Page 80 of Rumor Has It

“It means—”

“I know exactly what Vespa wants me to do. She wants me to pretend to be Aria’s mother to keep everyone from growing suspicious. And I know the first opportunity Vespa gets, she’ll throw me under the bus. The sole reason I put up with her bullshit is because her job is to make you smell like roses.” I pat his thigh. “But what I’m asking is if you want me there, and if you trust me outside of these four walls to safeguard your secret.”

“Of course I do,” he replies without hesitation, yet cautious to smile. Almost as if he’s concerned he’s not hearing me correctly. “I’m just surprised. You’ve insisted all along you belong at the estate. That you don’t need to leave to find your way back here. Joining me on tour isn’t like a camping trip over a long weekend. Why are you changing your mind?”

“Some things Rhiannon said got me thinking. Since I had the rug pulled out from under me at the banquet hall, I’ve stuck it out, cooking for smaller groups, and fine-tuning the cards from the recipe box. But maybe all that’s proven to my family is I set the bar low. That all I’ll ever be good at is washing muffin pans and julienning matchstick carrots as a garnish. I mean, I’ve been on vacation and eaten decadent food, but maybe I need to allow myself the luxury of being self-indulgent and travel someplace new. Maybe I’ll find a secret ingredient to add to one of Benita’s recipes.”

“Benita said the secret ingredient was love.”

“She did.”

“I think she was right and I love that you want to come along, chou. I sorta hoped Aria and me staying at the B&B would change your mind.”

“Good. Because for a second I thought maybe there was some other woman you wanted using that all-access backstage pass.”

My mock serious tone has Isaiah throwing back his head. “Nah,there’s not.” A grin breaks out and his cheeks apple.

“It is still all-access, right?” I sass.

“Completely unrestricted.” He grips the back of my neck, drawing me toward him and leaning his forehead against mine.

“Are you sure about this, Cass? It’s a big ask of anyone to drop everything familiar to travel on a cramped bus for months. You’ve been here your whole life and I don’t want you to feel coerced into leaving.” He’s serious.

“I am sure. When I woke up today, I realized I can’t see tomorrow without either of you in it. I,ah,I think. No, I know I’m in l—” I stumble to get the words out.

Isaiah cuts me off with a toe curling kiss.

“I love you, Cassidy. I don’t think anyone could ever make me as happy as you do.”

?????

The countdown is on and, at some point, I have to approach my sister-boss with the news. I put off asking her for a sabbatical as long as I can. Gracyn’s behind Gran’s desk when I enter her office.

“What do you mean you’re going on tour!” she yells.

My eyes widen, unsure if she’s upset with me or shocked.

“Isaiah’s personal chef bagged.” Another lie. This one he and I concocted. “If I go along, he can bring Aria because he’ll have an extra person around he trusts, and I’ll get experience as a celebrity chef.”

“But for how long?”

“Uhm,I’ll be back at the end of the summer?” I shrink, full of contrition. I thought the length of time was assumed. Obvious. Tour season extends past Labor Day. “If you need my resignation—”

“I can see if Myrna will fill in temporarily. But Myrna won’t give up her retirement. You’ll be gone six or seven months. Have you thought this through? He’s—”

“Yeah, I get it. He’s Isaiah Roomer and I’m no one.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Mom and Dad are excited for me. You’re inconvenienced.”

“Vespa hates you.” As if needed the reminder.

“The feeling is mutual,” I reply confidently.

“Cass, I wish you’d reconsider. This isn’t one of Aunt Brier’s book club romances come to life. I don’t want you running home with your heart broken.”

I can read into what my older sister is saying. I’m a lowly breakfast chef and garde manger. I’m not good enough to take on the role of personal chef. My lack of experience with long-term relationships makes me naïve.

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