Page 32 of When You Were Mine

As she sat down, Trevor asked, “So, what’s on the agenda today?”

“She gave us the schedule last night.” Darby looked at him like,What in the world is wrong with you?“Weren’t you listening?”

“That’s okay. I dropped a lot of information.” Jess unfolded the napkin and draped it across her lap. “Chris has an interview this morning.” She glanced at her phone. “Actually, he should be here any minute now.”

“Right. Better finish up my breakfast.” Chris sat back down.

“We’ve got three chef tastings today.” She cast a smile at him. “Do you want the good news first or the bad?”

“I’m built to take it.” Chris tore off a piece of croissant before putting it in his mouth. “Give me the bad.”

“Two of your Michelin star chefs declined the invitation.”

“But the good news is one of them said yes?” Trevor asked.

“You got it.” She stabbed a clump of eggs to avoid looking at him. “And I’ve got two others for us to visit with in the city. I think you’re going to like them.”

“Which is the one who’s interested?” Chris asked.

“The one from Westman Island.”

“That’s fine, then.” Chris nodded. “He’s the one I want the most.”

“His food is divine.” Jasper set espresso cups in front of his boss and Darby.

“Ooh, look at that.” Darby grinned at him. “Thatisthe prettiest foam flower I’ve ever seen.”

“I know.” Smugly, Jasper sat down and picked up his croissant.

Chris tipped his chin at her. “Go on.”

“He’ll be here at ten today, and we’ll meet the other two chefs this afternoon in the city. Tomorrow, we’ve got an appointment with the country’s only master sommelier, who’ll connect us with liquor distributors. And then, on Friday, my last day, I’m heading to Snaefellsnes to meet a guy who runs sightseeing tours.”

“That’s so far,” Darby said. “When’s your flight home?”

“I’ve got a red-eye Friday night, so that’ll give me the whole day to drive there, visit with him, and then, go straight to the airport.”

“I hope you’ll make it home for Christmas Eve with your family.” Darby seemed genuinely concerned.

“I’m lucky I came during a warm front. The roads are clear, there’s no snow… I think I’ll be okay.”

“Well, that’s the thing.” Darby and Chris shared a troubled look. “There’s a storm coming in. And honestly, in Iceland, you never know. The weather here changes on a dime.” She snapped her fingers.

“But that’s not forecast until Christmas Day,” Trevor said. “So, she should be okay.”

“Yes, I’ll be long gone by then.” Jess hoped no one noticed that she wasn’t looking at her ex.

“Instead of driving so far, why not do a video call with him?” Darby asked. “Just to be safe?”

Jess wasn’t sure why the woman was so concerned. She guessed some people were afraid of snow. But she lived in the mountains, so she was used to it. “A concierge can make or break a resort. He has to be patient, informed, and willing to do just about anything to accommodate the guests. For that kind of thing, I have to meet him in person, watch his mannerisms, and get a feel for him.”

“Makes sense.” Darby sipped her espresso.

“But also, you’re having a destination wedding. Remember, we won’t have a gym or spa ready, so you’re going to need things for your guests to do. He’ll arrange all of that.”

“I hadn’t thought about the details, but you’re right,” Darby said. “Ooh, what about a cake tasting? Can we fit that in?” She smiled at her fiancé. “What’s more important than the cake?”

“The dress,” Jasper said, not looking up from his plate.

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