Page 42 of Whiskey Neat

“Too rough for you, princess.” Kit winks. “But maybe you could slum it with us for a few weeks. We’ll bring the mattresses down and we can hang sheets from the ceiling if anyone needs privacy.” Kit’s eyes turn to me.

As if I’m fucking around with Salem like we live in dorm rooms again.

“I thought we could save money that way,” Ridley says. “I know we have a good budget right now for everything, but it goes fast, and we’ll have operating expenses to consider when we open.”

I nod. “Good point, Rid.” There’s only two of us in this room with an abundance of cash, and I’m not one of them. “I don’t want you and Low doing all the heavy financial lifting for us.”

Lowen looks as if he’s going to be sick. “I’ll consider it.”

“We can start tomorrow,” Oakley says. “Or the following day if you guys want to move stuff.”

“Two days sounds good,” Ridley says. “If everyone else is in?”

We all mumble our agreement as we finish up the meal. Lowen grabs my arm.

“Hey, I have two guys from the city coming in at three to interview for the chef position.”

“Yeah?”

“They’re both coming in from New Onyx. Salem found one through some contacts he has and one answered an ad I posted on a business website. They both come with recommendations and support from their current head chefs.”

“Why would someone with a good job in the city come to Willow Bay?” Jerryn asks.

“Competition,” Lowen answers. “They’re both sous chefs, but getting to be executive chef in a city like that is very hard. They can come here and be the star.”

“That makes sense,” Jerryn says. “Who’s interviewing them?”

“I thought Kit and Indy should do it,” Lowen offers. “Indy because this place was his idea and Kit because if they can get past him they can work with all of us.”

Kit scrunches his nose. “Thanks?”

Lowen chuckles. “It’s a compliment, you tool. You’re very critical with strangers, and that’s a good thing when hiring.”

“I’ll take that.”

“We should have them cook something,” Bane suggests. “You can be a great person, but if your food sucks, what’s the point?”

“I’m all over that,” Lowen says. “I told them to bring a menu concept and a dish they can prepare in advance since our kitchen is down.”

“Not Lowen’s first rodeo,” Ridley says.

“I’ve had a few catered dinner parties in my day.” He releases a wistful sigh. “Anywho… three o’clock.”

“I’ll be ready.” I lean a little closer. “Got a minute?”

“Of course.”

The two of us walk outside, away from the chatter and clanking of tools. I can still see Salem chatting with Bane, Jerryn, and Kit. He looks excited, waving his hands around as he speaks and laughing periodically. Damn, he’s beautiful.

“What’s up, Indy?”

“Oh.” I turn my attention to Lowen. “Sorry. I wanted to know what you thought of Salem since you spent time alone with him. You always have a good read on people.”

“Usually,” he drawls, obviously referring with disdain to his ex. “Salem is… delightful. He’s smart and curious and obviously wants to do well here. He had good ideas about some of my vision for the place. I like him.”

“I sense some hesitation in your voice. What are you holding back?”

“Nothing.” He feigns an innocent expression, but I know him too well to buy it.

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