He jogged to his truck, dialing her number as he started the engine.
“Hi, Paul,” Susan said as she answered on the second ring. “I was getting worried.”
“I’m so sorry.” Paul pulled onto the highway, accelerating toward town. “The BioTech event just became more complicated. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Take your time. I perfected the chocolate torte, so there’s dessert when you arrive.”
Paul smiled despite being stressed. “That sounds great. See you soon.”
As he drove back toward Sapphire Bay, Paul’s mind churned through the revised schedule. With so many meals to prepare, BioTech’s Christmas celebrations were either going to be a huge success or his most spectacular disaster.
He’d need to ask his entire team to work, make sure he had enough food in case the roads closed in and out of Sapphire Bay, and limit the number of new bookings they took at the restaurant.
This holiday season was already going to be one of his busiest times of the year. After what Olivia wanted, everyone at the restaurant would be exhausted.
With a sigh, he realized he’d have to find some way to keep everyone merry, cheery, and bright. Otherwise, he could have a mutiny on his hands.
Chapter 11
While Susan was waiting in the Lakeside Grill’s kitchen, she’d put the time to good use. Her chocolate torte was already assembled and chilling in the refrigerator, the dark ganache set to perfection. While the torte cooled, she’d prepped her ingredients for the second dessert they’d planned to test, organized her notes, and even helped Harry finish his afternoon prep before he’d left ten minutes ago to pick up his daughter from daycare.
Harry had been good company, asking thoughtful questions about her catering business in Georgia and sharing stories about learning to balance work with fatherhood.
She checked her phone in case Paul had texted her again. At least he’d called to say he was running late. That small courtesy mattered more than he probably realized.
The back door burst open, and Paul rushed in, slightly out of breath. His hair was windblown, and his cheeks flushed from the cold.
“Susan, I’m so sorry.” He set his keys on the counter with more force than necessary. “The BioTech meeting went completely sideways. What should have been a simple confirmation turned into a logistical nightmare.”
“It’s okay.” Susan gestured toward the coffeemaker. “I made a fresh pot while I waited. And I finished my torte, so we’re not behind schedule.”
Paul exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. “Thank you. I feel terrible for making you wait.” He poured coffee for both of them, his movements less fluid than usual. “The event just doubled in size. They’re adding an extra dinner and lunch, plus increasing the guest count. I’m not sure how I’m going to manage it all.”
Susan accepted the mug he offered. “That sounds complicated.”
“It’s more than complicated.” Paul leaned against the counter, tension visible in his shoulders. “With the church events and now the expanded BioTech schedule, I’ll be pushing my team to their limits. Harry’s already working as many hours as he can with a baby at home, and Jenny can’t take on more shifts.”
Susan measured cocoa powder into a bowl, considering her response. “What about bringing in temporary help?”
“I’ve thought about that, but I won’t be able to train someone new in the middle of the holiday rush.” Paul picked up his coffee but didn’t drink it. “I was hoping to ask you something, although I know how busy you are.”
Susan tilted her head to the side. “Ask me anyway.”
“Would you consider helping me?” The words came out quickly, as if Paul had been rehearsing them during the drive back to Sapphire Bay. “Not as a favor, but as a paid employee. I need your catering expertise, and my staff like you.”
Susan paused in her measuring. Helping Paul was a big commitment so close to Christmas. “I’m doing the catering for Lynda and Matt’s wedding on Christmas Eve. When would you need me?”
Paul set down his coffee. “If you could work from December 18 to 22, it would help. We could pre-cook some of the dishes and freeze them before the events. You could work whatever hours you can.”
It was Susan’s turn to be surprised. “That’s so close to Christmas.”
Paul nodded. “BioTech has given me a generous budget, so I can pay you more than you might expect. And honestly, I can’t think of anyone else I’d trust with something this important.”
Susan reached for the butter. Thankfully, Lynda and Matt’s guest list wasn’t large and she was only providing finger food. With a lot of forward planning, she should have enough time to help Paul.
“That should be fine,” she told him.
Paul’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
