Page 35 of Well, Actually
“Right, but that was the seed for the whole idea!”
“Lil,” he says, that frown back in place.
“You do give him way too much credit,” Ray says in a gently teasing voice. Cooper points at him and nods. “But that’s also a really lovely thought, Rylie.”
I am truly perplexed to find myself nodding in agreement, eyes glued to him as my brain reorganizes itself, trying to fit this version of Rylie Cooper who has caring thoughts about queer kids and the representation they’ll grow up with into the mold of the dude-bro Rylie Cooper from years ago that would usegayas a pejorative when joking with his frat. That old version starts to crack at the edges, time eating away its foundation.
“Well, regardless of if you want to take credit or not, I’m blaming your good idea on the truckload of stress I’m being crushed under.”
“I’m much more comfortable being at fault for something. Can only go up from there.” His eyes flick to me, and I ignore the surge of butterflies through my stomach.
“My biggest issue is that my caterer quit,” Lilith says, rolling out her neck. “This is the third one, actually. For a city with some of the best chefs in the world, we’re definitely short on reliable ones.”
“I’ll do it,” Ray says without missing a beat, eyes wide and earnest. He checks himself, clearing his throat and trying to fix his features into something slightly less excited. “I mean, I’m a chef and I would love the opportunity, if you’d consider.”
Lilith perks up. “What kind of food do you cook?”
Ray chuckles. “Babe, I can cook whatever kind of food you want for an opportunity like this.”
“And you have a team?” Lilith asks, folding her hands on the table, full businesswoman.
“I’m not going to bullshit you because I actually respect you, unlike most people I interview for jobs with, but no. Not at the moment. That doesn’t mean I can’t get one together, though. A good one.”
“How good?”
“The fucking best,” Ray says with a winning smile.
Lilith eyes him for a few moments, then nods. “I’ll give you my info and you can send me your portfolio. We’ll set up a tasting.”
Ray somehow manages not to squeal in excitement, and it takes all my willpower not to let one out on his behalf. This could be huge for him, and my bones vibrate with how badly I want it to work out.
My eyes accidentally flick to Cooper, and I’m startled to see such genuine enthusiasm in his expression when his gaze clicks with mine. He looks like a guy who truly cares that my friend and his friend might help each other out. With a sinking gut, I also realize that Ray working for Lilith would be one more thread knotting me to Cooper, and all of those will be snipped as soon as I get that promotion and out of this stupid scheme.
But Lilith’s event is in just a few weeks. I’m sure our charade will fizzle out on a similar timeline. Maybe it will be the perfect parting gift from this huge headache. Yes. That’s it. If I have to suffer Cooper’s company, at least my friend can add a huge event to his list of impressive culinary experiences.
“I’m sorry to be a wet blanket, but we should probably get our checks,” Aida says, looking around for our waitress. “Ray, you work at four, right?”
Ray’s elated grin dims and he nods, searching for his wallet. My heart sinks down low with my gut. I don’t want brunch to end… despite Cooper’s presence.
“It’s taken care of.”
We all snap to attention, looking at Cooper.
“What?” Aida says, thick brows knitted together.
“Brunch was on me,” he says with a shrug. We all continue to stare, and a blush creeps up his cheeks. He pushes his glasses up his nose, then drags his hand through his hair. “Eva has gifted me a rather profitable couple of weeks with our, er, notoriety and some sponsors… It’s the least I can do.”
My gape turns into a snarl as his words sink in.
Wow. Here I was thinking he was in this to win back lost sponsors that finally realized he was a clown. But no, apparently I’ve acted as a financial catalyst for my least-favorite person while I whimper like a kicked puppy for a promotion that gets me out of shoving hot dogs in my mouth for a paycheck. Cool.
“That’s so nice of you. Thank you,” Aida says, looking genuinely grateful.
“Seriously. That’s so awesome. We’ll get you next time,” Ray adds, reaching across the table and giving Cooper’s forearm a squeeze.
The only way there will be a next time is if I’m six feet under and they’re coming together for my memorial, I swear to god.
Cooper’s humble smile rankles, my blood boiling, and I push back from the table. “Bathroom,” I mumble, trying not to break into a dead sprint for the toilets.
