Page 30 of All We Need

The only sound is the nervous tapping ofJo’sfoot and the blood pumping in my ears.

With an intimidating calmness, she nods. “Eighta.m.Tomorrow.Here.Wecan discuss”—her gaze drags to mine—“disciplinary action then.”

“I knew this was a bad idea.”Johannagnaws at a hangnail nervously. “Thisis all my fault.Ishould have talked you out of it.You’retoo pretty to make smart decisions.”

Quinn floats over with a tray of drinks, joining my brothers,Johanna, and me.We’reall squished around a table inJustBrewIt, overflowing with anticipation over how the meeting between our parents andAlessandrais going.

And my fate.

“YoYo,”Imutter, using the childhood nicknamePatrickcoined for her. “There’snever talking me out of anything.Youshould know that by now.”

“I still can’t believe the owner has been living right above the bakery all this time.”Quinnglances warily at the ceiling. “AmIsupposed to hate her?Whatif she comes in for a coffee?”

Graham takes the tray from her hands, passing everyone their hot beverage and usheringQuinnto sit down. “Actnormal.Thelast thing we need is her having more reason to be angry with us.Boothhas done a stellar enough job as it is.”

“You liked the new dishes!”Iprotest.

“I’m not talking about the menu,”Grahamgrumbles. “I’mtalking about you chasing her down like your next conquest.Nowshe not only thinks you’re insolent but an insolent sleazeball.”

“Hey, that’s not fair.Shebrought as much fight to our face-offs as me.”Idon’t mention that day in the office.Orhow the air between us was one spark away from combusting.

He sighs, andQuinnrubs his shoulder. “Shit.Sorry.Iknow.Ijust hate that none of us are there.Withinfive minutes of making herself known, she was trying to kick you to the curb.”

Graham is great for advice; a rational brain to bounce ideas off.Bothmy brother’s opinions hold a lot of value to me, and asIturn toPatrick, who stews silently in his thoughts, my anxiety increases tenfold.

I appreciated him standing up for me yesterday.Butthe longer he remains quiet, the moreIsuspect he’s pissed off at my antics.

The last thingIwant to do is let people down.

“Shit.”Iwince, thinking back to how freaked outFlorencewas over my little stunt. “Hasanyone toldFloabout the meeting?”

“Nah, she’s out of town until tomorrow.Why?”Patrickquestions.

“She got upset thinking the menu change would stir trouble and was worried about us losing the restaurant.”Myhead falls into my hands. “I’vecompletely screwed this up.I’msorry.”

Someone slaps the bill of my cap, and whenItug it up,Grahamis staring me down. “Enoughof that.Weall knew about it.Therefore, if she wants to fire you, she can fire us all.”

BeforeIcan respond, a chilly gust of wind blows through the bakery.It’snot the below-freezing temperature from outside sending a chill down my spine.

It’s the pair of gray eyes drilling holes into my skull.

“I thinkIhave a girl crush,”Quinnwhispers as she watchesAlessandrasaunter into the bakery before shutting the door closed behind her.Ina pair of black pants, a black blouse, and shiny black heels; she’s dressed for a funeral.Mine.

We’re all speechless.I’dexpected my mom andGeorgeto show up.Nother.

She takes us all in.Theodd thing about her is that shedoesn’t look down her nose at us, just studies us closely, a sprinkling of curiosity there.

“I appreciate you all hanging back while the meeting took place.ClaireandGeorgeare at the restaurant if you want to head over.”Herinterlocked hands rest in front of her as she stands there motionless.

After a beat, a stampede breaks out as we all rush to throw on our coats.

My arm is halfway through my parka when she speaks.

“Booth.Aminute.”

We all freeze, sharing glances to gauge the situation.Quinn, who was clearing our cups, swaps the tray for her coat and follows everyone else toward the door.Shepresses the keys to the bakery into my hand.

“I always liked you.I’llmiss you.”She’s100 percent serious.

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