CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE – THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

The rest of the day passed in a blur of customers, orders, and the usual restaurant chaos. By the time Joan locked up for the night, she was exhausted but satisfied. The team had worked well together, and she'd even overheard Stacey giving Carla a genuine compliment on her customer service skills. As she drove home, Joan's phone buzzed with a text from Vito: "Hope your day went well. Dinner's waiting when you get home. Love you." Joan smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She was lucky to have such a supportive partner. When she arrived home, the apartment was filled with the aroma of garlic and tomatoes. Vito greeted her at the door with a kiss. "Welcome home, bella," he said, taking her coat. "I made your favorite - spaghetti alle vongole." "You're amazing," Joan sighed, sinking into his embrace. "God, what a day." Vito led her to the couch, handing her a glass of wine. "Tell me all about it." As they ate, Joan recounted the events of the day - the gossip she'd o