“I think he’s a pig.”
“Succinct as always, brother. Look, Michael. This isn’t your fight. She’s not your woman, and if you rush in there, coming to her defense, you might make things awkward for her. Trent might not actually be a bad guy. Maybe he’s having an off day.”
An off day. He supposed it might be possible. Michael had certainly had his share. Eli was right. He’d only just met Emily in person for God’s sake.Simmer down.
As middle brother, Eli had often stepped in to stem fights between Michael and Nick when they were younger. Eli had the coolest head of the three and he was correct in this situation as well. Emily was not Michael’s woman.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time in their short acquaintance Michael regretted the current state of affairs.
He knew he had no right being offended on Emily’s behalf. She was a grown woman. After she’d told him the story about her rebellious grandmother, Michael suspected the same strong-willed traits traveled down the family line to Emily. So why did she let Trent talk to her like that? He knew love did strange things to a person, but he just didn’t envision Emily as a doormat.
Something else was at work there.
It was probably best he didn’t try to figure it out. He had enough on his plate as it was.
As soon as Trent made a beeline for the portable toilet out back, Michael forgot every single one of his intentions to remain distant. He shot Eli a look.
His brother shrugged. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“I’m just going to talk to her.” He headed over to where Emily was standing. “Hi, Emily.”
“Hey. You can call me Em, if you’d like. All my friends do.”
“I’d like that, Em. I wanted to see if you were okay.”
“Of course. I’m nervous, being on TV and all. Thank goodness this isn’t live.” She lay a hand on his arm. “I hope my nerves don’t show.”
“Not at all. You’re great at this. Look, I know I’m overstepping my bounds, but I couldn’t help overhearing what Trent said to you.”
“Excuse me?”
“He’s tossed out a couple of comments that seemed to make you uncomfortable. I’ll be honest, they made me uncomfortable too.”
Fire flashed in her green eyes but she took a breath and the flames disappeared. “Is that so?”
“I’m just saying what I think.”
“Clearly.” She averted her gaze. When she spoke, her voice had lost its warmth. “I’d hate for you to be uncomfortable.”
“I know it’s not my business.”
“You’re right. It’s not.”
Michael put up his hands in surrender. “Forget I said anything.”
Emily sighed. “Michael, I’m sorry. Trent and I have been going through a rough time.” She lowered her voice. “He recently lost his job. It’s been hard on him.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.”
“In his industry, names get passed around. People talk. He’s frustrated at not being able to land a new role. I can see he’s itching to get back into a professional kitchen.”
“I’m not a cook, but I can understand what he’s feeling. We’ve all had job issues. We’ve all been there, but is he taking it out on you?”
“No, of course not. I mean, I can see how it might look that way. He’s stressed.”
“He’s lucky to have a supportive fiancée.”
Her shoulders rose and fell in a silent laugh. “Oh, yeah. I’m a saint.”
