Page 49 of Best Kept Secret

Breakfast and lunch for the employees, catering for client meetings—it wasn't a restaurant, but it was a hell of a start. And for someone like me, who'd spent years managing a diner,I knew I could handle this. More than that, I knew this was the break I needed.

Nova believed in me. She said this was perfect for me. I just had to make sure Nina thought so as well.

When we came to a door that saidNina Davenport, my heart began to pound.

Nova knocked.

"Come in," came a clear, firm voice from the other side.

Nova opened the door, and I got my first look at Nina. She sat behind her desk, her sharp, dark eyes locking onto mine instantly. She was exactly as Nova had described: stern, no nonsense, and stunning. Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek bun, and her tailored suit made her look like she'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine. But it wasn't just her appearance—there was something about her presence that commanded attention, even respect. I could see why Nova looked up to her. She intimidated the hell out of me.

"Mira." Nina stood up and extended a hand across the desk. "So wonderful to meet you. I've heard amazing things about your food from NovaandBeau."

She'd talked to Beau about me? Did she know we were sleeping together?Oh God!

I shook her hand, feeling a surge of nervous energy. "Thank you for meeting with me."

"Have a seat."

I took a deep breath and sat on a chair across from her. Nova settled next to me.

"As I said, Nova's spoken highly of you." Nina folded her hands in front of her. "And I trust her judgment. But I'd like to hear from you. Why do you think you're a good fit for this position?"

Straight to the point. No chit chat. No,how's the weather?

I kept my voice steady, not wanting Nina to see the tremors I felt inside. "I've managed a diner for several years," I began."Handled everything from inventory, staffing, creating menus, to customer service. And while it's not exactly the same as running a cafeteria, I think the skills I developed there are transferable. I'm used to juggling a lot of responsibilities, and I've learned how to work under pressure. I believe I can create a space here at Savannah Lace that not only feeds your team but also gives them a place to recharge during the day. A place that makes their lives easier."

I had practiced this little speech with Beau, and while I took a shower, and with Pari, and in front of the mirror—you get the point.

Nina's expression remained unreadable, but she nodded, her eyes never leaving mine. "Managing a diner is one thing, but this is a corporate environment. We have a certain expectation for professionalism, and we cater to high-profile clients regularly. How do you plan to adjust to that shift?"

Okay, so far it appeared like I'd prepared well for the interview. I'd nagged Beau to ask me questions he'd ask if he had a cafeteria. He said his company had one, which employed over a thousand people locally, and nearly three thousand more around the world. But since he'd not hired the caterers for the cafeteria, he told me he waswinging itwith the questions.

I took a breath, choosing my words carefully. "I know the setting is different, but the fundamentals are the same—whether you're managing a diner or a corporate cafeteria, it's about delivering quality, being consistent, and providing excellent service. I'd approach this role with the same mindset. I'd be meticulous with the details. Whether it's crafting simple meals for the staff or catering to important clients, the goal would be the same: make sure the food reflects the standards of this company. I'm flexible, and I'm always learning. And I'm passionate about good food, whether it's for one person or a hundred."

For a moment, Nina just looked at me, her expression still unreadable. My heart raced. Had I said too much? Not enough? The silence was heavy, and I fought the urge to fidget under her gaze.

Finally, she leaned back in her chair. "Tell me, Mira," she said, her tone softer now, "Why do you want this? Why here?"

For a moment, I wasn't sure how to answer. But then I looked into Nina's sincere eyes, and I knew the best way with her was the truth.

"If you know Beau and Nova, you know that I'm here because of my niece. I want to become a chef but, for now, going to culinary school is not an option for me—which is why I want to get as much on-the-job training as I can." I stopped to breathe. "The truth is, Nina, my life hasn't really been mine for a while now, and I need to find my place again. I want to contribute to something bigger, to be part of a team. I've spent years taking care of others, and I don't regret it. I will continue to do so, but I want this for me. I know I can bring value to Savannah Lace, and I want to grow alongside it."

Nina's sharp gaze softened slightly, and she gave a small nod. "I appreciate your honesty. This isn't an easy job—it'll require managing multiple tasks at once, meeting deadlines, and keeping up with the high standards we've set here. But from what I've heard, and what you've said, I believe you're up for the challenge."

My breath caught. "Does that mean...?"

Nina allowed a small smile to flicker at the corners of her mouth. "Yes. I'm willing to give you a chance. We'll start with a probationary period to see how you handle the workload, but I believe you could be exactly what we need here."

I felt the tension in my body melt away, replaced with a surge of excitement and relief. "Thank you, Nina. I won't let you down."

"I believe you." She rose and extended her hand once again. "Welcome to Savannah Lace. Nova will get the paperwork started, and we'll have to go through things like background checks and all that before you start."

Nova nodded. "I'd say the formalities will take a couple of weeks to sort through. That will give you time to plan things for Pari."

I could've wept, I was so relieved. "That's it? I have the job." I looked from Nina to Nova. "I thought you'd want me to cook for you."

"Beau is a picky sumbitch," Nina scoffed. "So, if he thinks your cooking is flawless, it is probably better than that, otherwise, he'd have nit-picked it apart."

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