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“I only came to ask you if your offer still stands. We need the extra help at the restaurant, and Gabriel was impressed… with you.”
She didn’t respond. He couldn’t tell at all what she thought about that. At this point, he didn’t know if he wanted to find out. Based on the reaction he’d gotten from Brielle, he’d overstayed his welcome. If she wasn’t going to answer him, he might as well cut his losses and head back to the club to break the news to Gabriel.
“Good luck… with the goats,” he muttered.
Shane pushed past her and headed for the door. He couldn’t believe he’d almost gone along with her to retrieve some animals out in a pasture. He had work to do.
“Shane!”
He froze just as his foot touched the earth outside. Slowly, Shane turned to face Eloise as she headed toward him, leading two horses behind her.
“Is this a permanent position?”
Shane had no clue how to answer that. One word would be all it took to mess up what was already proving to be a terrible day. “I don’t know.”
Eloise pressed her lips together firmly then she heaved a sigh. “I liked helping out in the kitchen.”
“I’m aware.” Even he could hear the flat tone of his voice. The arrival of his cousins had done a number on him. If he couldn’t find a way to get rid of them, his attitude—and more importantly, his business—would suffer. “Gabriel mentioned that we’re already understaffed. I suppose if you show him your worth, he might take you on… permanently. Just don’t mention it if you’re not sure. I’d rather not get his hopes up, if you know what I mean.”
She nodded. “Sure.”
“Does that mean you’ll be there tonight?”
“I’ll be there,” she confirmed. “Same time?”
He lifted his wrist and checked his watch. “I believe they start prep work about two hours before dinner starts. You’ve got about three hours before you’d need to arrive.”
She nodded again, and he started toward his car.
Shane couldn’t even enjoy the relief he felt from taking care of this particular issue because there were so many more pressing matters to attend to. Stopping on a dime, he spun to face her. “Brielle didn’t seem too pleased about you working for me. I’m assuming that has something to do with the way we left things?”
Eloise shrugged. “I don’t know. I think she regrets it.”
“Regrets dating me or regrets breaking up?” He held up a hand. “You know what? Don’t answer that. I’m not interested in having my heart torn up a second time.”
Her lips quirked upward. “For the record, I think she made a mistake.”
His brows creased as his brain attempted to make sense of what she’d said. Her suggestion that Brielle should have stayed with him did strange things to him. He knew better than to toy with that idea. There was no going back. Why did people have that weakness? The past needed to stay hidden most of the time. He worked his jaw and gave her a short nod. “Thanks—for coming tonight.”
Once again, Shane headed toward his car and then let out a sigh as he turned to face her. “As far as pay goes, you’ll be offered the same wages as the others in the kitchen. You’ve proven yourself to have ingenuity and drive. Does that sound acceptable to you?”
“It does.” Eloise’s smile appeared fully this time. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“You might not. I don’t… normally spend time in the kitchen. I typically oversee the restaurant where the guests are concerned.”
“Right. Well then, if I don’t see you, thank you. For the opportunity.”
He gave her a sharp nod and finally made his escape. That was the most awkward conversation he’d had, and he still didn’t bring up the problems with his cousins. There would be time for that later.
For now, he’d take care of one thing at a time.
6
Eloise
Eloise threw her arms around Hannah’s neck and let out a laugh. “I guess I’m going to be hanging around a little longer.”
“I love it! I’m so glad you’re back.” Hannah pulled back and smiled broadly. “This place has been insane the last couple of days. You missed so much.”
