Page 17 of The Billionaire & the Virgin Chef
Emily
My mood isupbeat from Dylan’s text after he and Jackson leave. I almost can’t believe I agreed to drinks with him. Dating hasn’t been my thing for a slew of reasons. My studies and all the part-time jobs I’ve held take up all my time, for starters. Travel time eats into my day too. Cooking, practicing existing culinary creations and testing new recipes eat into the rest of my time. I spend countless hours in the kitchen. Also, the gaping wound in my chest from losing Joy has put a damper on my ability to open myself to dating. I don’t just have a wall up. My walls have walls. Or that’s what Rose tellsme.
I’m on the fence about going out with Dylan, but he’s made it way past where any other guy has gotten to. Even if I end up turning down drinks, I want to pat myself on the back for making suchprogress.
I finish up my practice dishes alone. Well, I’m not alone. Dahlia’s three temporary fur babies sit a few feet from me, waiting and probably hoping to be fed the leftovers. From what I’ve heard about their unique eating habits, I won’t risk feeding them. Dahlia can take the chance later on. When the kitchen is as clean and orderly as the way I met it, I place the last of the food in the kitchen for Dahlia to snack on later and take the dogs upstairs to their doggie room. A few minutes later, I’ve locked up and handed over the keys to the reception desk on the mainfloor.
My phone buzzes again while I’m taking the short walk back to Columbia U. It’sDahlia.
Dahlia: Everything okay? Sorry I had toleave.
Me: Sure. All good. I just left and yes, the dogs areupstairs.
Dahlia: Great! Thanks. Nice talk with Jackson’sfriend?
Me: Maybe. His mom is that new client from last night. Weird coincidence,huh?
Dahlia: Small world, but notreally.
Me: He asked meout.
Dahlia: That’s awesome. Are you gonna sayyes?
Me: I already did, but you know we’re on shaky groundhere.
Dahlia: Yep. It’s a big step for you. Hope it turns out better than me andJackson.
Me: Oh no. Sorry. You sure you don’t want to give ittime?
Dahlia: No, but we’ll see. Anyway, I’m going to a lecture.Ttys.
Me: Later,Dahl
As I weighwhether or not to see Dylan again, there’s a new voicemail messages on my phone. A quick check shows me it’s the number on Diane Worthington’s business card. The message is from her secretary at the office, informing me that Mrs. Worthington has some availability over lunch in two days. She wants me to prepare the samples at her condo, which is where the event will be held, not her main house. Before hanging up, the person leaving the message adds that Diane wanted to thank me for my professionalism at the gala. I can’t help but think there’s a subtle message in there forme.
Something Grams used to say comes tomind.
Never shit where youeat.
I’ve got lots to lose, not just with him being friends with Dahlia’s date, but more because he’s my client’s son. This catering gig can turn end up earning me close to six thousand dollars after food costs. I can use really use that cash. That’d be one big dent into my studentloans.
It’s drinks with Dylan. Nothing too heavy. And we’re meeting in my side of town. The seedy Irish pub down the street would be ideal. There’s always a bit of a crowd in there. It won’t be too intimate. Not with soccer or some sports match blaring over the TV screens at thebar.
I just hope I can say no if he tries to take things further than justdrinks.
I’m a sucker for a sexy geek who wantsseconds.
