Page 72 of The Chef's Kiss
“What’s going on?” I dropped the chicken salad on the counter. My brothers and cousin looked like they were ready to commit murder.
“We’ve been looking all over for you.” Conner and Jake came in through the rear hall.
All the blood drained from my face. “Is it Grandpa?”
“What?” Conner shook his head. “No. Are you all right?”
Carter took the loaf of bread out of my hands and moved me to sit at the bar.
“I’m fine, but what is going on?” I couldn’t remember the last time all three brothers and cousins were in the same room and not fighting about something.
“She doesn’t know.” Carter took my hand and sat down beside me. “Let her eat something.” He shoved a package of crackers and the container of chicken salad in front of me.
“No, tell me what’s wrong.” I checked each of their faces, and they were all furious—and on my behalf. I knew an angry big brother when I saw one.
“Have you seen Hudson today?” Conner asked.
“No, it’s my day off. Why? Is he okay?”
“Everyone is fine, Jorgie,” Conrad assured me.
“Something is clearly happening, so just spit it out, guys.”
“Have you seen theWeekly Winewebsite?” Carter asked. “Harper refused to publish it, but people are on there talking about it.”
“About what? I didn’t even know theWeekly Winehad a website.”
“I’m so sorry, Jorgie. We know you liked him,” Jake said.
“Listen, I’m going to start pinching if someone doesn’t tell me what you’re all babbling about right this minute.”
“This town is full of gossips.” Harrison shook his head. “Emery heard it from her mom, who got it from Mrs. Jeffries, who heard it from her next door neighbor’s son, who was bussing tables at the bistro the night of your opening. And he got it from one of the line cooks, who was on break out behind the building the same night.”
“And Emery told one of you this mysterious, juicy bit of gossip that has you all riled up?” I folded my hands in my lap, hoping they’d get to the point eventually.
“No, she told Stevie, who told Harper they should print it in theWeekly Wine, but she refused and told me instead.” Carter sat back with a sigh. “I’m really sorry, sis.”
“For heaven’s sake, tell me what was said before I burst from irritation.”
“Hudson’s leaving Superiore Bay,” Jake said gently. “He’s received an offer from some fancy New Yorker willing to back his restaurant in the city.”
It felt like a punch in the gut. After everything we’d done to make the bistro opening a success, he was just going to leave? And not tell me?
“From what we’ve heard, it’s an offer he can’t refuse,” Conrad added.
“But the bistro. We just opened.”
“We’ll find you a new chef,” Harrison offered.
“A better one,” Carter said.
“I think she likes this one.” Conrad took my hand and gave it a squeeze. Leave it to him to see right through me, all the way down to my breaking heart.
* * *
The worst thing about pregnancy was the mood swings. One moment I was ready to cry into my chicken salad, the next, I’m driving across the bay bridge in a fuming rage.
“If he thinks he’s going to leave for greener pastures, he’s got another think coming.” I drummed my fingers over the pleather steering wheel of my new car as I waited for the light to turn green.
