Page 15 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
Her jaw dropped. “No way! That’s so cool. I still want to go on a cooking show someday. I hope he wins.”
I grinned. “Trust me, if my friend Jack can make it on that show, you’re a shoo-in.”
She blinked. “What’s wrong with your friend?”
I barked out a laugh. “Funnily enough, you remind me of him. He doesn’t like being around other people and hates talking.” Maybe that’s why Holly’sleave me alonevibes didn’t scare me. I’d dealt with Jack since high school. I was a pro with grumps.
“Sounds like we would get along just fine.”
I laughed more. “I’m sure you would. Also, I’d like to point out, you managed to share a personal experience with me and you’re still breathing.”
She scowled. “Don’t push your luck, Mr. Ivy.”
I chuckled. “I wouldn’t dare.”
A woman with tattoos up and down her left arm opened the door. The pink bandana in her light-brown hair complemented her baby-blue denim shirt she’d rolled up at the sleeves. She was a modern Rosie the Riveter. I dug her vibe.
Holly offered her a formal smile and an outstretched hand. “Hi, you must be Skye.”
“I am. Are you Chef Dewhurst?”
I liked her already.
“Yes, and this is Mr. Ivy, the general manager of The Boardwalk.”
I held out a hand to Skye, giving her a full smile. “Nice to meet you. I like your headband.” I pointed to her hair.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” she said, shaking my hand. “And thank you. I feel naked when I’m not wearing one.” Her cheeks went red. “Forget I added that last part. You don’t need to know that.” She let out an embarrassed chuckle.
I grinned. I had a lot of comebacks for that, but avoiding sexual harassment trumped any response.
Holly rolled her eyes at me.
Come on! She had to know I’d taken the high road by not verbally responding.
“Let’s head to my office.” Holly gestured for me to start walking.
I went first, letting the ladies chat while we made the short walk.
“I love your Converse,” Holly said.
Why was she so nice and warm with this stranger, but not with me? Was there something about me that put Holly on edge? The feelings I’d shut out since Lexi had dumped me resurfaced around Holly. She intrigued me, and I couldn’t help but try to slide the pieces into place that made her who she was.
But I couldn’t do that if she kept throwing up walls, keeping me out. I wanted her to open up to me like she was with Skye. To let me be her friend, and not just a coworker. I just had to remind myself that friendship was the only option on the table—and only if Holly wanted it. I couldn’t risk my promotion—or my heart again—by chasing after a relationship.
“Thank you,” Skye said. “They’re my lucky shoes.”
Holly inhaled sharply, a little squeal coming out. “I have a lucky red pair of shoes! They’re my favorite, and I wear them whenever I need a little boost.”
“Same, girl. Same.”
Seriously? It was like I was Lord Licorice, evil villain, and Skye was King Kandy. It irked me that I had to fight for any type of conversation, but Skye just waltzed in here and Holly treated her like they’re best friends.
Too bad for Holly I wasn’t giving up. I’d find a way for her to see that being friends with me wasn’t as awful as she expected.
In Holly’s office, I stood to the side, allowing Holly to walk around her desk and get settled into her chair before I sat next to her. I would do as Holly asked and stay quiet, even though last time I didn’t feel like I’d taken over. I had only been doing my due diligence.
“Tell us why you’re looking for a new position,” Holly asked, completely at ease in her chair. During the last interviews, she’d kept her back as straight as a soldier under scrutiny.
