“Mr. Stein was just filling us in about a proposed remodeling of The Galley, something that could mean shuttingdown the restaurant for months,” I said, staring at the table as I recounted the events of the previous days.
Gabriela’s gaze turned to me for a quick second, eyebrows raised just a little at my antagonistic tone.
“It’ll be a quick three-month remodeling project before the restaurant’s up and running again,” Desmond said, approaching us on our side of the table. “But first, let me tell you how thrilled we are to have you join the Luxe family.”
She stood up. “We are glad to be here. Gabriela Summers,” she said warmly, shaking Desmond’s hand.
He let go of hers and turned to me. Under the watchful gaze of Thomas, I stood up and shook Desmond’s hand.
“Ava Hale,” I said breathlessly, shaking his hand and observing the smile spreading over his full lips while Gabriela looked away.
“Nice name,” he said with a grin before turning to Thomas, who nodded at him to go ahead.
I felt my heart skip a beat as Desmond walked past me, his fingers grazing the back of the black leather chair as he took a seat across from me.
Is something wrong with me?The man was buying my mother’s restaurant, and the only thought in my mind was,Why does he look so darn handsome today?
“We want to update The Galley with Luxe Hotels’ brand of colors,” he said with a hint of charm in his voice.
Here we go.I wasn’t too wrong about the new investor swooping in and demolishing Mom’s legacy, was I?
“The good news, however, is that Luxe Hotels always takes care of our employees, including the new ones. So, we’ve already found temporary positions for you and your team at various other businesses that Luxe Hotels owns. Temporary jobs until the restaurant is remodeled.”
He pushed a bunch of manila folders toward us, and I saw that it had our names on it.
“Ms. Hale, you have the option of continuing to work here, in this very building, as the manager of the café in our lobby, The Java Hobby.” Desmond turned to Gabriela. “Ms. Summers, you’ll have the option of doing the same in our Lower Manhattan location. I’ll make sure we match the income you’ve been making—and increasing it, if needed, based on current trends.”
I blinked while Gabriela half turned around to look at me. We hadn’t accounted for the remodeling, nor had we considered working apart. It shouldn’t have been a big surprise to us that we were being split up, but it felt like someone had taken a jackhammer to my heart.
“Should you choose to continue to work, the rest of your staff will also be employed at our locations without a break in their salary.”
Work here, in the same building as Desmond?Hell no.
The man’s personality seemed to fill the room, and I was having trouble thinking straight.
I shut the folder. “And if I refuse?” I asked, my voice shaky as I considered my options. I could find a job elsewhere, anywhere else, where I wouldn’t have to see Desmond walk into work every day. Or him leave work to go meet a new girlfriend every Friday.
Thomas and Desmond exchanged a look.
“Then, as per our contract, I’m afraid we will not be required to find locations for the other employees.”
I became very still. “All eleven other employees?” I asked.
He nodded.
I drew in a deep breath and glanced at Gabriela. She kept her face blank, but I could read her, even when she wasstill. Troy wouldn’t have tacos for many weeks until Gabriela could find a new job. Freya would have to pause her wedding plans with Rhett. Lily would really hate going through interviews again.
Ugh. Not to mention, I would have no idea what to do with myself in the midst of it all. I was directionless as it was.
I turned back to Desmond and gave him a small nod. “All right then, I’ll take it. It’s something at least until the remodeling is complete and we can resume our normal jobs at the restaurant.”
Desmond nodded and stood up. “Juniper Halstead, our director of human resources, made sure the paperwork went through quickly so you could start right away. Someone from HR will take care of you when you get here on Monday.”
I’ll be working for Desmond.
Gabriela and I stood up, and Desmond shook our hands. His palm was warm in mine, sending tingles up my arm at the contact. I broke away quickly.
“Thank you for the investment and for taking care of my employees.”
