Page 63 of The Chef's Kiss
“Nice.” I smirked at him, grateful the weirdness I’d expected wasn’t there. “I’ll be back soon. Just keep everyone doing what they’re doing.” I rushed out the doors and hopped into the front seat of Hudson’s car.
It was a quick trip to Jake’s Cakes from Lena’s Orchard Hill Village sprouting up on the edge of town. I was so proud of what she and Conner were building together, and I was even prouder to be part of it. Part of something our father hadn’t handed us on a silver platter—with hidden strings attached to it. It was Lena’s vision, but I was all in, and I hoped this was just the beginning.
I parked behind the bakery in the alley and texted Jake to let him know I was here. I also had a text from Ruby.
Ruby:You’re not going to believe this.
Jorgina:What?
I slid out of the car and popped the trunk. “Jake!” I banged on the back door. “You better still be here!”
I paced across the narrow alley, hoping I could get the SUV out of here without scratching it. I wasn’t so great at backing up in big cars.
Ruby:The shop bought all your dresses.
I stopped pacing, my heart beating faster.
Jorgina:How much?
Ruby:$7500
Jorgina:Shut. Up! As in seven thousand five hundred dollars? Can you get a used car for that much?
Ruby:Definitely
Jorgina:You’re the best, thank you!
Technically, that money belonged to my father. I wasn’t deluded. But I knew he wouldn’t take it. Had it been left to him, he’d have donated the dresses or thrown them away. This way, it didn’t feel like asking him for things I didn’t want to ask for.
One of these days, I’d pay him back every penny.
“Jorgie, just in time.” Jake opened the back door, a stack of five huge boxes in his arms. “Where do you want these?”
“Cargo.” I waved him toward the SUV. Visions of my own car dancing in my mind. It didn’t need to be fancy or fast, just not hideous.
“Where do people buy used cars?” I blurted as Jake placed the cakes and pastries in the trunk.
“Okay, so not what I was talking about, but all right.”
“Oh, sorry. What’d I miss?”
“I was just saying to get these back to the restaurant ASAP and into the cooler.”
“Will do.”
“You need a new used car, Jorgie?” He gave me a confused look.
“Yes. I can’t keep asking people for rides. Carter’s going to get sick of me showing up on his doorstep asking him to drive me.” After I do stupid things and run out on my job.
“There’s a used dealership on the edge of town, but talk to Selena and Conner. They have several company cars. They might be able to help you get a good deal on a former leased vehicle.”
“Is that better than used?”
“You might get something with low mileage and in better condition. But don’t try to do it by yourself.”
“I’m a girl, Jake. I know when I get in a situation where no one’s going to take me seriously because I have lady parts. It’s ridiculous and wrong. I’ll make Conrad go with me.”
“And then, make him sit there while you handle it. He’ll be there in case they try to take advantage of you, but you’ve got to make them talk to you, not him.”
