Page 24 of Summer Reading

“Currently between gigs,” I confirmed.

He studied me as if trying to figure out what the subtext was to that. As in, had I been fired? Was I a lousy cook? I wanted to defend myself and explain, but I didn’t.

“She’s not just a chef,” Em said. “She’s one of Boston’s finest. She’s been written up in papers and magazines all over New England.”

I felt my face get warm. I loved Em’s enthusiasm, I did, but it was also a teeny bit embarrassing and a bit over the top. I wasn’t that great. Okay, potentially I was pretty great, but still, I didn’t want to set the expectation bar too high.

“I think that would make a terrific teen program,”Ben said. “But, of course, I feel like I should sample your cooking before I okay it.”

I studied his face, noted the twinkle in his blue-gray eyes and the small smile on his lips. He was playing me, and dang if it wasn’t working.

“You’re doing quality control for a free program, really?” I asked. “Or are you just angling for dinner?”

He shrugged. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“No,” I agreed. “But I have a better idea. I’m catering a happy hour at the Tangled Vine Inn. Why don’t you help out and you can see me in action?”

“So you’re planning to have me work for my supper?” he asked.

“Can’t blame a gal for trying.”

That surprised a laugh out of him. Then he nodded, he held out his hand, and we shook.

“All right. Give me the date and time and I’ll be there.”

“This Friday, at five o’clock,” I said. “You can follow us to our house after camp, since Tyler’s my other crew member and there’s limited parking at the inn.”

Ben turned to Emily. “Why do I feel like I was just set up?”

She smiled. “Once you taste Sam’s cooking, you’ll only regret that she didn’t feed you sooner.”

“Now I’m definitely going to be there,” Ben said. “See you Friday.”

He left with a wave, heading toward the room wherethe robotics kids had gathered. I glanced at Emily who, like me, watched him walk away. What was she thinking? Was she crushing on him? Sure, she’d said he was just her boss, but he was a hot librarian guy. Those had to be rare in the female-dominated library world, mythical even, like unicorns. How could she not be into him at least a little? I decided to see if I could figure out how my friend felt about Ben, in a subtle way, of course.

“That guy is smoking hot,” I said. See? Subtle.

“Ben?” she asked. She frowned at me as if I’d made a lewd suggestion about Santa Claus.

“You can’t be serious,” I said. “Look at him. He’s all thick wavy hair, broad shoulders, sexy lips, and he rides a motorcycle. He’s the very definition of F-I-N-E.”

Em clapped her hands over her ears. “La la la la. I’m not hearing this. I can’t be thinking about my boss that way. Ugh, it’s like walking in on your grandparents when they’re... you know... getting busy.”

“Really? A hot boss makes you think ofthat?”

“Stop calling him that,” she said. “The man signs my paychecks. It’d be tawdry to even think of him that way.” She sounded horrified, but her eyes were twinkling with laughter. So, no crush on the boss man then. Cool. I smiled at her, and it occurred to me that I had really missed my bestie.

“Hey, Em,” I said. “I don’t want to impose, but I have no idea how this happy hour is going to go. Is there any chance you could help out, too?”

“Sure,” she said without hesitation. “It definitely beats another Friday night, sitting at home alone reading... wait... or does it?”

“It does!” I laughed. “It definitely does.”

She nodded. “All right. I’ll do it, but I’ll meet you at the inn, as I have to feed Mr. Bingley.”

“Your mom’s cat is still alive?” I asked. “He must be almost thirty.”

“Eighteen,” she said. “He’s officially a grumpy old man, and he has the sour disposition to prove it.”

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