“I’m just curious as to what article is occupying all your time today. I can’t imagine you’ve gotten around to trying fifteen different burgers already.”
“Excuse me?”
“Your research for Burger Week,” I reply. “I assume you haven’t completed it, so I’m just wondering why you’re here and not out in the field.”
“Burger Week?” She seems genuinely confused.
I take a long, steadying breath. I had a feeling this would happen. “Have you ever even readThe Emberfield Lantern?” I ask her, accusation dripping from my tone.
“Of course I?—”
“Then you should know, especially as our food writer, that Burger Week is held the last week of January every year. Fifteen restaurants within Emberfield County get to showcase a burger—it can be a new food item or one that has been on their menu for years. It’s your job to do a write-up the week prior describing each of the entries. Then people go in and try the burgers throughout the week and get to vote on their favorite at the end. It’s one ofThe Lantern’smost popular yearly features. It boosts our readership and serves as free advertising for local establishments. Win-win. You would know all of this if you cared to learn anything about the paper before you took on this job.”
“I—I’m…”
Did I render Allie Montgomery speechless again? I guess I’m getting better at this whole being a complete dick thing. Before I can gloat, the door creaks open where Allie had left it ajar, and Skylar pokes her head through.
“It’s my fault,” she says, opening the door a little wider. I motion for her to come in. “I’m sorry. I was just passing by and overheard. I was supposed to tell you about Burger Week, butwith everything going on and all the changes, it completely slipped my mind.”
“I appreciate that, Sky, but it’s her job. Isn’t that right, Alexandra?”
She glares at me as Skylar walks over and stands next to her chair like she’s Allie’s own personal security guard. My childhood best friend has known this woman for a few days, and now she’s protectingherfromme?
Talk about betrayal.
Then again, Skylar has always seen beyond what people portray on the outside. It’s clear she sees something in Allie, aside from her tough,don’t fuck with meexterior.
Maybe she even sees what I saw all those months ago.
Before I can go down that road again, Skylar levels me with a look I know all too well. I’ve seen it ever since we met when we were ten. It’s heryou’re being a complete idiotlook. I ignore it and she looks over to Allie. “Come on, we can divide and conquer. There’s a breakfast burger at The Roasted Bean you can start with and I’ll hit up Ember Thai for their satay burger. I can eat Thai food any time of day.” She giggles to herself, but neither I nor Allie join her.
“It’s her job,” I say again. “She can figure it out.”
Another look from Skylar. This one is more serious, and I can see she’s just about had it with my antics today. We engage in a short stare-off before I sigh and sit back up in my chair.
“Fine,” I relent. “Just get it done. I expect the article on my desk by Wednesday.”
“Thank you,” Allie says to Skylar as she stands.
“Cara has already submitted all the photos to accompany your article. You know, because she did her job,” I add, unable to help myself. “Remember, you’re just describing each dish, Alexandra—not critiquing them. We want our readers to form their own opinions. Try to get quotes from the chefs if you can, and don’t forget to include each restaurant’s address, website,and socials if they have them,” I call after her as she and Skylar walk to the door.
“Oh, thank you,” she says over her shoulder. “I never would have thought of that. I’m so lucky to have such an intelligent man to tell me what to do.”
I try—I try really hard not to look at her ass swaying back and forth as she prances out of the room, but I fail miserably. What can I say? I love to see that woman goandwatch her leave.
It doesn’t matter what I do or say. I could give her all the mundane tasks in the world—insult her intelligence, her job performance. None of it would make a difference. Because as she shuts my office door with more force than necessary, one thing is painfully clear.
Allie Montgomery is going to knock me on my ass.
10
ALLIE
I stareat the double-smash burger in front of me, cheese and sauce oozing down the side of the sesame seed bun, pickles jutting out from the sides. Normally, I would be all over it, but this will be the seventh burger I’ve consumed in the last eight hours. Between the two of us, Skylar and I made it through fourteen Burger Week entries. I tried to pace myself, only having one or two bites of each, but some of them were too delicious to resist. Honestly, they’ve all been impressive, from the greasy patty melt at Dot’s Diner to the blue cheese burger at The Tap House in Rocky Falls. I usually only go back there when I want to go out. It’s where all the best bars and clubs are. Plus, if I go there under the cover of night, I don’t feel quite as guilty about not visiting my mom. She still lives in the tiny house at the edge of town where I grew up.
I hesitated when Skylar asked if I could take that one, but I couldn’t exactly tell her I typically avoid Rocky Falls during the daytime. Although knowing what little I do about her, she probably wouldn’t have asked any questions. She’s cool like that.
I contemplated seeing my mom when I finished up at The Tap House, but I still had one last burger to try, so I used thatas my excuse and promised myself I’d visit her next week. Willow & Thyme doesn’t open until five, so Skylar suggested we make it the last stop. She was going to meet me here but ended up having to deal with something at the office, so here I am, alone, staring at the last thing in the world I want to eat. My stomach gurgles angrily as I glance down at the burger in front of me. I guess I didn’t pace myself as much as I should have.
