Page 122 of Book Club Confidential

“Everything you made is divine,” Kate said. “Trust me. I’ve sampled twice my share, and I’m going back for more.”

“Please do!”

“Tell us about what’s on your tray,” Tessa encouraged.

Hallie stood taller. “This is roasted garlic crostini,” Hallie said, pointing at the option closest to herself. “For nights when you aren’t in the mood for a vampire’s attention.”

Tessa laughed.

“Eat!” Hallie yelled. “I brought two of everything. Tell me what you think!”

She waited for her friends to take bites of the crostini.

Kate’s eyelids fluttered. “These are amazing.”

“Right?” Hallie said. “Now try the bruschetta.”

Unsurprisingly, the second option was as delicious as the first.

“I sliced the steaks into slivers for this one,” Hallie said, pointing to a third option. The small clear cups held something dark on the bottoms, and long wooden picks were driven through the heavenly scented strips of brown and lightly pink meat. “Tenderloin in a merlot sauce.”

Hallie guided them through the rest of the tray, one delicious sample at a time, until nothing more remained.

“You’re a certified culinary genius,” Tessa said. “I hope you know that.”

Kate offered a coy smile. “All these women are big fans too. They’re posting online about your recipes, your food truck, and this party. There are dozens of commenters wanting to hire you for their events.”

Hallie’s jaw nearly unhinged.

“May I cut in?” A familiar tenor loosened Tessa’s knees. Grant winked at her when she met his eyes.

“Hey!” Hallie raised a palm to him for a high five. “Thank you so much for helping us tonight. This is wild.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with a grin. “I’ve done very little. The three of you and your army have made this the party of the year. People have driven from all over the state to be here tonight. Actually, a good portion of them aren’t even from Virginia. They saw the announcement online, grabbed friends, and made a road trip. They want to know when we’re doing this again.”

Kate barked a laugh.

Tessa scanned the room, amazed and wondering exactly how far their efforts had reached.

Grant set a warm palm against the small of her back, a welcome touch that sent shivers over her skin. “I planned to call you after the event,” he told Hallie. “I knew you had your hands full, but I don’t want to wait now. Another investor could be here, and I’m not in the habit of missing opportunities.”

Hallie’s brows puckered. “What investors?”

“Me,” he said. “I don’t know if Tessa’s told you, but I offer financial support and business advice to start-ups in town. I’d love to help you get your truck up and running.”

“Yes,” she said. “I accept.”

He laughed. “Excellent. Let’s talk Monday morning. I’ll draw up the contract.”

Sam and his sister, Vera, approached, and Tessa made the introductions.

“Tessa?” Sam asked, hands pushed deep into his pockets. “Hey, I was wondering if you have a name for your new marketing company?”

Tessa’s nose wrinkled. She’d written lists of possibilities, but nothing had stuck. “Not yet. Why?”

He shrugged as a look of mischief crossed his features. “News Channel 5 sent a reporter to cover the story, and I told them this was a joint effort between three best friends. I knew about Kate’s part and the Vampire Café Truck, but I wasn’t sure what to call your company. They said they’d talk to a few people and keep an eye out for you. I think they’re going to ask you the same thing, so you might want to have a name ready when they get over here.”

“You’re kidding?” Tessa asked, far too loudly, while Hallie cussed enthusiastically and Kate shrieked with joy.