Page 18 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

Stacy barely glances up, her thumbs still flying over her screen. "Caleb?”

I pause, a black blouse in one hand and a beige one in the other. "Tall, dark, and handsome? We dated for, like, a hot minute a while back."

Recognition flickers in Stacy's eyes. Then she laughs. “Oh wait, you mean the one guy you’ve dated. How could I have forgotten?”

"That's the one," I confirm, tossing the black blouse back into the abyss of the closet. "Anyway, he popped up out of nowhere yesterday, all casual like he just happened to be in the neighborhood, and dropped a bombshell: He wants me to meet his dad."

Her interest piqued, Stacy finally puts the phone down. "His dad? Why?"

"Turns out his dad owns Savor, and they're looking for a new sous chef," I say, finally deciding on the beige blouse and black pants.

Stacy sits up, her demeanor shifting from casual observer to full-blown strategist. "Wait, Savor? As in, top-tier, wish-list dining Savor? And he wants you to meet with his dad for a job? Girl, this is huge!"

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "I know, right? It's kind of a big deal. Caleb seemed to think I'd be a good fit."

Stacy’s suddenly all business. "Okay, we need to make sure you nail this. First impressions are everything, especially with a job like this on the line."

I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude for having Stacy. She's always been my rock, ready to dive head-first into whatever madness comes our way.

She leans back on my bed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Imagine the money they rake in. Hey, maybe you should give Caleb another shot. Date him again, and you might not even need to work," she jokes, winking exaggeratedly.

I throw a pillow at her, laughing. "Oh, shut it. I'd never do that."

But Stacy's on a roll, not missing a beat. "Or, you know, aim higher. Date the dad! If he owns Savor, you're set for life." Her teasing smile widens as we both burst into laughter at the absurdity of the idea.

After a moment, Stacy turns practical. "Okay, okay, but seriously, let's go shopping. You need to look top-notch for this."

I wince, thinking of all the monthly bills I haven’t yet paid. "Rent's due, Stace. I can't really splurge right now. Not to mention, I’m meeting Caleb in an hour.”

Undeterred, Stacy jumps to her feet and pulls me toward the closet. "Then let's find something killer from what we already have.”

“I’ve already got an outfit picked out,” I say, gesturing to the blouse and slacks draped over my desk chair.”

She laughs. “Don’t tell me you’re planning on dressing for this like it’s a job at the damn library. You need something with a little more edge. Come here.”

The search turns collaborative, and Stacy runs into her room and returns with a sleek, red, form-fitting dress and a pair of dark red heels. I look at the dress with hesitancy. "Won’t this be too tight? I mean, I'm a bit curvier than you."

Stacy gives me a reassuring once-over. "Girl, please. You’ll look amazing. Curves are in, and you're going to rock that kitchen interview. Confidence is key."

Her encouragement dispels my doubts, and when I look in the mirror, I have to admit I look good, ready to take on whatever Savor—and Caleb's dad—have in store for me.

Williamsburg is its usual blend of buzzy chic and urban hipness. The neighborhood makes this whole meeting feel like an adventure—like I am on the brink of landing my dream job.

I see Caleb waiting out front as we agreed. He looks almost as eager and giddy as I feel. He spots me and greets me with a hug that lingers just a second too long. It’s a bit awkward, and I find myself hoping this connection doesn’t lead him to think I want to get back together.

As we break apart, Caleb lays on the charm. "You look great, Allie. Ready to meet my dad?"

I offer a polite smile, sidestepping the flirtation. "Thanks, Caleb. I want to make a good impression."

The restaurant’s façade is sleek and stylish, with large glass windows offering a glimpse into the chic interior, where soft lighting and an understated color palette create an inviting atmosphere.

Caleb catches me staring. "Impressive, huh?" he says, a note of pride in his voice.

"It definitely has that wow factor," I reply.

He chuckles. "Just wait until you see the inside. And you know, if you end up working here, you'll be part of the wow."

I laugh nervously. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

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