“Uh, no.”
“Rats, I wanted to start.” An uneasy laugh rose from the skinny man’s chest.
“I won’t tell anyone. Just get some fresh air. You need it.”
Matt almost followed him out the back, but he turned to go back to the office instead. Bruce was just hanging up the phone when he returned.
“What was wrong this time?”
“Someone overcooked a steak. Apparently, it’s his second offense this week. I handled it.”
“What did you tell him?” Bruce was in shock.
Matt rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly embarrassed to admit how he’d spoken to Alphonse. “Well … I told Chef that the Michelin stars wouldn’t mean anything if the atmosphere reminded customers ofHell’s Kitchen, and suggested he keep it down.”
Bruce laid his head back on the desk and his shoulders shook with laughter. “That’s great! Oh my God, I’ve wanted to say that foryears.”
Thank God. He wasn’t going to get in trouble. Matt breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down in his chair. “I also suggested that employees who feel good about their work environment do better jobs, and maybe if he lost the Gordon Ramsey act they’d make fewer mistakes.”
Bruce howled and wiped tears from his eyes. “That’s amazing, I love it.”
Just then Matt’s phone vibrated with a text.
Keith: Is it true? You told Chef off?
Matt grinned. That got around fast. He’d answer Keith later. It was then he noticed the time. “Looks like it’s quitting time for me. I have a midterm to study for. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yup. Have a good night, Matt. You just made myweek.”
Chapter 12
Rosieyankedonhergalaxy print leggings and slipped her navy sweater dress over her head. There was a lightness in her chest, and she couldn’t stop giggling to herself. Matt had invited her to go ice skating for Valentine’s Day, and she was so excited. She even took the extra time to put on a bit of makeup.
She’d panicked when she realized she didn’t have anything for him for the holiday. It was only their first time goingouttogether. But it was her first Valentine’s Day ever, and she wanted to do it right. So, she’d rushed a bit that morning, and now there was a batch of fresh blueberry muffins sitting on the table cooling.
Just as she blotted her lipstick, there was a knock on the door. “Coming!”
Matt was standing on the other side with a small, red, heart-shaped box in one hand and his coat under his arm. He was wearing a brick-red sweater and jeans.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said as he held out the box. Rosie’s heart flipped.
“Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too.” She pulled him into the living room and leaned up on her toes to give him a kiss hello. “Your present isn’t wrapped yet.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“You didn’t have to getmeanything, either. But thank you, I love them.” She waved at the muffins on the table. “We can pack yours up when we get back.”
“Oh, boy!” His eyes shone with glee. “Thank you!” Leaning over, he kissed her firmly. “I love it.”
“I haven’t been ice skating in ages. I might be rusty.”
“Not rustier than I will be. Let’s go.”
Hand in hand, they stumbled around the rink, staying close to the wall. The faster, more experienced skaters zoomed past them. Matt never let go of her hand, insisting she be the one closest to the wall in case he fell. Laughing at themselves the entire time, they probably looked like idiots, but Rosie hadn’t had this much fun in ages.
On one of their journeys around the wall, they came across a small child who looked like he was trying desperately not to cry. Despite his clumsiness, Matt crouched down to talk to the little guy.
“Did you lose your mom? Did she wander off?”
