Page 66 of Geordie

Geordie mentioned his almost-cousin-in-law, Kenzie. What in the hell does she want? I try to figure out a legitimate way to send her away, but none of the scenarios I think of are plausible. “Escort her to my office.”

The maître d' leaves with a lot of tension in his body.

“See, I told you that family sticks together,” Harv comments from the corner.

“I don't think that's why she's here. It could be something completely innocent, like she wants to rent the restaurant for a private function.”

“If that were the case, an event coordinator from the winery would contact us by phone. The owner's girlfriend doesn't need to show up to do arrangements.”

Harv throws up his hands as he leaves through the door.

My nerves don't have time to go into full panic mode when Kenzie walks through the door with a warm smile, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “Thank you for seeing me,” she says, looking around at the small office. “I wanted to meet you and thought this was a good place for a chat.”

“Have a seat,” I say, motioning to the recently vacated chair. “What can I help you with?”

She glances down at her hand, playing with the delicate ring on her finger. “I know I told your hostess I'm friends with Geordie and Lochlan. Lochlan is my fiancé and I think of Geordie as a brother; we're very close. He's the sweetest man, but I'm sure you already know that.”

I nod, waiting for the point of this conversation, the pleading of Geordie's case, that I should be happy to be part of this wonderful family.

“Thank you for taking care of Geordie while we were gone. He's so strong, it's hard to realize that he might need help. He's the one who's always helping.”

I swivel my chair, watching her struggle to make a point. “Moving in with him for those weeks came at a good time for me; I needed a change. We helped each other.”

“Geordie told us about wanting a child and that you're considering having a child of your own. He also told me he asked to be your sperm donor.”

“Is this why you've come?” I’m wary this discussion will lead to a screaming match or a desperate, quiet appeal. “You're asking me to reconsider his proposal?”

“Oh no, not to reconsider.” She shakes her head, her long waves swaying. “If you're not interested, that's your decision. What I'm asking is that you avoid MacTavish Cellars and withdraw your application for Catriona.”

“The committee will be here Sunday for a final evaluation. Even if I wanted to, it's too late.”

She settles back in her seat, more confident than she was at the beginning of her visit. “Did you know Geordie manages the restaurants? He partners with them to make sure they have every advantage to showcase their food. Some have become global stars on the culinary scene with his support. We have two Michelin star-rated restaurants.” She tilts her head, her gaze more direct. “I know it's a tough decision to make, but seeing you, even for business, will be awkward for him. I'm not saying never consider opening a restaurant at Catriona, but not now, not until Geordie is well on his way to having his child with someone else.”

“We're at the end of this long process. It's been months working our way to this point.”

“I know what Catriona puts you through is grueling, but wouldn't it be better to withdraw now, instead of receiving a rejection? Information like this could somehow get on the street. I don't think that would be a good look for Dalliance, not when you're striving for Michelin acceptance.”

“You'd ruin our chances if I continue?” Looking at her, I have no doubt she would, seeing the ice in her eyes.

She gives a noncommittal shrug. “I have no say over the committee. That's up to Lochlan, but he doesn't know about this latest episode between you and Geordie. Lochlan won't be pleased when he finds out that you rejected his cousin. It's better to be proactive, don't you think?”

She stands, running slender fingers over the light wool of her flat bodice. “That's all I came to say. I won't take any more of your time. It was really nice meeting you.”

I get to my feet, searching for some leverage I can use to halt this from blowing up my ambitions. “Does Geordie know you're here?” My words catch her before she turns.

A smile creeps across her lips. “Geordie is the nicest, most fiercely loyal person I know. You couldn't find a better father for your child. No, he doesn't know I'm here. I'm fiercely loyal too and I want what's best for Geordie. I know you're a good person or he wouldn't have suggested having a child together. I understand stuff doesn't work out, but he's hurt. You gave him no explanation why you won't consider him. The surrogate chose a couple over him; he's feeling a little fragile.”

I thought the way I left offended him. I never considered that I hurt him; he seems indestructible. “Did he say those words, that I hurt him?”

“Geordie puts on this teasing exterior, but he's more sensitive than he lets on. He didn't have to say it. I felt his pain when he told me.” Her features soften, like she knows her words landed hard and she can't leave me troubled over the damage I caused. “Maybe before you sever ties with him, be honest and let him know why you said no. At least give him a chance to understand.”

“What if I accept him as my sperm donor?”

She gives me a long appraisal. “That's up to the two of you, but if you say yes just to have a spot at Catriona, then my vote is that you leave him alone and let him get on with his life.”

The kitchen sounds are like a discordant clamor that breezes in as Kenzie walks through the door. Before it closes, Harv enters, chucking his chin toward my guest. “What was that all about?”

“We can talk about it later.”

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