Page 112 of The Flirt

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Sarah," he said, sounding a bit uncertain.

I nearly jerked my head back. "And you're sure she wants to talk to me?"

"She specifically asked for you."

"I’m going to see what she wants. You looked at the freezer?"

"No, not yet, but I'm on it."

"Good. I want a report when I return," I said.

I unconsciously moved my hand to my chef's hat, intending to take it off. Oh, what the hell. I could leave it on. Otherwise, I need to fasten it again afterward. So what if I didn’t look great? I wasn’t trying to impress her.

I quickly walked up to the front. Sarah was sitting at one of the tables. She was absolutely beautiful. Bella didn't look much like her, though; she resembled Chad and his family more. I wondered if Sarah had modeled or something.

"Good morning," I greeted.

She whipped her head in my direction. She had freckles on her nose, and they looked adorable with her blue eyes.

"Scarlett," she said, "thank you for coming out to meet me."

"I have to say, I’m surprised. How can I help you?"

She cocked a brow. "Really? I had to find out from my daughter that you and my ex are dating. I would've appreciated a heads-up."

"Oh."

"But then again, that's a bone I have to pick with Chad, not with you."

I frowned. "Then I'm still confused. Why are you here?"

"I wanted to meet you. If I leave it up to Chad, it'll probably be another million years before he introduces you to me. I figured something was off when my Bella was spending all that time with you."

Oh shit.

"I just showed her how to bake some pies."

"And yesterday you were at the LeBlanc-Broussard crazy house."

I winced. That's what she called it?

“Which tells me all I need to know,” she continued. “The family is in on this.”

Sarah was antagonizing me, which I didn't expect. Perhaps she was simply protective of her daughter.

"Bella called you Chad's girlfriend."

Oh my God. My heart warmed.

"I knew he was going to find a replacement eventually." She looked me up and down. "You’re... surprising."

"Let's focus on your daughter," I said. "Are there any rules you want me to respect?"

"Chad knows all the rules. I want to know more about you. As far as I know, your contract here is limited, yes?"

I bristled. "Yes, but I've been getting good feedback."

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