Page 7 of Quinn

Morgan shook his head. “I don’t see why it’s a problem.”

Hands on their hips, the two women glared at him. “Of course it’s a problem.”

Clearing his throat, Quinn took a step closer to the woman with the hat. “I know y’all were expecting a man but I don’t see why a woman is a problem.”

“Woman?” Eileen’s forehead crumpled, showing her confusion. “What woman? What are y’all talking about?”

“Oh, for lands sake,” Sister sighed.

“I think he means me.” Eloise raised one hand, smiled, and wiggled her fingers at the lady. “I’m Eloise Carey.”

Instantly, the woman’s frown slipped and a wide smile replaced it as she extended her hand. “Eileen Farraday, pleasure to meet you.” Stepping back after shaking hands, Eileen looked at the others. “I still don’t know what the heck y’all are talking about.”

Sissy pushed past her taller sister and frowned at the two men standing to one side. “Really, you two.” Shaking her head at the men, she turned to Eileen and smiling, gestured toward Eloise. “Eloise is our new chef, and these two buffoons think the problem is that she’s not a man.”

Frowning again, Eileen turned to Quinn and Morgan. “Why in the name of God’s country would that be a problem?”

Chuckling under his breath, Ryan held his hands up, palms out, and retreated a couple of steps, shaking his head, while his two brothers coughed and sputtered like an old muffler.

“Speak up,” the woman urged.

“Sorry, ma’am.” Quinn looked terribly contrite. “It’s just that most folks were expecting a man.”

“And?” Now Eileen was tapping her booted toe on the floor.

Quinn cleared his throat. “And we’re looking forward to her beef bourguignon.”

How silly was it that her heart skipped a beat because the man not only heard her brag about her favorite dish, but remembered as well.

“It’s the apartment,” Sister said. “That blasted city council never told her that the apartment they promised her isn’t going to be ready for some time.”

“That’s right,” Sissy nodded. “Poor thing had no idea she was going to be staying with us at the Parlor House. Not that she minds it, but her brother is coming and we didn’t save a room for him.”

“Apartment?” Quinn turned to Sissy. “You mean the one above the restaurant?”

Sissy nodded. “That’s right.”

“But it isn’t even on the schedule yet. No one told us the chef was supposed to live there.” Quinn glanced momentarily at Eloise. “I’m sorry, miss, but the apartment renovation won’t be ready for months.”

“Months?” She hadn’t meant for her voice to jump an octave or two.

Over the next few minutes, everyone spoke at once. The two sisters explaining to the Farraday’s Aunt Eileen about the Red Hat ladies, and an upcoming quilting convention, and what a bloody mess the council had gotten them into by not telling them about the new chef needing two rooms, not one.

Aunt Eileen’s eyes sparkled with interest. “And your brother will be here when?”

“About three weeks, and as the Sisters have explained, there won’t be a spare room available for him.”

Now, the big gray dog that reminded Eloise a bit of a wolf stood and moved to her side as if offering comfort for the rooming problem.

“Well.” Her gaze focused on the dog at Eloise’s feet, a slight smile teased at the corners of the older woman’s mouth as she straightened. A determined gaze leveled with Eloise’s. “Seems there’s only one solution. You’ll both stay with us at the ranch.”

Quinn’s head snapped up. “Aunt Eileen—”

Ignoring her nephew’s protest, Eileen addressed Eloise. “I’m sorry there was a scheduling mistake, but we have plenty of room at the ranch for you and your brother.”

Eloise blinked. “That’s very kind, but—”

“No buts. It’s the most logical solution. You can ride to work every day with the boys here, or borrow a ranch vehicle. As long as you don’t mind old trucks.”

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