going to a bar afterwards surrounded the table.

Perry, Joshua and Tamara are now having their own business discussion. The wheels are always turning with those three. While Luke, Duncan, Atticus, Jake, Josephine and I were laughing about the mishaps that happened in our last show in Philadelphia.

Duncan is telling Geoff how much he enjoyed his dinner tonight when I hear a beep on my phone. I take it out from my pocket and check.

Andrea: Fratello (Brother), coming in LaGuardia airport on Wednesday. I just got off the phone with Matteo.  He is going to pick me up at the airport  then we'll head to meet Mamma at the train station before we go to your place.  Sounds good?  

I'm glad my brother, Andrea can make it to the show. It means so much to me that he is flying from Chicago to see me. It is such an amazing feeling to share this moment with my mom and brothers. Never have I imagined that after years of playing in different bars in the city, I could actually be a part of something this big.

Me: Grazie (Thank You) Andy! I can't wait to see you. I'll call Matt later. I'm glad he can meet you and Mamma. I'm sorry, we have rehearsals the next couple of days.

Andrea: That's alright, no worries. Hey! Did Papà see you when you guys were in Florida?

Me: Yes he did.   I'll tell you all about it when you get here.  I'll see you soon,ok? I love you! Have a safe flight on Wednesday!

I hit the send button and I hear Atticus exclaim, "what the fucking hell ELIZA CASTILLO!?"

The moment I hear her name I freeze.  I feel my hand grip my mobile phone as my brain starts to work over time on what to do.  I look up and there she is standing a few feet away from me. 

She's wearing a chef's uniform with dirty apron tied around her tiny waist, she has her raven hair pulled back and a black chef's hat is covering her head.  She's fiddling with a kitchen towel in her hand, her cheeks are pink and even from where I am sitting I can see  the shine of sweat on her nose and forehead.  She's hot.  I mean to say it must be really hot in the kitchen.   

I straighten up and roll my shoulder as I feel tension tightening on my back.  I feel Jakes's eyes on me while Atticus stands up from his chair and open his arms to give her a big hug.  Geoff chuckles and asks Atticus, "you know her?"  

"Yeah! Yeah! We..," circling his finger from him, to her, to Jake and then to me, "...all went to the same high school together, right Chase?"

He flashes his signature big smile. I wonder if he can make that dimple of his any deeper but right now, I just want to punch him in the face. 

I watch her reaction after Atticus' asks me that question. She looks tense and very uncomfortable.  Good. I push my chair out from the table to give my legs a little room. I cross my right leg over to my left knee, lean back and extended my arm over Josephine's lap. When my hand found hers , I link our fingers together.  I see her glance my way. We locked eyes for a couple of seconds before she looks away and focuses her gaze to Jake.

The always gentleman, Jake gets up from his chair and gives her the same welcoming hug, "how have you been Eliza?  It's great to see you!"  He says to her.  Everyone in our table is now looking at her.

"I'm well, thanks Jake.  How have you been?"  She asks as she stretches both of her arms while holding Jake by his elbows. 

"I'm doing very well.  Super busy this year,"  Jake replies to her with a big smile.  "Busy is always good, right?"  I hear her say to him. He nods as a response.

Atticus introduces her to the rest of our group as I sit quietly calming my nerves.  I hope Josephine doesn't feel the tension traveling from my fingers to hers.  I refuse to let memories of the past enter my mind at this moment.  I have obviously moved on from it.  

"Dinner was excellent, Eliza, thank you!"  Perry says to her.  "I'm glad you like it.  We are a team in the kitchen, so I am not solely responsible for your great dining experience.  I will relay the message to the rest of the guys."

I guess I was so distracted with Andrea's text messages that I didn't hear the earlier conversation about meeting the new chef in the house.

"Well, it's nice to meet you all.  I have to get back," she says addressing Perry, Joshua, Tamara, Luke, Duncan and Josephine.  "It's nice to see you guys again," she turns to Atticus and Jake then gives everybody a small wave. 

For a brief moment, I catch her look my way one more time.  I just give her a curt nod, surprising myself for even acknowledging her.

"Wow! You guys went to school with her?  She is beautiful!"  Joshua turns to Atticus. 

"She is,"  Josephine agrees.  I am starting to feel nervous where this conversation is going.  "Is she a model?  Because if she is not, she can definitely be one.  It'll be so cool, a chef and a model at the same time?"  She adds.

"Yes, we all went to school together.  You should have seen her in high school, she was already pretty back then but now I think she just got prettier and hotter.  She did model," Atticus says furrowing his eyebrows then turns to me, "did she Chase?"

Shit!   I really don't want to talk about this right now.  I could feel Jake's eyes boring a hole at me.  He can tell I am anxious talking about her.

"She did for awhile,"  Jake answers for me addressing Atticus, Josephine and Joshua.  Thank God for amazing friends like him.

I am completely speechless with this new discovery. She's here, back in east coast, but why?  I thought Los Angeles is a dream come true for her.   

"Oh yeah?  Here in New York?  I don't think I have seen her here though,"  Josephine says to Jake triggering her curiosity since she's an experienced stylist and have worked on different fashion events.

"Doesn't she live in L.A.?"  Atticus asks.  I want to stuff this table napkin infront of me on Atticus' mouth.  Damn!  This guy sometimes doesn't know when to shut the hell up.

"Yes.  I know she lives in L.A. but I don't know why she's here though,"  Jake says then looks at me, silently telling me this is where his help ends because he doesn't know anything more. 

I lean towards the table to grab my glass of wine and take a big sip.  I need a stiffer drink than this. Where in the hell is our waiter?

Atticus turns to me.  I swear, if he will not drop this talk about Eliza, i'll strangle him with my bare hands.

"I don't know either, man," and I don't care.  I say to myself  taking Josephine's hand close to my lips and brushes them onto her knuckles.

I take another drink of my wine then give her a soft peck on her cheek. She leans closer to me and rests her head on my shoulder. I don't know why my heart is beating this fast. I tighten my hold on her hand and kiss it one more time. 

Looking at her beautiful face, I wink at her and she flashes a smile back at me. "I love you, Jo!" I say. "I love you, too baby!"

I still feel the strong pounding on my chest. I refuse to acknowledge it and at the same time trying to dismiss the thoughts that is slowly creeping in my head.

Eliza looks the same from the last time I saw her.  What I did notice though is, there's a look of uncertainty in her eyes that wasn't there before.  She looks stressed, tired, even sad to me.  It's been a long time but, I know those eyes, they always give her away.

For the rest of the night, I keep convincing myself that seeing her after seven years didn't have any affect on me.