“You know us, though.”
Jackson paused. “No offense intended. I prefer having some alone time now and again.”
“Uncle Jackson is shy,” Kareem whispered in a tone that was louder than most people’s shouts.
Jackson’s face softened. “Sometimes.”
Eve wondered now if Jackson’s concern for the malfunctioning new stove had partly been a delaying tactic. “No offense taken. I understand needing alone time.”
“Thanks for dealing with those guys. Ariel usually handles procuring kitchens for me. And, uh, generally talking to people.”
Ariel was Jackson’s business partner. Eve had heard a great deal about the older woman who managed the non-cooking side of Kane. “That must be a full-time job.”
“It is. Don’t worry, she gets paid really well.”
“She’s coming to the wedding, right?”
“Yeah, for sure. Kareem, can you come here and rearrange the spoons like I like?”
“From biggest to smallest, yup.” Kareem scampered to him.
“I’ll go change, and I can help,” Eve said.
“Not necessary. I’m sure you have things to do.” He glanced up. “Or you can rest. I know Gabe can be a little exhausting.”
“No, he’s not. Gabe’s wonderful.”
He grunted. “He wants to be everyone’s friend.”
Which, to an introvert, was like a five-alarm warning sign. However, Eve’s empathy with Jackson apparently ended at the suggestion Gabe was anything less than wonderful. “He’s a good friend.”
Jackson stopped, knives in hand, and stared at her. “I didn’t say he wasn’t. I like him.”
“Why is there a chef yelling at our butler in the front foyer?” Sadia entered the kitchen and placed her hands on her hips. Then she took in her son, busily rearranging a drawer, and Jackson, examining the knives, and shook her head. “Jackson, we discussed this. You’d try to relax.”
Jackson placed each knife back in its spot. “This is how I relax. Besides, I have to get used to the kitchen before the wedding.”
Sadia made an annoyed noise. “Well, great, now Gabe’s gone, and you’re going to be in here all day.”
Eve stiffened. “Where’s Gabe?”
“He had some emergency at work. He said he’d be back tomorrow, when Nicholas and Livvy get here.”
Eve’s heart sank. She would bet money there was no emergency at work. Gabe had run away. From her.
The puppy came over to Eve. She bent down and picked up the creature, bringing him to eye level. He was a little funny looking, a proper mutt. She couldn’t help but smile when the dog licked her nose, as if he sensed she needed comfort.
Eve didn’t know much about puppies. She’d never been allowed to have a pet. Somewhat awkwardly, she cradled him like a baby and scratched his back. His furry head rested on her arm and his eyes drifted open and shut.
This is not about you.The rational whisper brought her relief. Gabe wasn’t running because she was awful. He’d run because of his own issues. Because he was a three-dimensional human. Not a perfect flawless cutout she could impose a crush on.
“Looks like it’s you and me and Kareem, Eve.”
Eve wanted nothing more than to go to her room and get her head on straight, but she didn’t want Sadia to suspect something was wrong with her, and trace it back to Gabe. She’d promised him she would keep his secret. He hadn’t believed her, but that was fine. She’d protect him.
Besides, it might be good for her to get out. “Maybe we can go down to the village.”
Sadia brightened. “Yes, I like that idea.”
