Page 57 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
“Do what?” she challenged, chin up.
“Deprecate yourself.”
She snorted. “Stop spinning your words to be positive when there isn’t anything nice to say.”
I was confused. Did she truly think she was a fool? “I think the Holly you think you are and the Holly I know are two different people.”
Her mouth gaped open. Closed. Open again. “I don’t know what you mean.”
I hadn’t come to her office to fight. Her defenses were up, and no matter what I said, she’d take my words the wrong way. It was time to retreat. “Thank you for letting me join your family. I had fun and hope we can spend time together again soon.” I stood and went back to my office.
Holly didn’t say anything; she just let me leave.
Every time I made progress lately, whether at the restaurant or with Holly, I was yanked back fifty feet. Constantly trying to dig myself out of the same hole left me defeated.
Just like Thursday night, my lungs seized, making it hard to breathe. I sat with my head in between my knees, counting each inhale and exhale.Don’t think about anything else. Keep your mind focused on getting air in and out.Nothing else.Falling apart right now was not an option.
Half an hour later, I managed to sit up and turn on my computer. Aaron and I were discussing The Boardwalk’s social media presence tonight.
That’s all I would focus on.
But Holly was never too far from my thoughts. She’d revealed her competitive nature with her family today, but she didn’t like that I had witnessed it. Maybe she wasn’t ready for us to be more than friends if she worried about how I would react every time we were together.
Chapter 23
Holly
ThingswerestrangebetweenRhett and me. Rhett joked and teased like usual, but there was an underlying tension. Like he thought I’d start shouting at him—the way I had my family—at the drop of a hat. I had been a bit defensive after he’d joined us for Sunday brunch, but it was because I’d felt insecure and embarrassed. Trev and Noah riled me up and brought out the worst in me. Before Rhett had arrived for our game day, I’d completely planned to behave myself. Years of being teased and having to keep up with my brother and cousin had been unleashed without my permission. I was mortified Rhett watched me yell at my family members like I was a heathen.
Four and a half weeks had passed since then, and we’d settled into this awkward dance where we pretended all was well, but inside I wanted to boldly tell Rhett I missed him. That I wanted another chance to hang out without my family around. That I wanted things to go back to the way they werebeforethat dreadfully embarrassing Sunday.
Winter had also blown in with a bang. Thanksgiving was tomorrow, but it felt like January. Snow covered the grass. My breath puffed white in the air. And we were busier than ever at The Boardwalk. Rhett and Aaron had started a new campaign on social media and whatever they’d done, the masses flocked like seagulls after a beach party.
With Rhett’s help, I’d conducted all the reviews with my team, and while I still struggled with being too strict, I’d made progress. I had a long way to go, but I was proud of what I’d accomplished. Of course, without Rhett, I’d never have agreed to change in the first place. Regardless of how weird things were between us personally, professionally Rhett was still helping me become the best executive chef I could be.
Tonight was the first slow night we’d had in weeks. Not many people came out on Thanksgiving Eve. Most were home prepping their own feasts for the holiday. Of course, The Boardwalk would still be open tomorrow. Pulling rank, I’d told Nico he was in charge. Mom was doing better, but with cancer, you never knew when things could change. I wanted to spend the day with her.
I finished the report I’d been working on and shut my computer down. As I reached for my purse, Rhett meandered into my office, making himself at home in the pink chair across from me.
“Come on in,” I said sarcastically.
He grinned. “Thanks, I will.”
I set my purse on the desk and leaned back into my chair. “What are you still doing here? It’s late.”
“Working, same as you. Anyway, two things.” He held up his pointer and middle fingers. “First, are you sure you’re good with me coming over tomorrow?”
Rhett had told me his parents decided to go on a cruise this week to avoid the family drama. They’d offered to pay for Rhett to join them, but with the tight deadline at the restaurant, he didn’t want to leave. I was sure Aaron could’ve handled everything. He’d proven himself to be quite the assistant manager. I still preferred Rhett, but Aaron wasn’t a bad alternative. “Yes. I wouldn’t have offered it if I hadn’t meant it. Everything will be ready at five. Wear stretchy pants. I’m making a lot of food.” Just like Joey onFriends, I too had special pants for Thanksgiving Day.
“Why? There will only be four of us.”
I wagged a finger. “Not the point of Thanksgiving.”
Rhett laughed. “True. Are you sure I can’t bring anything else besides drinks?”
If he asked me that one more time, I’d climb into his lap and force him to stop talking.Hmmm.Kissing was a great way to stop someone from saying something. Too bad Rhett had cooled off any sort of flirting with me. “For the last time, no!”
He held his hands up. “Okay.”
