Zac nodded. “I do. Thanks, George.”
“My pleasure. You’re going to do the same one day, and I hope you lead by my example... except for the drunk, phone-sex stuff.”
“I’ll make note of that.”
“Good. So, where were we?”
“Well, I was asking about your evening with Fabio.”
“You know, Zac. I don’t think Fabio and I were meant to be.”
“Yeah? That’s too bad,” Zac said, with a mischievous grin. “Then whose dirty drawers are on the floor in your office?”
Chapter 17
Mikey proved himself to be an asset in the kitchen, willing and eager to accept instruction and was strong on follow through. He was dependable and thorough. He didn’t know what a roux or an emulsion was, but he was a godsend at grunt-work and small repairs. And, as they got closer to the big day, he proved himself to be quite adept at prep—washing, chopping, and organizing ingredients per George or Zac’s request in regard to priority.
George felt blessed to have him and, perhaps, a little guilty of his fortune. Not only was Mikey free labor at crucial crunch-time, but he kept the mood light and fun, even through the doldrums of late afternoon lethargy. He also made George feel like a teenager again, awakening his libido with secret glances, playful pinches, and ridiculous innuendo—“Hey George, which do you prefer... a zucchini or an eggplant?” They flirted and kissed playfully while keeping busy all day, and then went home to George’s house in Cherrydale and fucked like bunnies, releasing all the pent-up energy that came from an entire day’s worth of foreplay. They’d even sent Zac out to pick up lunch once, giving them time for a quickie in the office.
Zac and Mikey became fast friends, and Zac followed George’s lead of integrating him into their world. Though George had always been an experienced and easy-going mentor, this was the first week Zac had observed him truly happy and stress free regarding the opening. He saw first-hand Mikey’s positive effect and knew the relaxation and confidence it brought would pay off immensely in the big picture.
So on Sunday afternoon, Zac did something extraordinarily sweet...
* * *
“Hey, George. Why don’t you and Mikey take off the rest of the day?”
Mikey couldn’t hear them. He was over by the sink, running water, cleaning utensils.
“Why?” George asked. “We’re getting on your nerves, aren’t we? I’m aware that it’s beyond inappropriate behavior for your bossman to be fawning all over the help—nauseating, I suspect.”
“Not at all. I’m in favor of it.” He gestured at Mikey. “Ever since he’s been around, you’ve been chill, as if the Grand Opening was just business-as-usual, another day of the week.”
“That’s the way it should be.”
“Agreed... but that’s not how you were. Not until he came along.”
“Are you suggesting that ignoring my low-tolerance for alcohol at an important event with a known restaurant critic could be construed as a little reckless?”
Zac chuckled. “Over, done with, gone. Don’t get me wrong. You’ve been great this whole time.”
“But you’re saying Mikey makes me better?”
He nodded. “I told Ginger we’re pretty much a family here. She rolls her eyes at the cliché, but she’ll see. You, me, May... and now Mikey. Whether you see it with him yet, I don’t know. But I do, and I like it. It’s like that moment when you get the seasoning just right. You know what I mean?”
“I think you’ve been hanging around May too long.”
“Maybe. But I think she’s on to something. There’s magic happening here... and it goes beyond the walls of this kitchen.”
“What does Ginger say aboutthat?”
“Don’t get me started. She’s very business-oriented. You know... get the job done, move on.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. She has good taste.”
“You will soon enough. I promise.”
“So, why are you trying to get rid of me?” George asked.
