Page 32 of Hot Hearts
“All I know is your ex?—”
“He’s not my ex; we never agreed to be together.” I cut her off, not wanting her to get the wrong idea about what my relationship was with Felipe.
“Did you agree to marry Brooks?” Shit, she’s got me there.
“We’re not married, and he more ordered it.” Which should annoy me, but it’s all honestly cute.
I also think he made up the whole eating his food in his home thing and how it makes us married already. Also annoyingly adorable. Gah, I think I might love him and his strange ways that only make him more endearing to me.
“Are you sure? I wouldn't put it past one of these men to have you sign papers and the next thing you know you’re married.”
“Is that possible?” I laugh. It can’t be.
“With money and some pull, people can do just about anything.” I’m going to take her word for that. She does know everyone better than I do in this group. Plus, she’s a lawyer.
“I suppose it’s inevitable. I’m having his baby, after all.” I swear everything goes quiet. Shit, did I just blurt that out? I peek behind me and see the other chefs staring my way. They quickly glance away, pretending they didn’t hear anything.
“Are you really?” Frankie asks in a gushy sweet voice, showing a softer side that is in there.
Frankie has a sharp tongue, but I quickly realized she’s all marshmallow on the inside, but she has to trust you to get that from her. It means a lot that I’m getting it so quickly. They really have taken me into their fold. Even if all this shit with social media goes sideways, it would be worth it to get Brooks and all of them.
“Yes,” I tell her.
“No wonder Brooks went rogue today.” I’m not sure what he did, but whatever it is has sent Felipe into a total meltdown. I even noticed people calling him out about his name being fake too.
“Are you really pregnant?” I turn back around to see Gabby.
“Can I text you later?” I ask Frankie.
“Yes, but have more tea for me,” she says before ending our call.
“Yes, I’m pregnant.” Gabby nods. I notice she’s not in uniform. She is carrying an oversized purse that is filled to the brim.
“I’m already fired.”
“I didn’t?—”
“I know.” She cuts me off. “I was a bitch to you, and I let my crush get the best of me. Brooks is a good one and never gives women the time of day romantically. He picked you, so that means something.” I didn’t see that coming. Today is filled with surprises. “Like I said, I’m sorry, and I wish you both the best.”
The door to the dining room swings open. Brooks's eyes land right on me, and he smiles. Then he catches sight of Gabby, and the smile falls away.
“Why are you here?” Brooks comes to stand next to me.
“I was just getting my things.”
“You’ve got them.”
Gabby gives a nod, turning to leave.
“Gabby,” I call after her. “Thank you.” She gives me a smile. “And Brooks will give you a glowing recommendation.”
“I will?” I elbow him in the side. “I mean, I will.” He nods.
“Thank you, and congratulations. I’m happy you found your one.” With that, Gabby turns to leave.
“Why do I feel like the asshole now? Maybe you should hire her back.”
“No.” Brooks stares down at me like I’m the crazy one now. I might be. “She lied. Hopefully she’s learned her lesson, but I have zero tolerance for anyone that would try to upset you or break us up.”
