Page 46 of Timeless: Encore

Jace and I walk through the kitchen. The smells are scrumptious. I realize I never ate today and it’s almost seven. “We always have a ton of leftover food. We donate most of it to shelters, but I’m going to pack some to go for our dinner. Can I pack some up for you, Alex, and Lena?”

“Hell yeah.” He nods. “That would be awesome. Poppy and I are terrible cooks.”

Justice has already gone home, so I introduce Jace to Petra. She’s fan-girling so hard but tries not to show it. I find it so funny. I’ve known the LTZ guys way before they were famous. It’s always amusing to me when someone I know loses their shit over one of them. Jace is gracious, though. Of course he is.

When he leaves, loaded down with containers of food, I text Olga and pack up my paperwork for the night. Whenever Zane is away, I like to eat dinner with Mia, help her with some homework and finish up my work once she’s asleep. He’ll call me after ten, we’ll have phone sex and then talk until we fall asleep. I’m on my way out the door when Petra stops me.

“Do you think we’ll have a shot?” She’s putting away pots and pans.

”There’s a method to my madness.” I set my stuff down to chat with her. “It’s a long shot. But, I want us to operate Gus the way we intend to run it forever. Consistency is the key. That’s why we prepare recipes over and over and over again. It’s why I’m working with Daire and Jetta on service. Putting every detail in a manual so we can train. Seattle will have never seen anything like this.”

Petra grabs her coat and purse from her locker. “You can tell me to fuck off, but you and Zane must be spending an absolute fortune. Between this and The Mission.”

“Most restaurants have financiers. He and I have been fortunate in our lives.” And not so fortunate, though I don’t say so out loud. I think of how I received the money to fix this place up and the blood, sweat, and utter torture I went through to gain custody of Mia. “This is my dream. It’s my one shot to do it right. So, I’m assembling a team of badasses to make it all happen.”

”I just want to thank you for giving me this opportunity.” She’s bashful. But sincere.

”Don’t thank me yet, we’re coasting. The real work begins next month.” I pick my stuff back up again. We walk to the back exit.

She holds the door for me. “I’m all in on this. I couldn’t think of a better mentor. I feel like the most fortunate woman in the world.”

“Petra, you’re more than proving yourself. I am so grateful you said yes to working with Justice.” I lock the restaurant up and we walk to our cars.

“He’s so great.” She smiles.

“The team is top-notch.” I get in the car. “Four and a half months. Are you ready to put Gus on the map?”

“Fuck yeah.” She fist pumps me. We say our goodbyes and I’m finally on my way home.

I fight giving in to fear. Every. Single. Day.

For so long, it felt like nothing was ever going my way. Almost like I was swimming in mud. My fears were actually justified.

Now finally.Finally. The stars are aligning.

I won’t allow self-doubt to rule my world.

Never fucking again.

Chapter sixteen

ZANE

A Few Weeks Later

I’mconvincedZoeyispregnant.

Fiona, Mia, and I are at Ty and Zoey’s for Sunday brunch. Since they returned from LA, we’re hanging out quite a bit. At least once a week or so. Usually on Sundays. Ty cooks, which Fee appreciates. It’s often the one day Fiona has downtime, and not always for the full day. She has so much shit to do before Gus opens this summer.

I had my suspicions about Zoey for a week or so, and today I’m certain. For one, she and Ty keep shooting each other smoldering looks. Well, more smoldery than normal. For another, he’s over the top checking on her comfort. Bringing her herbal tea. Covering her with a blanket. Stuff like that. Finally, Fee brought over some bourbon chocolates she wanted her to try. Zoey made up some excuse and declined.

I have never, ever, ever seen Zoey turn down any form of chocolate.So. I’m a genius sleuth. She’s definitely pregnant.

While I keep Ty company in the kitchen, Fee and Zoey watch some Bravo housewives show with Mia. They FaceTimed Alex earlier. Then Ronni. It’s fucking cool that all of our women are friends now. It will make touring together so much fun.

“My brother, if you want to hear the final mixes of Fireball, the files are on my phone.” Ty looks up from the vegetables he’s chopping.

I grab his phone and punch in the code—he and I have no secrets—and scroll through his music files and press play. I close my eyes and let the music wash over me. Four songs in and I’m blown away. Ty’s talent as a producer is fucking masterful. I stop the music for a second. “Dude, this is incredible.”

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