Page 69 of When I Come Back
He’s still pacing the small room as I’m piecing it all together. “Wait. Why does this mean you have to move? Just get a restraining order.”
He sits back down in the seat, placing his elbow on the desk and his head in his hand. “She was basically in my yard today. Talking to Melody.”
“What? How?” My questions come out harsher than I intend from sheer shock.
“I stepped inside to grab us some drinks and a snack. The fence is locked and it’s not like there are strangers in this town. But when I came back outside, I heard Melody talking to someone. I assumed it was a toy, but when I came around the corner, she was saying ‘bye, Mommy,’ and I saw Maureen walking to her car. The same car the sitter saw.”
My hand flies to my mouth, but I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine how scary that must have been for Travis to walk in on.
“I rushed Melody to my parents, dropped her off, and came straight here to talk to you. I can’t… fuck, Thea. I can’t have her coming around Melody like that. I don’t even want to be in this town anymore if she’s back. Maureen is volatile and unpredictable, and if she’s using again, I’m afraid of what she’ll do.”
I instinctively bite the inside of my cheek, not knowing what to say or how to make this better. I’m not sure there’s anything I can say, so I nod my head in understanding. He’s scared, his distress stifling the air around us.
“I’m going to stay with my parents for the next few weeks while I try to find somewhere else to go. I’ll help you find someone, train them, do whatever it is you need me to do, but… I can’t stay. I’m so fucking sorry,” he pleads. His voice is dripping with sorrow. I know he doesn’t want to leave, but Melody comes before anything else, just as she should. I reach over and place my hand on his arm, urging him to look at me.
“It’s okay, Travis. I—I understand. I’m sad, obviously, but I understand, okay? Just… do what’s best for your family.”
His eyes linger on my hand on his arm for a moment longer before he looks back up at me, placing his other hand on top of mine. “Thank you, Thea. Thank you so much for understanding. I’ll never find another boss as great as you.”
An awkward laugh fills the air around us as I try to bypass the compliment. “And I’ll never find a chef as great as you. But we’ll both be okay.”
I hope we will at least. Once again, my plans are crumbling around me.
Chapter Thirty
Carrington
Ihaven’t slept in days, and my stomach is in knots as I push the door open. As soon as the air conditioning hits my face, and the familiar sounds of a busy restaurant envelop me, I raise my eyes and immediately connect with hazelnut brown ones across the large space. The warm eyes make me feel like I’m home. The angry face they’re attached to tells me I have my work cut out for me. I take in a large breath and let it out slowly, not even trying to fight the smile spreading across my face.
I feel like it’s been years instead of just under a month since I left. I also feel like I’ve been through war just in the last week with the meetings and constant phone calls, all of which amounted to me making the decision to sayfuck it alland hop on a plane to be here.
I couldn’t stay away any longer. Leaving Carina Cove without an executive chef is a shitty thing to do, but I promised Seth I’d continue to interview candidates remotely. Thankfully, the investors didn’t pull out of the deal when we told them aboutDan. They’re giving us six weeks to find a replacement. I have called in every favor I can think of, and I’m hoping we’ll find someone soon.
I should have been back last Sunday, and I’ve been MIA for even longer, so Thea has every right to be angry with me. But right now, I can’t find it in me to care. I cross the room in a few long strides, and before I get within spitting distance, I see she’s gearing up for a fight.
“Don’t, Lemon,” I cut her off before she gets started. “I’m so tired. But I’m here. I know you’re pissed. And go ahead and be mad—just… just do it tomorrow.” I step closer to her and hesitantly wrap her in my arms as though she’s a wild animal that may lash out, taking the hug I desperately need. “Fuck, this is nice.” I pull her in closer and shut my eyes, getting lost in her citrus smell.
I don’t know how much time passes, but her arms eventually wrap around me too. I can finally breathe when she presses closer.
“Cary,” she speaks quietly right into my ear. “I’m… I’m about to start an interview.”
I pull away and suddenly notice the woman standing next to us looking rather uncomfortable.
“Interview?” I ask.
Thea runs a hand through her hair and nods. “Yes, for the head chef position. Can we talk about this after?” Her widened eyes tell me I’m intruding.
“Wait, what about Travis?”
“Travis has given his notice, so we’re looking to fill the position,” she says in a professional tone. She gives the mousy-looking woman a reassuring smile, clearly trying to apologize for my behavior.
I turn to the woman and say, “I’m so sorry to interrupt. I’m Cary Grant, one of the owners here. Could you please give us afew minutes?” Thea releases a frustrated huff, but before she can say anything, I wrap my fingers around her wrist and pull her with me, making my way to the back office.
“Cary, I don’t have time for this… whatever this is. I can’t have Rachel leave, she’s actually qualified,” Thea says as soon as we’re behind the office door.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Cary.” My name on her lips comes off frustrated, entirely wrong.
