Page 69 of Enthrall Shadows
Finally, Booth whispered, “I told you to take time off.”
I gave a shrug, still observing the fantastical orgy.
“Can I have your attention, please, Mistress Lotte?” he said. “Outside.”
“Do you think you can stick it out?” Cameron seemed extra testy today.
I threw a chopped potato into a pan of cold water. “I’m more than capable of handling this from here.”
He watched me move around Charlie’s Soup Kitchen; seemingly unconvinced I could complete the task he’d assigned.
This entire escapade was being watched by Shay, who was sitting on a countertop munching on a carrot. He knew not to interrupt brothers throwing shade on each other.
It felt good to be out of a restrictive suit—my usual attire during the week. All three of us were casually dressed in jeans and T-shirts.
The place was empty, other than the three of us. Charlie’s Soup Kitchen was my brother’s labor of love.
Yes,he once ran kinky clubs that were meant to help people—I wasn’t sure who exactly—but he also had a big heart.
This soup kitchen was dedicated to the homeless. It was nestled between two stores in Santa Monica and could feed up to one thousand homeless men and women a day.
At 9:00 A.M. we were the only ones here in this state-of-the-art kitchen. The place opened at 11:30, so we had plenty of time for the staff to prepare the food.
I continued to chop vegetables—repetitive work, but it was for a good cause.
This wasn’t my usual Saturday routine. Usually, I’d be reading the paper in bed and maybe even answering emails while working from home, before taking Dex out on a long run around the neighborhood.
I already felt the benefit of helping others instead of focusing on my own woes—and I was feeling more settled after Wednesday’s near catastrophe on the roof of my new home.
DamnCameron and his annoying habit of being right.
I regretted not coming to help at Charlie’s sooner, but I wasn’t going to tell my brother that and give him the satisfaction.
He’d told me that Mia still worked at Charlie’s from time to time.
“The chefs get here in an hour,” he said. “They’re going to appreciate you helping them out.”
I threw my hand up in a salute. “My pleasure.”
Cameron glared at Shay. “Are you seriously eating the produce?”
“This one is gnarly.” Shay held up the crooked carrot he also happened to be munching on. “Anyway, what’s the worst that can happen? You’ve already fired me from Enthrall.”
Cameron cracked a smile. “Why are you even here? You should be off with Rue.”
“She’s working. Anyway, I like to hang out with my buddy, here,” Shay mumbled, his mouth full as he pointed at me. “You’re not supposed to cut broccoli that way.”
“If you think you can do better,” I offered him the knife, “have a go at it.”
Shay declined with a wave.
Cameron finally seemed confident enough to leave. After my last escapade, I’d gotten off lightly, I suppose.
Shay continued to criticize my sous-chef talents.
It was good to have company. Gardner was the kind of buddy who could sit quietly in a room with you. It wasn’t necessary to talk.
“I’m impressed with your efforts, at least,” he said.
