Page 76 of The Chef's Kiss
I looked away. “He’s not my boss for much longer.”
“What? No!” Cara’s eyes widened at the news.
“He had a better offer. I can’t really blame him.” Even though I’d happily strangle him with my medal if he happened to be here at this particular moment.
“We’ll find someone better. I swear, if anyone can recover from this, it’s you.”
“I don’t know. I’m second-guessing everything right now.”
Cara took my hand in hers. “We will get through whatever comes next, and we’ll do it together. If that’s with you in Superiore Bay and me in Boston, then so be it. We have cars now. I’ll be there every weekend to babysit.”
“I love you, Cara.” I flung my arms around my best friend. “I know I couldn’t do any of this without you in my corner.”
“Well, you’ll never have to worry about that. Let’s just hope that gorgeous kid of yours takes after her mama.”
“Right?” We laughed, but I knew it would be hard for her to see Jeff whenever she looked at my child. I loved her all the more for her determination not to let him ruin our friendship.
“I’m just worried I’ll never be able to stay in Superiore Bay and get past beingThe Ashford’sdaughter. Everyone has been so great about me coming home, but they still think of me as the Ashford Princess. I just want to be myself, and a good example for my daughter … or son. And I want to do that in a place I love.”
“Then, do it.” Cara blinked at me, as if it were really that easy. “You go home to Superiore Bay and be you. Make the life you want, no matter what it looks like, and don’t ever apologize for making your best choices. You’ve got a baby to consider now. If anyone tries to get in your way, just go mama bear on them.” She hugged me again and whispered, “I hope it’s a girl too. She’s going to be so amazing having you for a mom.”
“Time to go, graduates of the Harvard School of Business.” The Dean ushered us into an alphabetical line that put me near the front and Cara toward the back.
“Let’s just get this over with.” I wiped my eyes and followed the person in front of me through the double doors and into Harvard Yard, where centuries of commencement ceremonies had taken place. I put one foot in front of the other, passing through a sea of crimson and black.
“That’s our little Jorgie.” I heard Conrad’s familiar voice lift with pride and turned to find him standing along the aisle with our father, grandfather, and all our brothers and a few cousins waving frantically at me. They were all here? I never expected anyone but Dad to show up for this. They were all beaming at me with such happiness that I got a little choked up and tears burned my eyes.
I turned my attention back to the procession. This was the moment I’d worked toward for so long. I should be present and enjoy it, but I was just so ready to put this chapter of my life behind me and figure out what was next for me and my child. I was running out of time and options. I just hoped once Hudson was gone that Lena would keep me on as manager. I’d have to prove myself to her all over again. And the best way to do that would be to land another once-in-a-lifetime chef. Surely I could talk someone into giving us a chance.
Squaring my shoulders and firming my resolve, I took my seat and turned my focus on the service ahead of me. I would work a miracle later.
I watched as an endless line of students walked across the stage from the Harvard school of business.
“Jorgina Ashford.”
My lower half was numb from sitting for so long, but it was my turn. Finally, I held my head high and marched across the stage to receive my diploma. Come what may, I was ready for it.
28
HUDSON
You’re making a mistake, Hudson.
Jordan’s words wouldn’t leave me as I rushed across the lawn.
You’ll regret this.
Maybe I would. Maybe I’d spend every day wishing for the city lights, the sounds of millions of people moving through life. But the moment the words left my mouth, I knew they were right. I couldn’t do it. Go back to New York, put my career into Jordan’s hands again.
But that wasn’t the real reason. The moment Jorgina walked out of the restaurant, nothing felt right. I didn’t feel right. I thought we’d talk today, that we’d clear the air after my chat with her father and the offer he made. Then, Stefanie told me she was off, that today was one of the biggest days of her life, and she hadn’t told me.
She hadn’t asked me to be here.
I only let it hurt for a moment before knowing what I needed to do. Before calling Jordan and telling her what I hadn’t been able to tell myself.
This town was my home now, but more than that, I couldn’t imagine going to work every day and not seeing Jorgina.
“She’s going to leave you eventually.” Jordan had meant because of the baby, because it wasn’t mine and I would somehow screw things up.
