Ty shrugs. “It's a crap shoot.”
I bite my lip. “She's really holding a grudge, huh?”
A waitress appears with a bottle of red wine. She uncorks it and pours a little sample for each of us to taste. I nod zealously. It's delicious. Dry, crisp, and fruity. The older woman with her hair pulled up in a high bun fills our wine glasses then departs.
“Grudge may be putting it lightly.” He exhales.
“You’ve apologized, right?” I pick up my wine glass, eager for another sip. Dumbest question ever, I’m sure.
“A zillion times.”
“Maybe send her flowers?” I suggest, enjoying his exasperation.
“Trust me, I have one-upped flowers.”
“How so?” My question is never answered because Jenn appears with two soup bowls and a huge smile.
“Crab and cauliflower soup.” She places my dish down first then Ty’s. “Puréed cauliflower in a light cream base with fresh crab claw chunks. I may or may not have spit in yours, Ty. Enjoy.” Jenn’s voice elevates as she skips off, and Ty stares down at his soup in utter dismay.
“I'm sure she didn't spit in it,” I try to reassure him. I mean, I really hope she didn’t.
“Simone, would you excuse me for a minute?” Ty tosses his napkin on the table.
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” He shoots out of his chair. I watch as he strides across the room to where Chase is standing, chirps in his ear, and then disappears into the kitchen. As Chase heads in my direction, a blond-haired man exits the swinging door Ty just entered and quickly catches up to Chase. I recognize him immediately as the guy I surfed against during the competition, and suddenly all the puzzle pieces fall into place. He’s Shane, Chase and Jenn’s third partner. I recall her sitting next to him at the fight, but there was so much going on I didn't commit his face to memory.
Shane sits in Ty’s chair as Chase pulls up one of his own. They are like darkness and light, one fair-skinned and light-eyed, one tan with thick, shiny-black hair.
They zero in on me like vultures, matching mischievous grins on their gorgeous faces. Jenn is one seriously lucky girl.
“So, Simone? What are your intentions with our boss?” Chase begins the interrogation.
My lips part, unsure how to answer.
I think I'm in trouble.
Double trouble.
6
Ty
“Jenn!”I barrel into the kitchen, startling half the staff.
Shane, who is usually hovering over Jenn as she cooks, immediately steps in front of me. “Dude, not now. I need to talk to her.” I glare past him in Jenn's direction. She doesn't look the least bit intimidated.
“It's fine, Shane.” She throws a towel over her shoulder and walks over to us.
“I sent Chase to keep Simone company. Can you give us a minute?” I firmly request.
Shane glances down at Jenn, and she nods.
“Fine. But just so you know. The woman knows how to use a knife.” I don't think that statement was so much a threat, but more a warning.
“Noted,” I acknowledge as he walks out of the kitchen. The place is blinding from how much stainless steel has been packed into one space.
Jenn leans on one of the prep tables crossing both her arms and legs, not a bother in the world.
