Page 74 of Stolen Dreams

“We decided to spoil our guest.” Sakari gestures to the stranger, an undeniable glow about her as she gives him her full attention. “Dr. Adriel Hitathli flew in from Colorado to speak at today’s seminar. A true genius in neurological medicine.” Her gaze flits to Kaya for a heartbeat. “And someone I’d be honored to call family.”

Every muscle in my body locks as Kaya sucks in a sharp breath. Irrational thoughts spiral as I repeat her words.

“And someone I’d be honored to call family.”

Is this… a date?

Jealousy and anger flare anew. My knuckles burn as I clasp my hands tighter. A momentary wince cracks my facade as I bite the inside of my cheek. Every cell in my body screams to ask if they’d be honored to callmefamily. Instead, I swallow past the gnawing sensation in my stomach, do my damnedest to remain poised, and slip on a fake smile.

“Stone Bay is blessed to have your family, Sakari, Tikaani. Why not add a neurological genius to the bunch?” My voice is harsher than intended, but they’re not the center of my wrath. I am. They just stumbled into my path of vitriol.

Needing to walk away, I take a step back. “I’ll stop commandeering your time. Enjoy your meal.” I bow my head. “Doctors.” I glance at Kaya who hasn’t moved in far too long. “Kaya.”

Before any of them respond, I spin on my heel and weave through the dining room on fast feet. Rather than turn for the kitchen—where I should be—I head for the back of the restaurant, away from the noise and people. Ripping the hat from my head, I pace the back hall and drag my hands through my hair.

Undiluted bitterness and rage claw at my skin, constrict my rib cage and trample the small, maddening, thumping organ in the center of my chest. I want to scream, kick something, punch a fucking hole in the wall. And I would, were I not at work.

I fish my phone out of my pocket and open my chat history with Kaya—something I should have done days ago but didn’t like a damn fool. My fingers hover over the keyboard, a million possible texts at the ready. Messages I’ll likely regret later.

Is he your date?

The moment it sends, my stomach cramps.

I was an asshole Sunday night. And an even bigger asshole for not texting sooner. I’m so fucking sorry.

Anotherwhooshbefore the new message bubble fills the screen.

I don’t expect you to answer while you’re at dinner with your family, but message back later. Please. There’s not enough screen space for my apology.

I stare down at my phone, read the messages again and again, then berate myself for every stupid thing I’ve done to Kaya. I’d hate me if I were her.

Can I see you later? Please. Just to talk.

My eyes don’t leave the screen until it dims then locks. I close my eyes, count to ten and take just as many deep breaths, then open them and clear my mind.

Shoving my phone in my pocket, I slip my hat back on and head for the kitchen. André side-eyes me as I step up to my station, the muscles in his jaw tense. I bow my head, get lost in the sounds of pans clanging and food sizzling, and focus all my attention on my current priority—work.

The hours pass faster than anticipated as we serve more meals than on a typical Thursday. As the last dishes leave the kitchen, the cooks shift tasks and dive headfirst into cleaning mode. It’s all hands on deck as we scrub down every surface.

Fin sidles up to me after he finishes his area, brows raised. “You alright?” He jerks a thumb over his shoulder in the general direction of the walk-in. “Earlier…” He unbuttons his chef’s coat. “Haven’t seen you like that in a while.”

Since the last time Brianna got under my skin, I want to say but refrain.

“Been a shitty week.” I clutch the nape of my neck and squeeze the aching muscles.

He knocks my arm with his elbow. “Come out with us tonight.” He gestures to a few others in the kitchen. “Have a drink. Take the edge off.”

Tempting as it is, the last thing I need is to dull my senses with alcohol and make more idiotic life choices. “Pass,” I say. “But thanks for the offer.”

“Want to talk about it?”

I scan the remaining kitchen crew and shake my head. “Not here.”

Fin drops a hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

“Thanks, Fin.” I slap his back twice. “Now go. Have a drink for me.”

As he disappears down the hall, my phone buzzes in my pocket. It could be my parents or Brianna, but I pray it’s not. I unlock my phone and tap the notification, hope flaring when I see it’s a text from Kaya.

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