Page 94 of Love on the Rocks
I thought about it. Honestly, it would be helpful to have another set of hands tonight. “Okay, but you’re in the background. You do what I say. No talking back and no improvising.”
“Yes, chef. No distractions.”
* * *
I went through the dinner in a semi-trance. Somehow, I was able to get into the flow state, forgetting about the family Greystone, my doubts about the future, and my broken heart. I focused on the moment and on channeling the creative energy at my fingertips into my food. For once, I was confident that my menu was on point.
Seth Greystone’s face remained stony throughout, while the investors couldn’t have been more enthusiastic. Then there was Gaz, who kept waxing rhapsodic over the food while still tearing it apart. I kept glancing at the empty chair at the end of the table where Nikos had sat when I’d served him the same meal just a few days ago. Some foolish part of me wished he was sitting there now, encouraging me. I wanted him to call measteri mouone more time, even if it was all a lie.
By the time we got to dessert my throat was tight with emotion. I knew it was still the weakest part of the menu, and Ihated to end the dinner on an off note. The story I wanted to tell with this meal wasn’t finished yet. And I didn’t know if it ever would be.
After collecting the dessert plates, I went back to the kitchen where Roman was pouring shots of Metaxa for the guests.
“No matter what happens, chef, never doubt that you’re the real thing. I kind of hate you for it.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Take a breather. I’ll get the coffee.”
“Thanks, chef,” I said and slipped outside. I stared up at the full moon, willing myself not to look over at Nikos’s terrace. I’d given it my all tonight, and if they didn’t like it, well, maybe it was time to move on.
The door opened behind me and Gaz stepped out to light a cigarette, cursing when the wind blew out his match.
“They’re heading back to Rhodes tonight,” he explained between drags of his cigarette. “Then Seth goes to Switzerland tomorrow. This isn’t our only project, you know.”
“Yes, you never cease to remind me of that,” I quipped.
“You did well, Cal.” He ran a hand down my arm. “You’ve given us something to work with. Of course, as you may have figured out, my father and brother aren’t sold on the idea of you as head chef of the resort.”
“Yeah, I got that, Gaz. What I’m wondering is why this is the first time I’m hearing about it? You couldn’t have warned me?” My voice was practically shaking with anger. I’d never felt so betrayed.
“I told you, you need more of a media presence. You’re no one.” Those words went straight through me like a stainless-steel blade to the gut. I opened my mouth but nothing came out.
He yawned and slid an arm around my shoulder. “I’m absolutely knackered. Thought I’d stay with you tonight.”
“Oh, you did?” Unbelievable.
“Callie, babe. We need to have a real discussion tomorrow about the project. Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter what they think because it’s my project. And I want you involved.” He pulled me closer, tracing a finger up my arm. “Come on, doll, for old time’s sake.”
Slowly, I removed his arm from my shoulder and stepped away. “You know what you are, Gaz?”
“What?”
“Garbage.” He snorted like he thought I was joking.
“No, really, you are an utter fucking waste.” I laughed bitterly. “A waste of three years of my life, of countless nights crying into my pillow, of faked orgasms, of stolen energy, of my damn heart, and of my sense of self.”
I’d known it all along but tried to convince myself it wasn’t the case. I finally saw him for what he was—a petty, pathetic, and entitled baby. And his words had no more power over me.
“And to think I felt sorry for you. Poor Gaz, always overlooked by his father and his golden-boy brother. As if any of that gave you the right to treat me like shit.”
His mouth hung open and he dropped his cigarette to the ground. “Cal, what the fuck, babe? Are you on your period?”
Chapter 38
“It’s our last night together,asteri mou, don’t cry. You knew what kind of man I was when you first met me,” Angelos whispered into her ear then kissed the salty tears from her face. He led her to the bed and she let him make love to her one last time in the moonlight.
- One Week with the Greek
NIKOS
Staying away from Callie when I knew she was facing one of the most challenging moments of her professional career was impossible, especially when I knew that Greystone was up to some underhanded shit.
