Page 36 of Falling for You
CeCe took the fastest way to the truth. “I worked for Eric a few years ago when I lived in Chicago. And yes, he’s bringing a Midwest food competition to Ohio. Evan and I actually picked out our food truck on the way here.”
Evan took the last of the plates from CeCe and let his fingers graze over hers. The touch was welcomed and bolstering. “We’re going to kick some butt.” He turned to Sophie. “If you can’t make it to the diner, you should come out for the competition. You and the kids could stay with me.”
Mallory raised a hand. “Or at my place. Any excuse to spoil those kiddos is welcomed in my book.”
Sophie shrugged. “We’ll figure it out,” she offered.
CeCe had a feeling that was Lawson code fordrop it. She might have to take a page out of their playbook, especially when Eric came up in conversation.
CeCe followed everyone into the dining room and looked for her seat. At the head of the table sat Dale, with two vacant seats to his left. Sophie read CeCe’s mind and pointed to the chairs. “You and Ev sit by Dad. I’ll go over here with the kids and Luke.” Her husband, Luke, waved at CeCe. He was clearly the strong, silent type, but in a crowded room like this, CeCe could understand.
“Yes. Have a seat, CeCe. I’d love to get to know you better.”
CeCe sat down and glanced at Evan, who looked like he had sucked a lemon. His eyes were pinched, and a frown etched into his cheeks. The tension between father and son was almost too much to bear, yet Dale seemed oblivious.
Mallory sat next to Emily and her husband, Zach. Pamela sat at the other head of the table and beamed at her family. It wasn’t often they were all together, and every mother enjoyed the sensation of the hatchlings coming home to roost. “Everyone, let’s say grace.”
After a brief prayer, the family dug into their meals. Evan had taken the honors of carving the roasted chickens, which CeCe thought were moist and flavorful.
As if reading her mind, Mallory chimed in, “This is the best chicken ever. CeCe, you’re a miracle worker.”
Evan smiled at her, taking a bite of his own meal. “CeCe’s a whiz in the kitchen. You should try some of her desserts.”
Mallory nodded to the others. “And her stuffed pancakes are the best thing I’ve ever had. Seriously, they’re life-changing.” A starry expression crossed her features before she focused on her current meal.
CeCe eagerly absorbed their praise like a sponge, yet she sensed Dale’s eyes on her. “So.” Just that simple word shifted the group’s attention to their patriarch. “Tell me, CeCe. How long do you plan on working at that little diner?” He paused to sip from his wine glass before continuing. “My son seems to think it’s a long-term job. Do you feel the same way?”
The sound of cutlery scraping on plates was all that could be heard in the dining room. Even the children were silent, which should have told CeCe all she needed to know about this family dynamic. Evan sat straight beside her, tension radiating off him in waves that should have turned her stomach. Her answer mattered in more ways than one.
“Yes, Dale. I do think it’s a long-term job. I have my culinary degree, and working with Max has given me valuable experience. I’m sure you’ve seen the improvement with Evan’s cooking skills over the last year.” Using her knife, she pointed to the spread they were all currently savoring. “It’s very impressive.”
Evan put his fork down and drained the last of his water. There was a slight tremor in his hand, and CeCe was about to ask what was wrong. Fortunately, Dale answered her question before she could ask. “My son doesn’t need kitchen skills. He needs to grow up and get a real job.”
CeCe knew she was about to open a colossal can of worms, but she couldn’t stop herself. “A real job? I take it you don’t respect the restaurant industry.” It was a statement, not a question. She had come across this type before. A wealthy, white-collared man who thought anyone who didn’t have a college degree was stupid, worthless. It was the same type of person who looked down their nose at people who did physical labor. CeCe wasn’t a fan of Dale already.
Evan’s hand went under the table to squeeze her leg, but she didn’t take the hint. “You should be really impressed with all that Evan’s doing. He’s going to be instrumental in the competition this spring. He’s a real talent.”
Evan’s father was clearly unimpressed. “He’s a real talent for wasting a four-year degree. I’m glad Pamela and I invested all that money in his OSU diploma. I’m sure it comes in handy when he’s washing the dishes.”
Mallory cleared her throat, about to jump to her brother’s defense. But Evan was too quick. “You know I do more than wash the dishes, Dad. I’ve been a prep cook for a couple of months now.”
“A job you don’t need a degree for. If you wanted to be lazy, you could have decided six years ago. Instead, you’re wasting your prime years playing kitchen. It is time to grow up and use that education.” Dale rapped his knuckles on the table, punctuating his point. “I can get you a job at the firm in no time.”
CeCe sipped from her wine, desperately trying to keep her cool. Who was this guy? And why was he hell-bent on cutting down his own son?
Appetite forgotten, CeCe simply said, “Evan is using his degree. In fact, he signed a contract for web development for one of the boutiques on Main Street. I’ve seen his portfolio. His work is quite extraordinary.” She felt Evan bristle beside her, but she wasn’t going to let him be a doormat in his childhood home.
From her side of the table, Pamela chimed in. “I didn’t know you were getting freelance work, Evan. That’s wonderful news.” Her smile seemed genuine, but CeCe could tell Pamela didn’t wear the pants in this family. It was Dale’s opinion that mattered most.
“Freelance work? You need to find a firm, get settled in a company that has room for promotion. You think I got to where I am today without hard work at a big firm?” Pausing his lecture, Dale waved a free hand around the room. “These side jobs aren’t worth anything if you don’t have a team to rely on. You need to think about retirement planning, health care, and life insurance.”
Evan stifled a sigh, and CeCe wanted to scream. “Dad, it’s not the same as it was when you went to OSU. Freelance work isn’t a bad thing. It’s experience to add to my portfolio.”
Dale was undeterred. “Where will the dishwashing experience go? Is that before or after your part-time side jobs? Son, you need to think about the future.” Picking up his glass, he gestured between Evan and CeCe. “You really think CeCe is going to wait for you to grow up? Do you think a woman that age is ready to watch you waste the prime years of your life? What if CeCe wants children? The clock is ticking, and you’re throwing it all away.”
CeCe felt each statement like a punch to the gut. Suddenly, the chicken was dry and tasteless as a total stranger pointed out all her fears. She was nearly thirty, and she may want children someday. She wanted a partner in life, someone who knew her and would support her through thick and thin.
If CeCe closed her eyes and really thought about it, she saw Evan. A future with him would be filled with love and tenderness, with unwavering support and laughter. There would be pillow forts and cheesy bites, recipe testing and kung fu marathons. Really, what more could a girl ask for?
