Page 86 of Mistaken Impression

“Yeah. You see, the fruits of my labors are about to be shown on television.”

“On television?”

“Yeah. The veil of secrecy has been lifted, and I’m allowed to tell you that I’m working on a TV show.”

“Doing what?”

“My official job title is culinary consultant. It’s a cookery show, and the first episode is going to air today at five.” I avoid telling him the name of the show, because I know how amusing he’ll find it, and how much he’ll make me suffer as a result.

“Wow… text me the details and I’ll forward them to Drew, if you like.”

“Thanks. Where is he at the moment?”

“As far as I know, he’s here in Boston. I’d suggest we all get together and watch your show at my place, but I can’t.”

“Neither can I. I’m under strict instructions to watch it here at the studio with the rest of the crew. What’s your excuse?”

He hesitates for a second or two. “It’s Livia,” he says and I sit up straight.

“Is something wrong? Is she sick?”

“No. It’s nothing like that. It’s just that…” He pauses again. “I don’t think I ever told you that before she and I got together, she was being stalked. It was when you were still in France, and she’d just come to work for me, and…” He stops talking and I wait. “And it was awful,” he says. “She was so scared, and I felt powerless to do anything… except pay for a private investigator to look into it.”

“Did they find out who was behind it?” I ask.

“They did. It was her former boss.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. He was arrested and charged, and we found out today that he’s been fined.”

“Just fined? That’s it? He won’t serve any jail time?”

“No,” he says. “Because he pleaded guilty and didn’t threaten her, he only has to pay a fine.”

“That’s terrible, Hunter.”

“I know. Although his life isn’t exactly a bed of roses. His wife left him and he’s lost his job… and I believe he’s moving out of state.”

“At least that’s something.”

“It is, although Livia can’t see the positive side of it at the moment. Hearing the news has brought it all back to her, and she certainly doesn’t feel like seeing anyone tonight.”

“I can’t stay I blame her.”

“I’m sure she’ll be fine in a day or two, so maybe we can all get together next week? It’s been ages since we’ve seen you.”

“I know, but it’s gonna have to wait a while… until we’ve finished filming this season. It’s exhausting.”

“But you’re enjoying it… right?” he asks.

“I am. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”

There’s a moment’s silence and then he says, “There’s more to this than job satisfaction. You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”

I glance over at the side kitchen as Mac comes through the door, carrying two cups of coffee. He smiles at me, and I smile back. “I might have done.”

“He’s with you now, isn’t he? I can hear it in your voice.”

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