Simmer Down

threatened and insecure—dumb of me, because until she showed up, everything between Josh and me had been going great, and there was no reason to imagine that Hannah could come between us. Right? Even so, I double-checked my lip gloss and added another spritz of eucalyptus spearmint body spray to my wrists.
    Boston’s chronically nightmarish traffic always became unbearable on New Year’s Eve, so Doug and I had ruled out driving ourselves or taking a cab. We left my condo and walked the short distance down the hill to reach a T stop in the middle of Beacon Street. This section of the Green Line ran above ground and descended to become an actual subway as it approached Kenmore Square. Public transportation ran for free tonight, and, even at this relatively early hour, the cars were jammed. We pushed our way to the middle, grabbed onto a pole, and clung to it as the car lurched forward. As I’d neglected to mention in my list of anger-inducing items, the unflattering lighting in the subway cars irritated me. Under the fluorescents, Doug looked positively jaundiced. When we dove underground and reached the Kenmore stop, a mass of people attempted to board the already crowded car, and I found myself smashed up against Doug in a position that under other circumstances might have been considered pornographic.
    “I’m not enjoying this any more than you are,” Doug assured me.
    The two of us practically gasped for fresh air when we emerged from subterranean Boston. “Thank God I used extra deodorant.” Doug sniffed his underarms. “What a revolting form of transportation!”
    “Funds were running low for my private limo service,” I said, winking at Doug. “Sorry.”
    I pulled my date along the sidewalk toward Simmer. Lights were strung up on lampposts, wreaths hung suspended over the streets, and everywhere were large signs wishing everyone a happy New Year. The sidewalks were full of families and students eagerly admiring ice sculptures and applauding street performers, and the whole city had a wonderfully magical feel to it. Tonight was going to be so exciting! Josh was going to astound everyone with his superb culinary skills. By midnight, he’d be on his way to fame and glory as Boston’s hottest new chef!
    “There’s Simmer,” I said excitedly, pointing out the restaurant to Doug.
    “Good. I’m dying for a drink. Do you think they’ll comp our drinks for us?”
    “They better.” I laughed. “Because after enjoying an incredible dinner, I plan on getting happily wasted on expensive cocktails. And then dragging Josh home to make drunken love all night long!”
    We crossed the street and opened Simmer’s front door. Just inside the entrance, Gavin was welcoming a couple and directing them to the hostess. He was dressed in a formal suit and practically oozed pride at the opening of his restaurant. Tonight was the result of months, if not years, of dreaming and planning. Furthermore, Gavin had sunk a tremendous amount of cash into Simmer. He deserved the pleasure he was radiating.
    “Welcome, welcome, Chloe! Can you believe it’s happening?” Gavin enthusiastically shook my hand and introduced himself to Doug.
    I said, “Congratulations, again. This is wonderful. I can’t believe all of that work got done on time. You’ve really pulled it off.” Looking around, I saw that the installation of the ceiling light fixtures was complete. Now, everything basked in exactly the kind of flattering glow that would have boosted the morale of T riders throughout the city. The lighting brought out the earth tones of the textured walls and the tiled floors. Behind the bar, the bottles shone. The glasses in the racks and in people’s hands twinkled. The tables were covered with linens in a shades of cream and pale rust. Best of all, people were everywhere. Customers! Diners here to enjoy my Josh’s genius!
    “You know,” said Gavin, “I really think this place was meant to be—that Simmer was meant to be mine. Somehow we got the lease and everything just came together. I thank God for that! So let’s get you two to your table.”
    “We’re meeting a couple of my friends here. Are they here yet?” I looked around the room, trying to spot Adri-anna’s blonde hair in the almost full dining room.
    “You have a whole table of people waiting for you.” Gavin gestured to a large table in the front of the room, right by the window.
    I couldn’t believe it. “What the hell are they doing here?” I