Page 120 of At First Smile
Eyes wide, my gaze drops to my hand. A white dog, its snarling mouth engulfing my hand, growls back at me. Biting down harder, pain sears as it shakes and tugs at me. Cane Austen slips from my grip and tumbles to the ground.
“Let go!” I howl, swinging my bag at the dog.
With a whine it releases me. Holding up my oversized tote bag as a shield, I crouch down and feel for my cane with my right hand, which radiates with pain.
“Get away from her!” A deep voice shouts, echoed by the slap of shoes against the cement sidewalk.
“Oh my god, are you okay?” A woman yells.
“I’m o—” I locate the cane, but I can’t grasp it with my hand, which pulses in pain. Blood, warm and thick, drips down my arm. Sucking in a sharp breath, I croak, “I’m not okay.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Powerless
Rowan
“Avegan version?” asks Yasmine Nor, Axel’s manager.
Leaned back against the booth’s plush leather, a smile kicks across my face, as she flips through Gillian’s proposed menu changes. I’d told my brother Axel’s kitchen is his. As we sit in a corner booth in the dining room, it’s clear he’s taken me at my word. After years of free-ish reign at Fiona’s, it’s not surprising that he’d have ideas. Lots and lots of ideas.
“Yes. As well as a gluten-free option.” Reaching across the table, Gillian points to the proposed fixed menu for a Sunday roast. “In fact, I think we need to revamp the entire menu to provide more vegan and gluten-free options. It will mean some changes to the kitchen to ensure no cross-contamination.”
“I thought this was supposed to be just a friendly meet and greet?” Yasmine snorts, one sculpted eyebrow arching.
“We met. We greeted. Let’s work.” Gillian taps his fingers on the table’s smooth oak surface.
Leave it to my brother to not mince words or waste time.
After a long pause, Yasmine grins. “I like your style. Let’s get to it.”
Of course, my no-nonsense manager and Gillian would hit it off. Yasmine runs the front end of Axel’s with the precision of a stunt driver. She’s not scared to make changes or take risks, but they’re always calculated to ensure the best outcome.
Laughing, I flip through Gillian’s other requests. Turns out my brother, who’s supposed to be getting settled in his first week in L.A., has come by Axel’s every day since he’s arrived. He’s inspected the kitchen, reviewed the menu, and met with staff.
“Axel’s should be a place for everyone, no matter their dietary restrictions.” Gillian clicks his pen before scribbling notes on the paper menu.
“A place for all.” Yasmine’s face lights up. “I like that! We could use that for a marketing plan to promo some of these changes. I know some local food influencers that could highlight us.” A wry expression covers her face. “Perhaps, someone’s popular social media girlfriend can?—”
“Pen’s not that type of influencer,” I interrupt with a chuckle.
“Actually,” Gillian clicks his tongue. “There are many individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions that require specialized diets. It’s totally up her page’s alley.”
Face scrunched, I lean in. “Are you following my girlfriend on social media?”
“Yep.”
“You don’t even followme,” I tut playfully.
“Well,she’sinteresting.” Despite the insult, warmth shines in his eyes.
Amusement slants my mouth into a lopsided smile. The trepidation of this fresh start still lingers between us. I won’t pretend it doesn’t, but moments like this I relax into, not just a future, but a here and now with my big brother.
“Speaking of Pen, looks like she’s calling.” He points to my buzzing mobile atop the table, a picture of Pen and GB flashes on the screen.
“Be right back.” I grab the phone, stand up, and start to walk away. “Hey, luv.”
“Hi…um… I’m sorry to call during your meeting,” she says, a gentle quiver skitters in her voice.
