Page 19 of Submission

“That’s a long story.”

Diana saunters over and shoots me a nasty look as she places the orders from Ashley’s booth. I want to ignore both women, but it’s no coincidence that someone as stuck up as Ashley would be slumming it at The Blue Whiskey. Either she plans to get me fired, or she plans to humiliate me. Knowing her, it’s certainly both.

As I watch Diana take the drinks and walk away, I murmur to Gage, “I bet you twenty bucks that there’s going to be trouble from that booth before the night is out.”

Gage raises an amused eyebrow.

“The question is, trouble for who?”

Chapter 7

I Knew They Weren’t Done With Me

Megan

Iwalk into the kitchen galley and observe a very proud Billy leaning over the shoulder of Lacy as she plates the appetizers that she’s prepared. I arrived just in time. I can tell by simply eyeballing the plates that the food is tasty, but I don’t want to reveal my thoughts just yet. I’m not one hundred percent sold on the fact that someone basically my age can lead a kitchen of our size.

I know.

I have a lot of nerve since I’m just as young and I’m the manager.

Yeah, I need to work on that.

“Are they ready to taste?” I ask them both.

“It’s damn good,” Billy boasts as Lacy hands me the first plate.

“What’s your specialty dish?” I ask her.

“I made my famous smoked paprika wings. They’re fast to make and packed with lots of flavors.”

I take a bite of one of the wings and pause for a moment as the mixture of garlic and smoke swirls around my mouth in a happy dance. After a few chews, I try a sample of the other dishes and am equally impressed.

“Well?” Billy asks.

“Set a plate aside for the boss,” I say.

“Does he need to try the food before you make a decision?” Billy asks anxiously.

I consider the question for a moment. I haven’t made many decisions around here without Hunter’s input, but if I’m going to gain anyone’s respect around here, I’m going to have to make some without always running every decision by him.

“Billy, you’re still here for two more weeks, which I hope is enough time for you to run through the entire menu with Lacy.”

He smiles. “It should be.”

“And Lacy, I’ll let you know what Mr. Middleton says, but you come highly recommended, and the food is delicious, so I think we should move forward. Did Billy discuss money with you?”

“Yes.”

“Obviously, I can’t pay you what he gets because he’s been the lead cook for The Blue Whiskey for years.”

“Just two and a half,” Billy interjects.

“Which seems like a lifetime,” I chuckle, teasing him. “But I can certainly pay you a competitive wage for the position.”

“Okay,” Lacy agrees. “I’m good with that.”

“And you realize the only day off is Monday?”

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