Page 113 of The Flirt

She smirked. "Of course."

"I do my job very well. The reviews are great."

She nodded. "Yes, I've read them. Everyone enjoys your food. You’re originally from..."

"Seattle."

"Right. And you plan to stay here for good?"

"Yes. I mean, that's what I hope."

"I see. Have you been around kids before?"

"No," I admit, "but I like Bella very much. She's an adorable girl."

Sarah softened somewhat. "She told me about the Hedwig curtains."

"Yes. I looked for them everywhere in town. I'm sorry if that crossed a line. Were you the one decorating her room?"

"No, that’s Chad's house. He and Bella decorated it. It shows, if you ask me."

I didn’t like the disdain in her voice.

"I appreciate that you’re being kind to my daughter, but I would've liked Chad to wait a bit before making you a part of her life until he was sure that..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but I knew exactly what she meant. I couldn't entirely blame her, but she couldn't understand this connection Chad and I had.

I heard footsteps come from the back and wondered if Joel needed me. But it wasn't Joel who joined us. It was Chad.

"Sarah," he said, "what are you doing here?"

She scoffed. "Let me guess. That helpful Joel let you know I was here?"

"Yes," he said.

I didn't mind talking to Sarah, but I was glad that Chad was here.

"I'm going to leave the two of you alone," I said.

Sarah smiled at me.

"It was nice to meet you," I told her.

"Likewise," she replied, and she did seem to mean it. But her eyes went completely cold when she focused on Chad again.

"I'll come find you in the kitchen,” he said to me as I was about to head out.

"No need. The staff will arrive soon, and things are already off to a crazy start."

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Don't you worry. I've got it all covered," I said.

I was going to figure it out. As a chef, I was used to crises in the kitchen.

Sarah showing up and asking me questions, on the other hand, threw me off completely.

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