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Her mother shook her head. “I used to say that when you and your sister were little. Sadly, life has a way of turning things upside down when you least expect it.”
“Mother, I really need to get ready to head in to work,” Addie said. She knew her mother meant well, but she was just so over the top. For just once, Addie wished she would focus more on Addie and her hopes and dreams.
Her mother gracefully stood up and reached for her purse. “I can take a hint, my darling.” She kissed Addie on one cheek, then the other. “Au revoir, ma chere,” she said. “You know I love you very much, Addie. I’m only saying these things for your benefit. Avoir. Please pick up your cell phone the next time I ring you.”
With a wave of her hand, Helena strutted toward the door like she was walking a Parisian runway. Addie had to laugh. Her mother had been through a lot in her life, yet she kept on rolling. Addie wanted to be strong like Helena Fontaine. Little by little, Addie hoped she was getting there.
**
Working with Addie the day after their spectacular kiss felt slightly surreal for Caleb. He had to admit something to himself. He wasn’t the type of guy who kissed a woman he wasn’t interested in. If Addie hadn’t been his partner, the next logical step would be to ask her out on a formal date. But the reality was, Addie was his co-worker and the stakes were incredibly high. He couldn’t afford to mess up and complicate matters between them. She held half his business in the palm of her hand.
It would be awkward if things fizzled after a few dates. Caleb wasn’t sure he was good at dating or romance. His track record was abysmal.
It was better to stay friends and co-workers, wasn’t it? He felt a stab of disappointment. What might have been between him and Addie if they were allowed to explore their attraction? He couldn’t risk it. Other than his family, the bistro was the most important thing in the world to him. Addie—largely due to her being Sebastian Fontaine’s daughter—could make trouble for him if things went badly between them. Even though she didn’t seem like the type of woman who would be bitter, relationships had taught him never to underestimate feelings.
“Morning, Caleb.” Addie’s chirpy voice greeted him as he made his way into the restaurant. He sucked in a deep breath at the sight of her. Man was she beautiful! Each and every day she looked a bit different. Today she was wearing her new pair of glasse
s. Her hair was straight and sleek. Her lips were stained a berry red. As far as he could tell, that was the only trace of makeup she was wearing. There was no other word to use for her but radiant.
“Good morning, Addie. How are you?”
“I can’t complain. Thanks again for the dinner invite last night. Meeting your family was a real treat.”
Caleb grinned. “Don’t tell them I said so, but I wouldn’t trade that bunch in for anything.”
“Good thing you don’t have to,” Addie said in a teasing voice. Her entire face lit up when she smiled, Caleb realized.
“About last night,” Caleb said in a halting voice. There were employees buzzing all around. He really didn’t want any of them to overhear their conversation, but certain things needed to be said in the light of day.
She shook her head. “Caleb, you don’t need to say anything. We shared a moment. End of story. It was lovely. But we’re partners, working toward a common goal. We need to keep our eye on the prize. Am I right?”
Caleb swallowed past the lump in his throat. “Yes, you’re right, Addie. The Blue Bayou comes first before anything else.”
For a brief moment, he thought he saw a flicker of something in Addie’s eyes resembling disappointment. Just as quickly, it disappeared.
By the end of the work day, Caleb was bushed. There had been an uptick in customers, which was a good thing, but it was exhausting nonetheless. He’d promised to get together with his siblings tonight for their weekly chicken and wings event. This evening Daniel was hosting them at his home. Since he had a pool and a gorgeous view of Pelican Bay Beach, everyone loved hanging out at his place. Settled on a hillside overlooking the beach, it also had a nice view of Pelican Harbor.
By the time Caleb arrived, everyone else was already there. Caleb stepped out of his car and let out a deep sigh of appreciation at the amazing view of Pelican Bay stretched out before him. It was sunset and the sky was a mix of different shades of oranges and purples. He turned away from the stunning vista, taking in the spectacular sight of Daniel’s home. It was a modern, all white structure, designed by one of the premier architects in the country. It was sleek and eye-catching. A perfect abode for someone of Daniel’s stature. As the creator of a video game empire, Daniel had worked tirelessly to build up his company and fortune.
It couldn’t have happened to a humbler person. Daniel loved what he did for a living. He was enthusiastic about creativity and all of the millions of people who purchased his company’s video games.
Caleb let himself in to his brother’s house. He headed straight for the kitchen, where he found Kelani, Daniel’s personal chef, bustling around the kitchen. Kelani had worked for Daniel for at least five years and served as his sounding board, as well as emotional support system. Daniel tended to be a wreck in social situations. Although he didn’t have Asperger’s Syndrome, he exhibited some of the characteristics. Daniel was very loving, but at times he seemed remote and disconnected. It put him at odds with a lot of folks who viewed him as rude or disinterested. According to his brother, it was something he was working on.
After greeting Kelani, Caleb headed out back to Daniel’s backyard. With a full-sized infinity pool, a grilling area, cabana and an outdoor shower, the area was perfect for entertaining. The irony was that Daniel was shy and not a people person. He had a great heart, but he hid it behind a wall. Caleb was convinced he didn’t do it on purpose. It was just the way he was built.
When Caleb stepped outside, a loud din awaited him. There were Donahue siblings everywhere. Parker and Micah were in the pool with his nephew, Logan. Cadence was sitting poolside, getting water splashed on her by her husband and brother-in-law. Shayla and Micah were arm wrestling at the table while Micah’s best friend, Rafferty Fitzgerald, looked on with an amused smile. Rafferty had been a constant fixture at the Donahue household ever since he and Micah were in elementary school. As a fireman, he was well respected by everyone in town.
Daniel was sitting with Nash, engrossed in an animated discussion while Jason tended to the grill. Heath was sitting off to the side by himself, nursing a soda.
The moment Caleb came into view, a chorus of greetings from his siblings nearly deafened him. Everyone was enthusiastic and loud, which was par for the course for his family. Jason, carrying a loud platter of grilled steaks, came walking towards him.
“Hey, bro. You’re just in time. The food is hot off the grill.”
“Hey, Jason. The food looks good,” Caleb said, his stomach grumbling at the heavenly scent of the steaks.
Jason winked at him. “Thanks for all those grilling lessons. They’ve paid off.”
Caleb had taught all of his siblings to cook. Because their parents had worked long hours at the Silver Spoon, knowing how to cook had been imperative. It’s how Caleb had learned to make food that melted in the mouth. His siblings had been his very first customers. They had loved all of his over the top creations. French fries with brown gravy. Meatball and spaghetti pizza. Captain Crunch shakes. Caleb chuckled at the memories. Once again it hit him. What would have become of him if the Donahue family hadn’t adopted him and made him one of their own? He imagined his life might have been pretty bleak.
