Page 109 of Fauxmance

"No more," she said. "You boys stay out of my kitchen."

"But Joan," Santino said with a winning smile, "we were just trying to help."

"Doing the dishes, that helped. And I thank you. But if you don't stop adding more spice to my perfectly good recipes, I'll hit you with my spoon."

"Okay, okay. No need for threats."

Joan mumbled something under her breath then smiled when she caught sight of me.

"Oh thank goodness you're here, Magnolia," she said. "Please help your friends find a seat. We've got everything under control."

"Okay, Joan," I said. "I'm so sorry I was late."

"That's fine," she said, "though I was a little worried. You're always on time."

"Won't happen again," I promised.

With a nod and a warning look directed at the guys in Hayden's band, she went back into the kitchen.

The guys joined us, and Ryker elbowed Santino in the ribs.

"Thanks for getting us in trouble," he muttered.

"Yeah," Elliot said, "good job, San. She'll probably ban us from ever coming back."

Santino shook his head. "Clam down, guys. She loves me."

They guffawed.

"Joan just needs a bit of time to adjust," he said. "I'm an acquired taste."

"If that's what you want to go with," Hayden said.

Santino looked at me and gave me a broad grin. "Ah, and here she is. Maggie, tell the guys they've got nothing to worry about, will you?"

I crossed my arms. "Joan is one of the nicest, most kind women I've ever met. She always welcomes everyone who walks in." When Santino opened his mouth, I added, "I've never seen her throw anyone out of the kitchen, though."

"I told you not to add those spices," Ryker said.

"She wasn't playing around," Elliot said. "We're banned for life."

Santino's face fell at that. "I'll make it right before we go. I was just trying to share some of my Spanish seasonings with her. My mother never let me leave home without them. It wasn't meant as an insult."

I patted his shoulder. "Joan likes to keep things on the bland side on account of the kids. Maybe you can just give her some of the spices, so she can offer them to anyone who wants some."

He nodded. "Yeah, I'll try that. Thanks, Magnolia."

"Why are you guys here again?"

"Hayden invited us."

Hayden closed his eyes on a groan. "We've been over this. I did not invite them, Maggie. They heard where I was going and decided to tag along."

Elliot shrugged. "It might as well have been an invitation."

Ryker gave a nod. "Did you really expect us to sit at home after you told us so much about it?"

"He wouldn't stop talking about this place," Santino said to me. "Kept going on and on about how awesome it was and how awesome you are. We had to see where you work, Magnolia."

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