Chapter Five

"Do you have any questions?" Caterina asked after she walked Luna through the work she expected her to do at the restaurant.

Luna had assumed she'd be in the kitchen, perhaps helping with prep work or washing dishes. Instead, Caterina wanted her to clear away dirty dishes from tables and reset them, pour water and coffee, and help seat patrons when the restaurant was busy.

A multitude of questions flew through her mind, but none that would help her do the job efficiently or successfully.

As though Caterina sensed her hesitation, she gave Luna a one-armed hug and waved her hand in the air, encompassing the restaurant. "You will do a fine job, Luna. If, for any reason, working in the dining room makes you uncomfortable, you can help in the kitchen."

Luna already felt uncomfortable at the notion of being around so many strangers. What if she dropped a tray full of dirty dishes? Or spilled coffee on someone? What if … Luna forced aside her fears and expelled a nervous breath. "Thank you."

"I'll find an apron for you, and then you'll be ready to get to work. Until we open the doors for the evening, you can help Elizabeth make sure all the tables are ready." Caterina gave Luna a huge white apron, then showed her a second time where to find everything she'd need from clean napkins, silverware, and dinnerware to trays for carrying dirty dishes to the kitchen.

Elizabeth was a young harried-looking woman, probably close to Luna's age, who appeared exhausted. However, she bustled through making sure each table was set to Caterina's demanding standards, and kept an eye on the clock as she worked. She added water to the vases of flowers on the table and even discarded a few blooms that appeared wilted. Luna watched as the woman replaced the faded flowers with fresh stems Caterina kept in a bucket in an old ice box.

When Elizabeth finished with the flowers, she returned to setting tables.

"Have you worked here long?" Luna asked as she folded napkins into a cone shape and placed one on each plate at a table while Elizabeth set out the silverware just so.

Elizabeth glanced at her and nodded. "I started in September. It's a good job, and Caterina is tough but fair. My husband was killed in August in a train accident. I took this job in hopes of keeping a roof over my son's head, but we ended up having to move in with my parents anyway. It's been good for William to get to know his grandparents better. He's only two, and my mother has been gracious about watching him while I work. Someday, I'll have my own home again. Until then, we have a safe place to live where my son is loved."

"I'm so sorry, Elizabeth. It is so hard to lose one you love," Luna said, then gave the young woman an impetuous, understanding hug. They both pulled back with tears in their eyes, then returned to work.

By silent agreement, they changed the subject to upcoming events in town. Elizabeth encouraged Luna to consider joining one of the organizations in Pendleton to meet more people. There was a group that quilted. Another that prepared baskets of food and clothing for the needy. There was even a group that gathered just to discuss their favorite books.

So many opportunities awaited her, but Luna wasn't quite ready to step into any of them. Not when she wanted and needed time to adjust to living in a new place full of so many things previously unknown to her.

Although Caterina and Kade, Ilsa and Tony, and their children had all visited New York City a few times, Luna had never traveled out West. Despite the stories they'd shared and the letters they'd written, she hadn't been prepared for how much different life seemed in Pendleton.

Not that any of it was bad. Just … different.

Luna finished helping Elizabeth, made sure the water pitchers were full of ice water, then watched as Caterina bustled to the front doors, unlocked them, and pulled them back, welcoming the first customers of the evening with a friendly smile.

Within ten minutes, Luna was busy pouring water and coffee, racing back and forth between the kitchen and tables, and wondering how Caterina could keep up with the hectic pace five nights a week.

But the woman seemed to be in her element, running her kitchen with a tight yet creative hand. The fragrances from the incredible food Caterina served took Luna back to her mother's kitchen. She could almost see her at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling, aromatic sauce to serve over a steaming plate of tortellini.

Jerking herself from her musings, Luna lifted four breadbaskets and carried them out to tables. She noticed one group had left, so she hurried to take their dirty dishes to the kitchen, tidy the linens, and reset the table.

"You're doing great," Elizabeth whispered as she hastened past Luna with her hands full of plates to be served to a waiting table of three.

Pleased, Luna smiled and continued doing her best. She was just setting napkins on top of plates at a table set for two when Hunter walked in with two couples. Luna immediately recognized Nik Nash. Without thinking, she rushed across the restaurant to give him a big hug.

"Luna! Look at you!" Nik's exuberant hug lifted her off her feet. He set her down with a laugh and pushed her back, although he kept his hands on her elbows. "You've grown up!"

"So have you," she said, grinning at him. He looked exactly like the boy she'd known, only now he was a man. A doctor who was well thought of in the community, at least from what she'd heard last week and at the picnic she'd attended at his parents' home Sunday afternoon following the church service.

She'd hoped to see Nik and his wife at the picnic, but Aundy, his mother, had said Nik was out on a call, and Dally wasn't feeling well. With the number of people who had gathered at Nash's Folly for the picnic, Luna didn't have time to be too disappointed as she was introduced to a multitude of new faces, including Aundy and Ilsa's brother, Lars, and the children from the orphanage he and his wife, Marnie, managed. There were neighbors, like Riley and Bertie Walsh and their beautiful little girl, as well as friends, such as the Hill, McBride, and Elliott families.

The food had been plentiful and became a blending of cultures and traditions with everyone contributing to the meal. Luna had eaten until she thought she couldn't hold another bite, then Aundy had announced they had three flavors of ice cream. Luna had sampled every flavor.

The afternoon had been full of fun and frivolity, and the experience had made her feel like part of an extended family instead of just a visitor in Pendleton.

Now, though, she was thrilled to see Nik. He'd always been so kind to her in the years he'd lived with Aunt Angelina and Uncle Franco at their store. For a time, she'd had quite a crush on him, but he was so much older she eventually outgrew it. That's when she'd fallen in love with Matteo.

Lest memories of her lost love dim the joy in seeing Nik, she shoved them aside and widened her smile.

"Is this beautiful woman the talented trick rider I've heard so much about?" Luna asked, moving from Nik to hold out a hand to a woman with rich auburn hair, teal-colored eyes, and a warm smile.

"Dally Nash," Dally said, taking both of Luna's hands in hers. "It's so nice to meet you, Luna. I'm sorry we weren't at the picnic Sunday."

"She's mostly miffed she missed Aundy's ice cream," Hunter said, leaning around Dally with a teasing smirk and tipping his head to Luna. "It's good to see you again, Miss Campanelli. You are looking well."

The last time he'd seen her, she'd been dirty from traveling on the train for days, not to mention the fact that she'd fainted. She certainly hoped he saw marked improvement in her appearance.

Hunter wore dusty cowboy boots, denims, a deep blue shirt with a pale blue neckerchief, and a dark gray vest. He hadn't shaved since she'd met him on the train last week, and the growing beard on his face along with his hair that still needed a good cut gave him a rather rakish appearance.

Then he grinned, and her gaze latched on to the hint of a dimple in his cheek. The cowboy was certainly handsome. Charming. And all wrong for her if she'd been interested in a romance, which she absolutely was not.

"It seems you've met Hunter," Nik said, then motioned to the couple behind them. "Let me introduce you to Rowdy and Cornelia Logan. Rowdy runs the B Bar D Ranch, and Cornelia keeps up the house and helps with the cooking."

"I try to help with the cooking, and today was not one of my better attempts, so here we are for dinner." Cornelia smiled at Luna, then offered Dally a sheepish look.

"Don't be hard on yourself, Corni. It was probably an old stringy rooster to start with, and not your fault the chicken dried out." Dally patted the woman's shoulder. "I was craving a plate of Caterina's ravioli anyway."

It was then Luna noticed Dally was expecting. No one had mentioned it at the picnic, but then again, it wasn't a topic most people discussed, particularly in mixed company. She was happy for Nik and Dally, though. The couple could look forward to welcoming a little one into their hearts and home.

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Logan." Luna gathered a stack of menus from the box where they were kept by the door. "A table for five?"

At Nik's nod, Luna led them to a table near the back and waited until they were all seated to hand out the menus. Hunter's gaze connected with hers when she held a menu out to him, his expression open and curious, as though he wanted to know how she was doing. She smiled and nodded her head once, hoping he understood she was well, before she hurried to return to work.

After bringing everyone at the table glasses of water and pouring coffee for Nik and Rowdy, she rushed to catch up on cleaning tables since people were waiting by the door to be seated.

As soon as she had another table clean and set, Elizabeth seated a group there, and the evening grew even busier. Luna couldn't begin to imagine what the restaurant would be like on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Nik's table lingered, all five of them enjoying slices of Caterina's decadent chocolate crostata. The tart's filling looked incredible, and Luna hoped there was a piece left for her when the restaurant closed for the night.

She'd nibbled a breadstick and snitched a few olives throughout the hectic evening, but she was hungry and tired, and her feet ached. Oddly, though, she also felt a great deal of satisfaction with the work she'd turned her hand to. For a few hours, she'd forgotten about her troubles and heartbreak and was able to focus on the tasks before her.

As she walked around the table to see if anyone wanted a refill of water or coffee, Nik dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and smiled at her. "You'll have to come out to the ranch one day, Luna. Dally is always happy to show off her horses."

"I would like that," Luna said, wanting to know more about the woman who had captured Nik's heart and the home they'd made together. "Thank you for the invitation."

"The aunties and Aundy are planning to come for lunch soon. You should join them, Luna," Dally said, offering her an encouraging smile. "I'd love to have you come."

"Oh, well, I might—"

"She'll be there," Caterina said, stepping beside her and resting a hand on Luna's shoulder. "It will be good for her to go on an outing."

"Speaking of outings, did everyone see the notice in the paper about the circus coming to town next week?" Hunter asked as he leaned back in his chair. Although he spoke to them all, his gray eyes locked on Luna's, and she found herself helpless to look away. Something about Hunter, something she didn't want to consider or evaluate, drew her to him despite her multitude of reasons to keep her distance.

Finally dragging her gaze from his, she considered his question. She hadn't read the paper, but there had been mentions of the circus Sunday afternoon, with several who were in attendance at the picnic making plans to see the performance.

Luna had been to a few circuses when she was younger, but it had been several years since she'd attended one. The thought of eating roasted peanuts and watching exotic animals circle around inside the big tent did sound like fun. Perhaps Ilsa and Tony would take Laila and invite her to attend with them.

"It's fantastic that Buffalo Bill Cody will be part of the circus. I've been wanting to see that Wild West show of his," Dally said, excitement evident in her voice. "I plan on getting tickets for all of us."

"Great," Nik said, kissing Dally's cheek. "If I'm not out on a call or at the hospital doing an emergency surgery, I'll look forward to seeing it with you, delightful Dahlia."

Dally blushed and smiled at her husband, while Hunter rolled his eyes at them. Then he returned his focus to Luna. "If you have no other plans that evening, Miss Campanelli, it would be my great pleasure to escort you."

"Yes! She'd love to go with you," Caterina answered before Luna could form a response. She'd intended to refuse, but now that seemed impossible. It wasn't that she didn't want to spend time with Hunter. She did. That was the entire problem. She wasn't ready for another relationship, especially not with a man who seemed to be a little … wild.

Hunter's left eyebrow cocked upward, accentuating the scar on his forehead as he studied her. "May I accompany you, Miss Campanelli?"

"You may," Luna said, doing her best to ignore the weightless bubbles in her stomach and the anticipation she felt at the prospect of seeing Hunter again.

"That's grand. I'll pick you up at Tony and Ilsa's house at half past five."

"But, Caterina, I'll miss work," Luna said, turning to her cousin.

Caterina waved her hand in the air. "What is one night of work when there is a circus to see? In fact, I may close the restaurant that night because it is likely no one will be coming in anyway."

"Oh," was all Luna could think to say, then faced Hunter again. In spite of her hesitancy and trepidation, she found herself smiling at his broad grin. "Thank you for inviting me, kind sir."

"My pleasure, Miss Campanelli. Entirely my pleasure." Hunter winked at her, then picked up his fork and finished his last bite of crostata.

Luna excused herself and returned to work, but as she cleaned tables and poured coffee, she couldn't help it if her gaze continued to wander over to Hunter. She wondered about his relationship with Dally and Nik, acting like he was far more than a hired hand, more like family, but then so did Rowdy and Cornelia Logan. Perhaps it was just a normal thing for Westerners.

By the time the restaurant closed, Luna's feet felt like she'd walked a thousand miles. As soon as she cleared the last table, Caterina latched onto her arm and pushed her into a chair at a table in the kitchen.

"Eat, bambina. You never took time to eat a meal this evening." Caterina set a plate of chicken and gnocchi in front of her along with a small dish of marinated vegetables. "Eat!"

Luna took the fork Caterina produced from her apron pocket, bowed her head and offered a word of thanks for the meal, then forked a bite. She'd thought she would be too weary to chew, but the food was delicious, and she eagerly cleaned her plate, devoured the vegetables, and sighed in pleasure when Caterina set a slice of the crostata in front of her along with a glass of cold milk.

"I should be working," Luna said, taking a bite of the tart, then closing her eyes in chocolate-induced bliss. "This might be the best thing I've ever eaten."

Caterina laughed. "Glad you think so. When you finish, go home, Luna. You worked enough for today. You did a fine job for your first day on the job."

"Thank you, Caterina." Luna took another bite of her dessert as the back door opened, and Harley John stepped inside. He saw her at the table and smiled as he left his hat on a hook by the back door.

"You're late tonight, Harley John. Do I need to remind Mr. Ashby that you need time off to eat and sleep?"

"No, Aunt Cat," Harley John grinned and kissed the cheek she turned up to him. "I'm working on my own project after the shop closes and lost track of time."

"What kind of project?" Caterina asked as she scraped the last of the gnocchi onto a plate, then added three breadsticks she'd had warming in the oven before she set the food on the table and motioned for Harley John to take a seat.

"An automobile. Mr. Ashby said I could use anything I wanted from his scrap pile. I'm going to make my own automobile."

Caterina blinked a few times and then broke into a wide smile. "Well, of course you are, Harley John. You can do anything you set your mind to accomplish. Now, wash up and eat while the food is hot."

"Yes, ma'am." Harley John went over to the sink used for filling the water pitchers and washed his hands since the two dishwashers were busy at the main kitchen sink, finishing up the last of the evening's dishes.

Luna smiled at Harley John when he took the seat across from her.

"Did you have a good first day here at the restaurant, Miss Campanelli?"

"I did. It was interesting and exciting." Luna had found it interesting—fascinating, really—to see how much food Caterina and her staff could cook and serve in just a few hours' time.

"That's great, Miss Campanelli. The first night I worked here, I'm pretty sure I made a mess of everything, but Aunt Cat let me try again." Harley John looked at Caterina with affection, as though she were really his aunt.

"You did just fine, Harley John." Caterina set the last piece of crostata and a glass of milk by his plate, then squeezed his shoulder. "You always do."

"Thank you, Auntie."

"Why do you refer to Caterina as your aunt?" Luna blurted, wishing her mouth didn't sometimes run ahead of her thoughts.

Harley John swallowed and wiped his mouth on a napkin, then looked at Luna. "Once the Thorsen family accepted me into their fold, I guess I got used to referring to everyone as aunt and uncle, like the rest of the youngsters. You probably are already aware of the fact that Sadie Thorsen is the girl I love. Someday, when she finishes medical school and returns from whatever adventures life leads her on, we'll marry."

"Oh, I see," Luna said, admiring Harley John's dedication to the girl who was studying to become a doctor. It seemed to Luna, despite the miles between them, Sadie and Harley John were not just committed but dedicated to one another. She sent up a quick prayer that one day they might be together and their lives would be blessed.

Harley John studied her for a moment, then nodded in approval as though he knew that she did understand all he was saying and some of the things to which he hadn't given voice.

Luna knew better than most about being alone in the world and taken in by others who filled the role of parents. Thankfully, her mama and papa had always made her feel like part of their family, even from the first day she'd arrived in America, so afraid and uncertain of her future. She'd had to learn to speak English. Had to learn so many things, but all of those challenges had made Luna stronger and given her a sense of accomplishment.

Now, it was getting harder for her to remember what life was like when she had lived in Italy. She should write down her memories soon so she wouldn't forget them all.

Luna took a sip of milk and found Harley John watching her. "You know, since we'll likely see each other often, you should call me Luna." She offered him an encouraging smile.

He grinned. "Only if you call me Harley John."

"That seems fair." She leaned a little closer as the dishwashers banged big pots and kettles in the sink. "Have you heard from Sadie recently? Did she get settled after leaving Boston?"

Harley John's blue eyes brightened, and he nodded his head. "She did make it to New York and moved into what used to be Nik's room above Franco and Angelina's store. I had a letter from her just yesterday." He gave her a thoughtful look. "Franco is your uncle. Is that correct?"

"Yes. My father was his youngest brother. When my parents were killed, Uncle Franco and Aunt Angelina insisted I come to America. I traveled with the grandparents of my cousin's wife to New York. When I arrived, all the Campanelli family greeted me, making me feel welcome and loved. Brando and Natalia took me into their home and hearts, and now they are my mama and papa."

"And they love you so much, bambina." Caterina placed a kiss to the top of Luna's head as she passed by to store huge trays on a vertical shelf at the back of the kitchen.

"I'm glad you all have each other, and I'm so grateful your family has welcomed Sadie," Harley John said, toying with his fork. "She wasn't happy in Boston and thinks New York will be a better fit for her."

"May it be so," Luna said, rising and carrying her dishes to the sink. The dishwashers were washing the last pot, but when Luna tried to wash her dishes, they nudged her out of the way with friendly grins.

The back door opened, and Kade stepped inside, his gun belt around his hips and his lawman's star pinned to his vest. Luna thought he looked tired as well as concerned about something, but he smiled and pulled Caterina to him, kissing her soundly before he glanced at Luna and offered her a rascally wink.

It wasn't any wonder Ben and Brett were mischievous. They likely inherited it from both parents.

"You save me any supper, Cat?" Kade asked, still holding her in his brawny arms.

"I may have, but if you don't turn me loose, you'll never find out." Caterina swatted his chest with the dish towel in her hands but stood on tiptoe to kiss him again before she turned in a swirl of skirts and pulled a plate from a warming oven.

"Thanks, Cat."

"You eat, then I'll be ready to head home." Caterina set the plate on the table as Kade washed his hands. He tossed his hat at the hooks by the door, and it caught one, much to Luna's surprise. The deputy took a seat in the chair she'd vacated, bowed his head and prayed in silence, then he dug into his food.

Luna edged toward the door. "I should head to Tony and Ilsa's before it gets any later."

Caterina gave Luna a hug. "Let me call Tony and have him come get you. I don't think you should walk there this late, Luna. It's not always safe for a woman alone."

"I don't want to bother Tony. I'll be fine." Luna tried to sound brave, although she was far from feeling it. "It's not that far."

"I know it isn't, but it will be dark soon, and you aren't all that familiar with the town yet." Caterina brushed a stray lock of hair behind Luna's ear. The action made Luna think of her mother and left her homesick. "If you wait until Kade finishes his supper, we'll take you there."

"No. That's just extra time and travel for you both since you live out the other direction from town."

"I'll walk her there." Harley John shoveled in the last two bites of his dessert, glugged his milk, and wiped his mouth on a napkin as he stood.

"That would be much appreciated, Harley John. Thank you," Caterina said, kissing his cheek as she picked up his empty dishes.

"That's kind of you," Luna said. She quickly pinned on her straw hat, gathered her gloves and handbag, and stepped out the back door Harley John held open for her. With a final wave to Caterina, she began walking through the alley.

Harley John adjusted his long stride to match hers. "If you ever do plan to walk alone, stay out of the alleys," he advised as they stepped around a drunk who sat with his back against the wall and a bottle held in a brown paper sack in his hand. "Even though Pendleton enforces prohibition, there are still those who drink and those who wouldn't think twice about bothering a pretty young woman."

Had it been anyone other than Harley John referring to her as pretty, Luna might have thought there was a motive behind the comment. Not so with Harley John. She had a feeling there was only one girl in the whole world for him, and that was Sadie Thorsen.

"I'll keep that in mind. Is it safer to walk along the sidewalk in front of the restaurant?"

"Usually. I'd advise turning here at Main Street and staying on the north side of the street because the lighting is better." Harley John crossed the street and turned, matching his strides to Luna's.

They walked the rest of the way to Tony and Ilsa's house in silence, although Luna didn't find it as uncomfortable as she might have with others. Harley John escorted her to the front door, backed up a few steps, then smiled.

"Have a nice evening, Luna."

"You as well, Harley John. And thank you. I truly am grateful for your assistance."

"Any time. Good night."

"Good night."

Luna stepped into the house aglow with lights and smiled to herself, warmed by the thought she'd just made a friend.