“An eggplant isn’t a berry.”
“Yes, it is. I mean, scientifically. Culinary-wise, of course, they’re not the same. But it is, in fact, a berry. So are bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers—”
“Cucumbers?”
She raised her brows. “You don’t believe me.”
He narrowed his eyes. “It just seems highly improbable. Inconceivable, actually.”
“Are you willing to bet on it?” She smirked. “Look it up.”
He watched her for a second.
“Whatever. Believe what you want.” She shrugged and stepped over to the pears.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Jonas taking out his phone. When he let out a muffled curse, she had to bite back a laugh.
She spotted some pears that looked amazing and moved over to that section, then froze when someone tapped her back, thinking it was Jonas and not knowing how to react. She whirled around and saw Oliver, then sighed in relief.
Oliver held up his hand. “Hey, Viola.”
“Oliver. Hey, I meant to call you.”
“Your mom needs me to do something?”
“Actually,Ido.” She shifted the basket to her other hand.
“No problem.” He stretched out his shoulders as if ready to tackle whatever task she had for him. “What is it?”
She cringed. “You available New Year’s Eve day?”
“Does this involve me dressing up like Baby New Year? Because I’ll need to call my cousin to borrow his costume.”
“No, no. Nothing like that. This is more like a freelance job for a few hours.”
“I could use the money.” He crossed his arms. “What’ve you got?”
“You know Nick Mason and Holly St. Ives?”
“Of course.”
“I’m catering their wedding.”
“That’s awesome.” Oliver fist-bumped her. “Congrats on the gig.”
“Thanks. So. I’ve got some people to help me in the kitchen, but I’m short a few cater waiters. You know your way around a kitchen and have experience serving at Le Ruban Rouge, so I thought—”
“Yeah, sure. Sounds good.” He nodded once. “Count me in.”
“That would be amazing. You’re the best. I’ll text you the details.”
“You need any more waiters?” he asked. “I could check with my coworkers at the restaurant.”
“That would be perfect. Thank you.”
“I’ll be in touch.” He waved as he went on his way.
The heavy load weighing down Viola lightened considerably. She had her menu ready and had already placed orders for supplies. Now that she was securing staff for the event, she believed everything was falling into place.