“More like laugh our asses off about it.” Elena picked up her butcher’s knife. “Now let me bash this cucumber.”
“Yikes!” Lissa said. “What would Camden have to say, about that, poor guy.” She went back to mincing the herbs. “Now that you’re hiding the sausage on the regular.”
Elena dropped her knife. “Oh my god, what is wrong with you?”
“What? Any other woman would have done a number of ‘euphemisms’ to Camden within thirty seconds of meeting him. I’m happy for you that you finally, um, squatted in the cucumber patch.”
She felt her cheeks redden.
“You’re blushing! That’s adorable.”
“Guess I’m a Victorian.”
“Oh, you are not.”
“Ladies,” Delia cut in, grinning, “less talk, more chop and bash. Cici’ll be here at four o’clock, and I know that sounds like a lot of time, but it’s gonna fly, so I’d better see your hands flying, too.”
Elena pressed down on the back of the cucumbers with the side of her knife, grateful for the reprieve.
* * *
Delia was right—the time flew by. Pete came in to help prep for Cici’s arrival—the restaurant was closed for a ‘private party’ so she could do the tasting in peace. He complained that it was too quiet so he turned on the radio and the air filled with happy salsa music—which of course, Lissa had to joke about how appropriate it was for a kitchen. The kitchen became a dance hall as they all worked around each other. By the time Cici arrived, they’d gone through eleven recipes, discarded three as too time-consuming and complicated, and had whittled the others down to the six best-tasting ones. Elena was proud that two of them were entirely her own creations. She’d never cooked for Delia; she’d only brought her desserts like cookies and brownies.
They sat at one of the tables in the dining room while Pete brought out each sample.
“I’m so glad you’re including that dip you brought to Bette’s party. It’s perfect in the wonton skins,” Cici said after her second one. “And the mini street tacos are incredible.”
“Those arebothElena’s,” Delia said. “I have plans to add them to our regular rotation.”
Elena stared at her new boss. This was news to her. She couldn’t help the smile that accompanied the proud warmth in her chest. If she wasn’t careful, she’d start crying right in front of everyone.These are the days when my heart sings like Rachael, she thought.
In the end, Cici selected four appetizers—both of Elena’s and two of Delia’s specialties.
“Well,” Cici said, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. “This has been so much fun; I’ll get out of your way so you can get home. Take the rest of the night off, ladies, you’ve done an excellent job.”
“I’ll walk you to the door,” Elena said, standing up. It was true her heart was still singing at this minor triumph, but part of that song was also a warning. She’d never told Cici that Camden had moved in, but according to the text he’d sent after their visit to the villa, she somehow knew. Maybe Cici was speculating, but maybe not. She decided to find out what else Cici might be hiding.
She laid a hand on Cici’s arm when they got to the front door. “I don’t want to keep you, because I know you must be insanely busy, but I just want to let you know I’m here for you, not just for the catering, but…if you ever want to talk.”
Cici glanced at Elena and gave her a quick smile. “That’s kind of you.”
“It’s just that, at our last lunch, you seemed upset about something. And at Bette’s party.”
Cici glanced back at the table. Delia and Elissa had already returned to the kitchen. “Will you walk me to my car? I—” She blinked back tears.
“Of course, let’s go.” Elena held the door open.
By the time they got to Cici’s Mercedes, she had pulled her face back into a mask of calm, but Elena watched the woman’s hand tremble as she opened the passenger car door for her. By the time Cici had walked around the car and gotten in, she was back to being teary-eyed.
“Cici.” Elena reached over and took her hand.
She shook her head and smiled at Elena. “I’m happy for you, Elena. It looks like you’re making your way already.”
“Thanks to you, Cici. I really am grateful. That’s why I’d like to help with anything I can.”
“You’re too…you’re very sweet.” Cici pulled her hand away and gripped the steering wheel but didn’t start the car. Elena glanced through the windshield, realizing that it was probably not the best idea to have gotten into the car with her. She looked for anyone who might be watching them. Especially Lawrence. “Cici, is anyone threatening you or Roger or the twins?”
“No, no, nothing like that.”
