Page 33 of All We Need

Her lips twist in thought. “Ihad some time away…”

As if sensing her discomfort,Patrickstops shelving liquor bottles and slides in beside her, running a palm up her spine. “Andever since she came back, it’s been a blessing.”Theyshare a smile; one only they know the meaning behind.

It really is a whole family affair in this joint.

“How are you getting on?”Patrickasks.He’snot been as welcoming as his mom, but he’s civil.Bothhe andJohannahave been eyeing me cautiously all day, likeI’mgoing to fire everyone on the spot.

Nodding,Iadjust my navy silk blouse, wishingI’dgone for something more casual. “Youguys run a tight ship.Ihave no concerns—you know where improvements need to be made.I’mhappy with how things are being managed.”

They share another look, this one less intimate and more suspicious.

“So,Boothmentioned you were in town until…”Patricktrails off.

“I didn’t confirm a date.”Thankgod.

“Gotcha.Well,I’mfinishing up soon,Ihave to get my daughter from school.Isthere anything else you need from me?”Hefolds his arms.

“Oh.”Myeyes dart between them. “Ididn’t know you had a child.”

Johanna rolls her lips together. “LottieisPat’sdaughter…”There’snothing sharp in her tone, but from their expressions, it’s information the owner should know.

“Sorry,Ishouldn’t have presumed.”Needingto remove myself from their scrutinizing gazes,Ichange the subject. “CanIuse the office to answer some emails?ThenI’llbe out of everyone’s hair.”

“Sure.Youknow where it is.”Hejuts his chin toward the back of the restaurant and then walks off, leavingJohannaand me alone.

“Are you clocking off as well?”

“Umm.”Shetwists her hands in front of her, andIinwardly sigh.

“I’m not docking points for you having a life outside of these four walls.Don’tlet me keep you.Havea good night.”Iattempt a smile that definitely resembles a grimace before turning to leave, but her words stop me.

“Booth’s a really good guy,” she rushes out. “He’sa man-child,Iwon’t deny that, but he’s been the backbone of this place since beforeTedpassed.IfIwere going to own a restaurant,I’dwant him on my roster.”

“Ted?”Iask, head tilted.

This gets a reaction.Johanna’sbrows furrow deep, her eyes flaring. “Yeah.TedSadler.Heopened this place with my dad.”Sheshakes her head, the cautiousness toward me gone and a bite to her tone. “Thisprobably isn’t my place, but if you’re going to buy a family-owned restaurant that’s been open for almost thirty years, maybe do your homework.Perhapswe’d be a little more open to your sudden appearance.”

She walks back behind the bar, not giving me the opportunity to respond.Whichis good, becauseI’mnot sure what to say.

I’m striding toward the office, not allowing my embarrassment to show untilI’msealed in the small room.

“Fuck,”Icurse loudly.

She’s right.Myfamily’s business prides itself on integrity, as well as building strong relationships with our employees.AndhereIam, knowing nothing about these people.

With frustrated movements,Iwrangle my hair on top of my head and go to secure it with the hair tie around my wrist.

The sound of the handle rattling has me spinning around tofind a surprisedBooth.Asif remembering whoIam, deep creases line his forehead, and he sighs tiredly.

“I need the office,” he says matter-of-factly.

With my hair out of the way,Igo to drop my arms, but a sharp tug has my head jerking to the left thanks to my tennis bracelet getting caught.Notwanting to make a fuss,Iwiggle my wrist, attempting to free myself.

His smug smile burns into the side of my face. “Needsome help?”

“No,”Isnap.

I struggle some more, and my arm grows heavy.

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