Of Angelica?
“Breathe, Hope.” Cadence’s voice was low and quiet. She put her hand on top of Hope’s phone and pushed it to the side so they didn’t have to look at it.
“He sent it to everyone,” Hope murmured.
“He did,” Cadence responded. “I’m so sorry.”
“Ange…” Hope’s voice broke. She swallowed and tried again, but she couldn’t form words. When she looked up, Rex stood inthe doorway, eyes locked on her, and pain in every line on his face. “Rex.”
Hope shook her head and walked toward him. Rex pulled her elbow into a corner and bent his head. “What the hell is going on?”
“Josef’s made threats…” Hope cleared her throat, fiddling with her phone. She was barely able to look into Rex’s eyes to see that pain right back where it had been years ago. She hadn’t seen him this hurt since the start of their divorce. “This summer.”
“After he was fired?” Rex asked.
Hope nodded, biting her lip. “Ange didn’t want to tell anyone.”
“Fuck.” The curse word rang loud in Hope’s ears even though Rex had said it quietly. “Why would she keep this to herself?”
“Um, a few reasons.” Hope reached up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “She’s a very private person, but her lawyer told her that she couldn’t stir up sentiment one way or another. Logan is aware, because it’s a safety concern, but that’s it.”
“Hope…” Rex reached up, cupping Hope’s cheek and pulling her in for a tight hug. He dropped his chin to the top of her head. She wrapped her arms around his back and held tight. He eventually pulled back and shook his head at her. “Just because she refuses to ask for help, doesn’t mean you have to.”
“Noted.” Hope turned her lips up at him in a brief smile.
“Please don’t forget that there are people here who have your back.”
“Does that include you?” Hope asked.
“Of course.” He kissed her forehead. “Of course.”
“Okay.” Hope drew in a sharp breath and used it to center herself. She blinked rapidly a few times to dry her eyes, and straightened her shoulders. “Okay. I can do this.”
“Yes, you can.” Rex patted her shoulder lightly. “You’ve got this.”
Hope looked back out through the dining room, finding crew staring at her and Rex. Right. His lack of anger at them was probably more telling than anything. The fact that they were seen together, supporting each other,thatwas just as important as to what happened next. Rex knew about it all—this wasn’t a shock to him. Which meant it didn’t need to be a big deal for them.
“Cadence, let’s pack everyone up in the bus.”
“On it, boss!” Cadence immediately walked away and went to work.
Hope and Rex looked at each other one more time. He left the dining room, and Hope, but she knew he’d have her back if she needed him. This affected not only her and Angelica, but Eva, and the whole of the show.
Angelica.
God, what she must be going through.
Hope stayed in the dining area, checking on the things that she needed to bring with her to the borrowed kitchen and making sure it was all there.
When they arrived at the other hotel, Hope started a methodical unloading process. Just keeping her hands busy was exactly what she needed.
But the silence and the furtive looks the others gave her were getting to her. She wished they would just ask her, just talk to her. Even though she had no idea what to say in response.
When they had everything set up in the kitchen, and Chef Rosalie was there along with two of her staff, Hope realized she was far from ready to begin. She kept looking at Cadence for confirmation, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask or say anything.
“Hope, let’s start with you explaining what dishes you’re going to make and then work on prepping them,” Cadence said.
“Right.” Hope cleaned her sweaty palms on her hips and looked over the ingredients. “We’re making three new dishes today that will help elevate the dining experience at the hotel. First, we’re going to start with an appetizer: truffle cheese gougères. So I want you to start by sifting the flour and then we’re going to melt this butter and water. Don’t boil it though.”
