Page 36 of Taming the CEO

"How come you're not at the park?"

"I’m going in the afternoon," I told Jeannie. "Although I'm not staying too long today. I need to repair some leaky tiles on the roof.”

"You're brave. Thats’ not something I’d ever dare to do by myself." Considering her age, I dearly hoped that was the case. "I’m trying to keep busy around the house. I bake a lot, but I’m running out of recipes. And I’m not good with the internet, so thank you for taking the time to give me yours."

"Sure, my pleasure. You can always call when you need inspiration."

"You’re such a darling. I’ll let you get on with your day."

"Thanks. Have fun baking, Jeannie."

After we hung up, I closed the notebook, putting it back in its place. Then I glanced at the shelf, an idea forming.

I could lend one of Mom’s cookbooks to Jeannie. One in particular was full of experimental recipes. But I’d have to find a way to give it to her.

Oh, Cami. You’re just looking for a reason to see Maddox!

Chapter Nine

Maddox

I had a surprise for Gran today.

"Where are we going?" she asked once we were in the car.

"I'll give you a hint. Lobster rolls."

Gran smiled from ear to ear. "You spoil me."

She'd mentioned it in passing last time we were out that she was in the mood for lobster rolls, so I'd tracked down a restaurant that had good reviews.

"The place is famous but doesn't look like much. At least it didn't in the pictures."

"You know me. I mostly care about food, not about what it looks like."

That was absolutely true. I was the same. It was how Gran and I discovered some very interesting places to eat in the city. But I always made sure it had a comfortable sitting area. I wouldn’t allow my ninety-two-year-old gran to stand or sit on a bar stool.

When we arrived, she said, "Oh, my mouth is already watering."

I chuckled. "Wait for me to open the door.”

"You boys," Gran mumbled under her breath, but she didn't attempt to actually open the door, thank fuck.

She'd only tried it once and nearly broke her neck. Since then, I made a point of always helping her get out of the car.

I gave her my arm as we walked inside. The restaurant was much better than I expected. From the photos, it looked shabby, but my assistant had checked it out and assured me that the place was legit. I figured if it served the best lobster rolls in the city, it couldn't be a dump.

A server led us to a table by the window. I always requested the location for Gran, as she liked having a view, and this restaurant actually had a nicely landscaped backyard.

"This is such great spot," she exclaimed as we sat down.

"Have you had a chance to look at our menu before arriving?" the waiter asked.

I frowned. That was a bizarre question.

"Most of our clients," he went on without waiting for our reply, "come here for our lobster rolls."

Gran nodded. "Yes, we’re here for the same."

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