Page 69 of One Sweet Match Up

“My mom’s back in town for the week, so I’m taking some time off. I needed a vacation.”

“Good for you.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “I might also be hiding out. Once she sees some of my changes, I’m sure I’ll hear it.”

“Well, you can take refuge here all you like.” She doubted anyone would find him since she didn’t plan on having any customers. With that depressing thought, she offered him some coffee. “Thank you for last night. I really appreciate it.”

Will had been there for her. He’d given her a supportive hug in the Lakeside Inn parking lot, insisting she text him when she got home.

“Don’t mention it.”

“I’m sure Rachel wasn’t happy to see you run after me.”

“Actually, she texted me to see how you were doing.”

“Really?” The last person she thought who would be interested in her well-being was Donovan’s twin.

“Why are you surprised?” He took a seat on a stool. “People in this town do care about you, Zoe. Even Rachel.”

She wasn’t sure anyone in this town was concerned about her future. Not anymore. She’d duped one of Buttermilk Falls golden boys. Surely, that was grounds for snubbing.

“So, what’s the special for the day?” Will asked, grabbing a nearby menu.

“Special?”

“Soup. I’m good now, but I’m going to be craving something warm for lunch.”

“Oh, I think that part of the business is over.” She heaved a sigh. “I’m sure of it.” There was no doubt in her mind that Donovan would not be showing up for work today.

“Why’s that?” Will’s lips curled up. “From where I’m sitting, I see a perfectly competent chef standing right in front of me. Isn’t that all you need?”

“I’m not a chef.” She shook her head. She’d never have those credentials.

He cocked his head. “Really. That’s not what I heard last night.”

“I was only a line cook.”

“At one of the top restaurants in Denver.”

“For only a few days!”

“No matter.” Will slid off the stool. He met Zoe behind the counter and reached for both arms, giving her an encouraging squeeze. “Screw Donovan. You don’t need him. Get your cute little butt in the kitchen and show this town Donovan’s not the only one that can make Soups from Heaven.”

“Heavenly Soups,” she corrected him.

He chuckled. “You know what I mean. Donovan will come around, but until he does, the show must go on. Fire up the stove! You got this.”

Zoe moved away, grabbing a dish rag and wiping off the counter. “I doubt I’ll even get any customers after last night.”

“You think Donovan has that much influence?”

She stopped cleaning. “Don’t you?”

“No. I mean . . . you might lose a customer or two, but don’t you have some grand prize giveaway?”

“Oh, God.” The grand prize. Was she now going to have to fork over a thousand dollars? “I forgot about that.” She thought for a minute. Will was right. Not everyone would know about the big blow up at the Lakeside Inn. She could very well have customers today eager for the comfort food they’d been serving up and a chance to win the cash.

She bit down on her bottom lip. Could she do it? She knew most of the recipes on Donovan’s menu, and what she didn’t know she could improvise.

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