Page 10 of Memories with Fire

I glance down at my plate and refrain from frowning. While it was only two bites, I was eating them as slow as possible for the show. Now I regret that decision.

“You know, it’s really too bad,” Quinn comments as she gets up from the table. “I thought the two of you were going to kiss, and I was so here for it.” She hums her approval as I look over at her, finding her eyes moving up and down the length of me that’s not covered by the table. “Missed opportunity. It would have been hot.”

“Quinn,” Hailey hisses again, knocking her with an elbow. “Stop.”

She ignores Hailey, meeting my stare. “You’ve got potential, new guy. I’ll give you that.”

I’m not entirely sure why, but my gaze darts to Hailey to find her watching me. There’s a curiosity in her expression, but when our eyes meet, it disappears, and every wall she’s erected comes slamming down between us.

A couple of minutes later, the room is empty except for Nate and me. I’d rather not get into what just happened, so I shove a forkful of cold lasagna into my mouth. Not that it leaves me much if he tries to talk after this, but the quicker I eat, the quicker I can make myself scarce.

Nate surprises me when he doesn’t say a word, though. He just walks further into the room, heading to the island with everyone’s dirty dishes and the empty pan. It dawns on me then that he didn’t bring an empty plate back with him. I’d just assumed when he wasn’t in here with the others that he’d taken a plate back to his office, but on second thought, I don’t think he’s eaten.

Those jerks.

His head shakes, and he exhales on a loud sigh. Then he turns towards the oven, grabbing the mitts on the counter, and opens the door. I can’t see what he’s doing as he leans over, but a second later he pops up with a second pan. Steaming with lasagna.

I’ll be darned. The thought didn’t even occur to me that they’d hide half of it. Another frickin’ prank. Just like the dang coffee. I should have seen it coming.

“They’re assholes, but they aren’t cruel,” he says, setting the pan down beside the other. “I’m guessing you’re still hungry.”

Shoving my chair back, I get up and walk to the island. “Was trying not to be pissed about it, but man, I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

“You and me both. I didn’t know what you were going to pull together when you got dinner duty, but I’m impressed,” Nate says, scooping a helping of lasagna onto the spatula before offering it to me. “They all were too. It’s all they talked about today when you were busy cooking.”

“Even when Hailey was around?” The question comes out before I have a chance to stop it, and I regret it the moment it’s past my lips.

But if Nate notices my feet shifting in discomfort, he doesn’t let on. “No, I suppose if I think about it, she wasn’t there.”

No matter our history, and even though I know she can take care of herself, I’m glad that they’re watching out for Hailey. It eases a weight from my shoulders that I’ve been carrying around all these years, to know that she’s surrounded by people who love her and take care of her. Ten years ago she had her mom, and her best friend who was leaving for NYU at the end of the summer. That was it.

“Wanna explain the deal between you two?” Nate asks with a casual indifference I know is only for show. He’s curious like the rest of them, but possibly for different reasons. Hailey and I knowing each other is a complication he didn’t anticipate prior to me being hired.

Shaking my head as he dishes up a piece of lasagna for himself, I say, “Rather let Hailey tell you what she wants you to know, if that’s alright.”

I could easily tell him our history, but why bother? He probably won’t believe me anyway. It’s better coming from Hailey. She’s been working with Nate a lot longer than I have, and I’d rather not do anything to make her even more upset with me. Something that still puzzles the heck out of me.

After a moment of contemplation, Nate nods. “I’ll respect that. For now.” He pauses for a second, putting the spatula down before meeting my eyes. “But whatever that shit was between you and Liam? It needs to end.” He lifts a hand, like he expects me to protest, but I wasn’t going to say a word. “I have no doubt that it was him, not you.”

“I didn’t help matters,” I confess, willing to take the responsibility on my part.

Nate’s eyes narrow a fraction, and for a moment, I’m not sure he trusts me. Then he nods. “They’re good people. All of them, Liam included. And I still believe that you’re a good addition here, and that you’ll fit in.”

Picking up my plate, I break eye contact with the man, heading towards the table, unsure I can trust his judgement.

Behind me, Nate picks up his plate to follow. “Give them time.”

What choice do I have? I sure as heck ain’t going back to Waco and the debacle there. Santa Rosé is just going to have to put up with me. Much like Liam and Hailey.

CHAPTER 4

HAILEY

“You wanted to see me?”I say to Nate, rapping on his office door.

The room is little more than a closet, with a small desk and chair for him. Two guest chairs are crammed in against one wall, while gray filing cabinets line another, making the space look even smaller than it already is. It’s functional for what he needs when it comes to paperwork, but the guy doesn’t spend much time besides that in here.

I think that’s one reason we all love Nate so much. He gets involved with his team instead of hiding behind a desk. We’re a family. I can’t imagine life being any other way.

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