Page 28 of Bold Encounter
There was no point in denying it to her sister.Brooke knew her too well."It's complicated.Jason showing up has turned everything upside down.The timing couldn't be worse."
"Or maybe it's exactly the right timing," Brooke said."Sometimes we need someone strong beside us to help us through difficult times."
"I'm anxious, though," Genevieve said, "not only about Jason, though that's worrisome enough.I'm hesitant about getting involved with someone whose job puts him in danger every day.And then my career is an issue.That hasn't changed.I'm concerned about messing up something that could be really good."
Brooke reached across the table and squeezed her hand."Those are all valid fears.But you know what I learned?When you find love, embrace it, despite the risk."
Before Genevieve could respond, the kitchen doors swung open and Lisle Garnier appeared, carrying a tray with what looked like a gourmet feast.The chef's blonde hair was braided down her back, and she wore a crisp white apron over her chef's coat.
"I hope you two are hungry," she said."I've been experimenting with some new dishes, and you're my test subjects."
She put down plates of crab cakes with a delicate sauce, accompanied by a colorful salad and artisan bread that smelled heavenly.
"Lisle, this looks incredible," Genevieve said."You didn't have to go to all this trouble."
"Are you kidding?It's not every day I get to cook for our local blues sensation," Lisle said, settling into the third chair at their table."Besides, I wanted to hear more about the honeymoon."
As they ate, Genevieve marveled at Lisle's culinary skills.The crab cakes were perfectly seasoned, the sauce adding just the right amount of complexity without overwhelming the delicate seafood.It was the kind of meal that reminded her of why Jasper's had such an excellent reputation.
"This meal is amazing," Brooke said."Gabriel is going to be so impressed when I tell him about this."
"Speaking of Gabriel," Lisle said, "you mentioned that he and Abe are working together again?"
Genevieve had filled her sister in on the highlights of Jason's recent antics, but she'd been careful not to share the more frightening details.Her sister was just back from her honeymoon and deserved to enjoy her happiness without worrying about family drama.
"Abe is being very protective," Genevieve said."And Gabriel has agreed to consult on the case."
"Good," Lisle said."I remember what those two were like when Brooke was in danger.They make a good team."
Around them, the restaurant began to stir with the preparations for lunch service.Staff members arrived and began setting up tables, filling water glasses, and reviewing the day's specials.The intimate atmosphere of the morning conversation gave way to the bustling energy of a successful restaurant preparing for customers.
"I should probably get going soon," Genevieve said, checking her phone."I don't want to be in the way when you open."
"You're never in the way," Brooke said, "but I understand.Just promise me you'll be careful.And don't shut Abe out because you're scared.He's one of the good ones."
At noon, Jasper unlocked the front door and flipped the sign toOpen.Customers began filtering in.Some were clearly regulars who knew the lunch routine, while others were tourists drawn by the bistro's reputation.
Genevieve relaxed watching the familiar dance of restaurant service begin.Servers moved efficiently between tables, the kitchen doors swung open and closed with a steady rhythm, and the sound of conversation and clinking silverware created a comforting backdrop.
She was so absorbed in the activity that she almost missed Lisle motioning toward a table across the dining room."There's something off about that guy," she said.
Genevieve followed her gaze to see a man in a tailored suit sitting alone at a table for two.He appeared to be in his forties, well dressed in a navy sport jacket, and was starting to eat lunch.His dark hair was neatly styled, and he had the polished appearance of a successful businessman.
"What do you mean?"Brooke said.
"He's been watching your table since he sat down," Lisle said."At first I thought maybe he recognized Genevieve from her performances, but then I noticed his phone."
Genevieve looked closer and saw that the man's phone was positioned beside his plate, angled in their direction.As she watched, he picked it up and appeared to take a photo, though he held the device casually as if checking messages.
"He's taking pictures," Brooke said.
"That's what I think," Lisle said."I was about to get Jasper, but…"
As if sensing their attention, the man suddenly stood and tossed several bills on the table.He walked toward the front door then left without looking their way.
Genevieve recognized the professional surveillance, the careful positioning, and the quick exit when he realized he'd been noticed.It felt too coordinated to be coincidental."That wasn't a music fan," she said."Someone hired him to watch me."
Brooke's face went pale."Jason?"
