Page 31 of Quinn

“Nonsense. We all know how good you are. The whole town is dying to eat at your restaurant.”

The poor woman’s face changed from wicked green to ashen gray. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“There, there, dear.” Eileen turned off the stove top and walked over to where Eloise searched her bag. “All will be well. I promise.”

The way the young chef’s face lit up, Eileen got the feeling she hadn’t heard that very often in her life.

Taking a chance, Eileen pulled her house guest into a warm embrace. “We’ll all be there to cheer you on, but you don’t really need us. You’re a great chef, and a good boss, and tonight will not disappoint.”

“Thank you.” Eloise’s smile reached her eyes this time as she straightened, clasping the truck keys from her purse. “Is Danny outside with Gray again?”

Eileen shook her head. “No. He got a letter in today’s mail run, and I don’t think he liked it, because Gray came across the room and sat at Danny’s side. Now the two are upstairs in his room.”

“Oh.” Eloise’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t hear any noise or I would have knocked on his door.”

As if summoned by his sister’s will, footsteps tapped down the stairs and across the hardwood floors until he came to a stop in the doorway. “Hey, Sis.”

Eileen hadn’t known Danny very long at all, but even she could see that smile was as fake as Nancy Bergman’s boobs.

“You ready to go?”

He shook his head. “I’m a bit tired. I think I’m going to stick around here. Maybe later see if Sean wants a little help in the barn.”

“He always wants help on this ranch,” Eileen teased, hoping to induce a little sincerity in that smile. No glory.

“Oh.” Eloise seemed to be debating what to say next. Straightening her shoulders, and bobbing her head, she plastered on a forced smile of her own. “That’s a great idea. Not much you can do at the restaurant but helping out around here would be nice.”

Still holding that same half-hearted grin, Danny nodded. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.” He waved at the two ladies, and the dog still on his heels, turned and headed back to his room.

Eloise spun about and looked at Eileen. “Who was the letter from?”

Shrugging, Eileen shook her head. “Don’t know. I didn’t see it. Sorry.”

“No, nothing to be sorry about.”

“Do you have time for lunch?”

Her hand immediately flew to her stomach. “Couldn’t eat a bite. I’ll snack at the restaurant once I’m sure everything is on track for tonight.”

Though she didn’t like sending anyone out on an empty stomach, Eileen understood battling nerves. “Fair enough. Go and knock ’em dead.”

Eloise laughed for real. “I sure hope not.”

Covering her mouth with her hand, Eileen had to laugh as well. “Break a leg?”

Still laughing, Eloise nodded. “Works for me.”

Eileen kept her eyes on Eloise until the door closed behind her. She had no idea what was going on with Danny and that letter, but nothing was going to mess up opening night for that sweet woman—not if Eileen had anything to say about it.

It had taken Eloise a good long while to settle into her role for the day and stop worrying about Danny. The VA had dropped the ball and in the short time since his arrival she could see his confidence slipping. Hannah and others had offered him some time with the horses, but Danny seemed determined to wait for the VA. Maybe she was over-worrying. Everyone was entitled to have an off day, even her brother. Checking her reflection in the restaurant’s bathroom mirror one last time, she couldn’t help but smile. The pristine white chef’s coat with her name embroidered in blue looked perfect against her black pants. Tonight was finally happening—after weeks of preparation, menu testing, and training staff, the restaurant was opening to the public. And according to Aunt Eileen, who she’d learned was never wrong; everything was going to be perfect.

The dining room gleamed. Every table set with crisp white tablecloths, polished silverware, and small vases of wildflowers Sarah, her head server, had arranged that morning. The kitchen hummed with activity—everyone scurried back and forth like ants on a mission.

“Everything good in here?” Eloise asked, stepping into her domain.

“Yes, Chef,” they responded in unison, the respect in their voices warming her.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew her attention. Quinn appeared in the kitchen doorway, work boots and jeans grimy from the apartment renovation.

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