Page 90 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

Maybe Liam is right. What are we doing? We might be in over our heads.

It’s a question I can’t answer. All I know is that I’m falling in love with Ford.

It’s the first time I’m acknowledging that to myself and as I take my spoon and dip it into the bisque, I marvel that it’s possible to love two guys at once. I would have never thought that could be real, but I can’t deny it’s happening.

But it’s complicated. For so many reasons. I’m with Liam. We live in L.A. How would any of that work? I don’t even know how Ford and Harrison feel beyond we’re all having fun.

“Holy shit, this is really good,” Liam says, sinking his spoon back into his bowl for another taste.

I take a spoonful in and immediately relax my shoulders. “Mmm, oh my God.” I’m not a person who normally gets orgasmic over food, but it’s creamy and salty and absolutely delicious.

“I could eat a gallon of this,” Liam says.

“Save room,” Ford says, appearing behind us as I take a sip of my martini. “I asked Chef to make you fried green tomatoes, a low-country bouillabaisse, braised short ribs, and bourbon butter oysters.”

“Holy shit,” Liam repeats, immediately putting his spoon down on his saucer. “I want everything you just mentioned twice.”

The menu is different from the Malibu Raw, which is almost exclusively seafood and salads. “I’ve never had fried green tomatoes,” I say.

“What?” Ford looks scandalized. “And you being a food stylist. I’m shocked and appalled, Ivy.” He gives me a smile to let me know he’s teasing. “Prepare to be blown away.”

“I already am,” I say, softly.

He stills and his eyes darken. His jaw tenses and his nostrils flare. He wants to kiss me.

But he doesn’t.

A little disappointed, I add, “I don’teatthe food. I make it look pretty.”

“They’re going to miss you on the show.”

That makes me shrug. “They’ve already replaced me.” Then, because I don’t want to think about my current unemployed status, I add, “So Harrison is front of house and you’re back of house? What’s your favorite part of what you do?”

“Having happy staff and diners. That’s what I love. Knowing we’ve created a well-oiled machine but one that has the highest food standards and an exemplary customer experience. People come here to celebrate and share time with friends and family, as well as to enjoy the food. I love when they leave full and happy.” He grins. “And maybe even a little drunk. We have great cocktails.”

“You do.” I lift my glass in salute. “Cheers.”

A woman comes out of the kitchen wearing a pastry coat. “Don’t get too drunk,” she says. “I want you to try my famous coconut cake.”

Her smile looks familiar and I’m wracking my brain trying to remember where I met her. The diner? The boardwalk?

“This is my sister, Frannie,” Ford says. “And she does indeed make amazing coconut cake. Frannie, this is Ivy and Liam.”

That’s why her smile sparked something in me. It’s a carbon copy of Ford’s. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you! I see the resemblance between you and your brother.”

“God help her,” Ford jokes.

“Seriously.” Frannie gives her brother a faux wince. “But I look more like my sisters.”

“Well, two of you are identical,” Ford points out.

Frannie laughs. “Exactly.”

“Wait, triplets?” Liam exclaims. “Wow. That’s…wow. I’m an only child.”

“It’s actually awesome,” Frannie says. “I always had clothes to borrow and someone to play with. My twin, Fiona, is a pastry chef here too. I’m sure you’ll meet her sooner or later if you’re in town for a while.” She turns back to me. “I hear you have a house to sell?”

That gives me a weird pang. “Yes.”

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