Catering to Love by Carolyn Hughey Page B

knowledge and working on the grill seemed to excite him, and she was going to make it happen. She’d let Steven work with Leslie, Joey could work the grill, and she’d work next to Corey. When she’d mentioned this, Joey groaned, telling her exactly where she stood with Corey. Raising her legs up on her desk, she leaned back in the chair and braced her neck with her hands when her phone rang.
    “How’s the new restaurateur doing?” Cassie asked.
    “She’s exhausted. That’s how she’s doing.” Gabi grinned, excited to be hearing from Cassie. “It’s so good to hear your voice.”
    “Yours, too. So, are you all settled into the suite yet?”
    “I am. I even had meetings this morning with two of my people about their goals and such, and I’m feeling real good about that too.”
    “And what are you going to be working on?”
    “Corey, the sous-chef.”
    “Still?”
    “Still.” Gabi yawned. “So bring me up to date on you guys. How’s the new cooking teacher doing?”
    “Well, let’s see. She’s doing fine. She’s very thorough; she has a family at home and she’s coming back to work after a sabbatical of seven years. So she’s working out well. Jamie and Chase broke up again. I think it’s going to be a permanent thing this time. He gave her an ultimatum: Quit the job or he was gone.” She chuckled. “Jamie’s not the kind of person you give an ultimatum to… you know what I mean?”
    “I do. I guess she knows what she’s doing. I mean, they’ve had a rocky relationship from the start, so it’s probably for the best.”
    “Uh-huh. Ahh, let’s see. Oh, Josh got a job at Daniel Boulud’s restaurant,” she screeched. “He’s so excited, and I’m excited for him.”
    “Wow! That’s a real feather in his cap. How exciting.”
    “It is, but he’s working really long hours. I’ve changed my hours somewhat to accommodate his schedule. Otherwise, I’d never get to see him. And I’m now closed on Tuesdays, his day off, so we can do something together.”
    “Good.”
    “So, is business good? Are you happy with the inn?”
    “Business has been terrific. It’s down a little, mostly due to the devout Nell and John supporters, but I am really happy. I’m missing you guys like crazy though. When are you coming for a visit? I need a girlfriend fix. I’ve met one friend my age. I actually met her at the motel where I was staying. We don’t spend a lot of time together, but it’s nice to have the interaction with another female once in a while.”
    “Oh, good. I was afraid you’d feel lonely. Although, quite honestly, when do you even have time to feel lonely? You close down the restaurant after everyone leaves and you drag your sorry butt to bed.”
    “That’s just about the size of it. Other than meeting Stephanie, my news is mostly going to be restaurant stuff. Things I want to do, but we can discuss that when you guys come out for a visit. Hint, hint.”
    “Okay, we’ll work out something for a visit and get back to you. I’ll let you go, and we’ll catch up real soon.”
    “Tell Jamie I said hello, kiss Bailey for me, and ask Jamie to call me. I’m sure her hours are similar to mine, so I don’t want to call when she’s sleeping. We all know how much she hates having her sleep interrupted.”
    When Gabi entered the kitchen, Leslie was shaping the dough she’d just made into rolls. The aroma from the cornbread baking in the oven wafted up her nose and made her stomach growl, but she resisted, knowing too much of a good thing was bad for her waistline. Corey never botheredto look up when she entered. “And a very good morning to you,” she said, standing at his station. “How are you?”
    Corey simply grumbled something unintelligible. Gabi smiled and walked away, not about to give him the satisfaction. She turned to Leslie. “When you’re done shaping the rolls, please stop by my office so we can chat.” Corey cleared his throat and left his station heading for the