Page 77 of All We Need

“Beats me.”Igive the edges of the plates a quick wipe, then press the bell to notify the servers.

Ten seconds later, the door swings open, but instead ofTheresa, a waryPatrickstands in the door frame.

“I don’t like your face.”Ipress the bell again, andTheresaquickly scoots pastPatrickto collect the order.

“I don’t like yours either.”Hisvoice lacks its usual wit. “Butthere’s something more pressing to discuss than your ugly mug.”

“Charming.”Igrab a fresh container of cilantro. “Whatdo you need?”

“Umm.”Hishesitation irks me.

“Pat, spit it out or get out.Respectfully.”

He glances behind him. “Youneed to come to the office.”

That doesn’t sound good.

Simon is already shoving me out of the way to trade places, taking over the pass without question.Afterscrubbing myhands and removing my apron,Imeet my brother outside the kitchen doors.

“You’re worrying me,”Ihiss and follow him toward the back of the restaurant.

He doesn’t have time to respond, because my missing line cook appears from the office and barges past us.

Spinning around,Ishout after him. “Kyle, where the hell have you been?”

His angry steps pause, and he fixes me with a furious stare over his shoulder. “Whydon’t you ask that bitch,Alessandra?Geta tighter leash for her.”Hiseyes narrow. “Unlessyou put her up to this?”

Rage takes over my limbs asIstride toward him beforeI’mjerked backward.

“Now is not the time,”Patrickwhispers as he gestures subtly to the crowded tables. “Lethim go.”

We watchKylestorm away.Oncehe’s out of sight,Ipivot on my heel,Patrickright behind me, and crash into the office.

Seething,Itake in the scene.

Cool, calm, collected.That’showAlyappears as her red fingernails clack against the keyboard.Imagesflash in my head of those fingers curled around the edge of the shelves asIrutted into her.

Not the time or the place for those thoughts.

Her eyes dart up. “Booth?What’sgoing on?”

Patrick is silent as he closes the door.

“I’m hoping you can tell me.”Myvoice rises. “Iran into one of my employees, and he looked ready to commit murder.Somethingtells me you’re involved.”Iwithhold the fact he called her a bitch, a detail that still has my blood boiling.

“Ex-employee,” she corrects nonchalantly.

“You fired him?”Myfeet stay rooted to the spot.I’mmotionless, apart from the muscle ticking in my jaw. “Whowas with you?”

Well, that does it.Silverflames swallow up her irises as lethal anger creeps into her posture.Apython ready to attack. “Ican dismiss someone without assistance.LastIchecked,Iwas in charge.”

Patrick’s discomfort radiates off him, butI’mready for her.

I love her fire.Howshe doesn’t hesitate to stand up and speak out when she’s been wronged.Thething is,she’swrong, and has completely misunderstood my concern.

“Hey,Pat, give us a minute, would you?”Idon’t break eye contact withAly.

“My pleasure.”Hehurries out of the room.

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