The damn tourists were certainly looking for something new and different, except it wasn’t a fucking restaurant. They wanted a glimpse of me and my so-called miraculous powers. Perhaps a new place to eat would pull their unwanted attention from me, but I very much doubted it.
We shared a knowing smile, our hands never ceasing in their work. As much as I enjoyed our small talk, part of me was glad to be as busy as I was. The bustling kitchen provided a distraction. With Isaiah’s silence regarding Liam, and Zephyr giving us no news on the letter, my mind had been a whirlwind of worry and frustration. My focus now lay on the task at hand, each chop and sizzle pulling me further away from my anxieties.
“Boo!” Sabrina burst through the door with wide eyes and her hands over her head, causing both Rosalie and me to jump in surprise. She howled with laughter as she took in our shocked expressions. “A little jumpy, are we?”
“For fuck’s sake, Sabrina.” I clutched my chest dramatically. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry, sorry.” She giggled and waved her hand dismissively. “Weren’t you expecting me?”
“Of course.” I glanced at my watch and smiled sheepishly—I’d lost track of time. “I got caught up in everything. Rosalie and I are making good progress. Speaking of which, I don’t think you two have officially met.” I gestured between them. “Rosalie, this is Sabrina, my best friend and partner in crime. Sabrina, meet Rosalie, my amazing new assistant chef.”
“Nice to meet you, Sabrina,” Rosalie said warmly. “I’ve heard so many great things about you.”
“Aw, shucks.” Sabrina slung her hair over one shoulder. “Don’t believe everything you hear. I am far better than the stories if I do say so myself.”
As they exchanged pleasantries, I stepped back to observe their interactions. Watching them put the finishing touches on afew dishes, one would think they’d been friends for years. They were immediately two peas in a pod, their laughter and easy conversation giving the atmosphere a sense of calm.
I had an idea Rosalie and Sabrina would get on, but it was nice to see I was right. I didn’t want to toot my own horn, but damn it… toot-toot. Rosalie was such a fantastic choice for my assistant and student, and I was overjoyed that she slotted in so effortlessly.
“Okay, ladies.” I clapped my hands together, drawing their attention. “Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?”
They each dived right into their tasks, the kitchen, once again, alive with the sounds of culinary creation. I found myself completely content knowing that, despite the uncertainties looming overhead, my business was poised for greatness. My clients had remained with me despite the changes my marriage and the lockdown had caused. I’d been forced to turn away a new customer just that week. Even with the extra hands, there was no way I’d have been able to fulfill her order. The woman took my rejection with good grace and asked if I’d keep her on my cancellation list. She’d had a meal at one of my regular clients and had been blown away with my four-mushroom risotto.
The unmistakable sound of Ty and Bryce’s laughter seeped into the kitchen seconds before they entered, the enticing scent drawing them in like moths to a flame. I turned toward them, wiping my hands on my apron. “Hey, guys. I set some food aside for you in the warming drawer. If you’re not hungry, I can always give the meals to the security guards.”
“No way.” Ty laughed. “This is perfect timing. My stomach was about to eat itself.” Ty smacked his lips as he approached the warming drawer. Bryce followed suit, though his gaze lingered on Sabrina for a second longer than necessary.
Sabrina glowered at Bryce. “It’s a good thing shifters can’t catch STDs,” she quipped, her eyes narrowing at him. “If they did, your dick would have rotted off by now.”
Rosalie and I choked on air, our eyes widening at the blunt, unsolicited statement. The only sound in the kitchen was the pots boiling on the hob as Bryce squared his shoulders and met Sabrina’s glare head-on.
“Jealous much?” he shot back, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. “I just got bored with you, sweetheart. Perhaps if you could hold a real conversation and had more to offer than just your looks and a tumble between the sheets, you’d be able to keep a man’s attention. Without that, you’re kind of boring.”
Sabrina visibly jolted as if he’d slapped her across the face.
My blood ignited, and my anger rose within me like a tidal wave. There was no way in hell I’d just stand there and listen to him insult my best friend. She was more than able to fight her own battles, but I still had to speak up. “Choose your words carefully when speaking to her,” I warned, my tone stone cold.
Bryce froze, mouth open in confusion. A moment later, Ty was standing in front of me, gripping my face in his hands, his gray eyes staring right into the depths of my soul. His touch brought me back from the edge as I used the breathing techniques and tried to calm myself.
“Shit, I’m so sorry,” I muttered, shaking my head, looking back up at Ty. He was staring at me as if he’d seen a ghost.
“Are you okay?” There was something different in his tone, but I couldn’t identify it.
“I just... I lost control for a second.” My cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Sorry, everyone. I know my anger can affect those around me if I don’t keep a handle on it.”
I glanced around Ty to apologize to Bryce, but he was backed against the wall, looking utterly terrified.
Rosalie’s eyes were wide with shock, her gaze darting between me and Bryce. “Whoa,” she said under her breath, unable to mask her surprise.
“We need to go, Liza.” Ty’s eyes never left me. He was determined to remove me from everyone’s stares, but why?
“I can’t just walk out. I’m busy. Ty, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice trembling with confusion and fear. Had I done something without realizing it?
“Just get your shoes on.” He led me out into the dining room. “I’ll explain later.” He turned back into the kitchen. “Sabrina, can you and Rosalie finish up Liza’s orders and get them delivered?”
I hesitated, glancing back at the tense faces of Sabrina, Rosalie, and Bryce, who still looked shaken.
“Sure, no worries.” The tension in Sabrina’s voice was unmistakable. What had I done?
