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“Where in the world did you just go? You were standing there smiling at me in a very strange way for a full five minutes.”
Ariel took a deep breath and gestured to the kitchen island. “Let’s sit down. I have to talk to you.”
Darcy looked wary, but he set aside his paring knife and did as she asked. “Usually when a boss asks me to do this, I’m about to be fired,” he quipped.
“Don’t worry, I’m not firing you.”
Darcy’s anxious expression relaxed.
“When I needed extra help, you stepped up without thinking twice. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate that.”
Darcy blushed, the same pinkish-red that he had when he’d asked Ariel about Jill on opening night—it was an odd but cute occurrence, something out of place on the otherwise more hard-edged guy who sat before her.
"It's no problem, Ariel. I love being here and helping out," Darcy said, smiling.
“I know I hired you for part-time work, and that’s all I thought I needed at the time,” she started. “But I want to bring you on full-time to help in multiple capacities. If you’re willing,” Ariel asked, looking at Darcy with hopeful eyes. “I know you can learn every in and out at this inn, and I think you’d do amazing.”
His face lit up with joy.
"Darcy, what do you think?" Ariel asked eagerly.
He took a deep breath before responding, "I think...I think it's amazing. I would love to work here full-time."
Ariel grinned, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over her. Darcy was a valuable member of the team, and she knew that he would continue to bring creativity, passion, and dedication to their menus and their guests.
"Fantastic! We'll get the paperwork started right away," she said, feeling giddy with excitement at the thought of having Darcy on board full-time. Hiring him full-time was a testament to the success of both Leeside and the Seaside Café, and Ariel knew that both were on the brink of even greater things. She couldn't wait to see what Darcy would bring to the table in his new role, and she was excited for the many possibilities that lay ahead.
“One more thing,” she said, her heart leaping into her throat—she had another reveal, something to show that she was serious about his place here at Leeside. Ariel had been thinking about this for a while. Darcy had been an incredible asset since the beginning, and once he’d revealed that he wanted a place of his own someday, she’d decided that she could help start him down that path.
“I’d like to offer you a small bonus. It’s not much, just some extra money that I was going to put it toward renovation work, but after the rat incident upstairs—and based on how amazing you’ve been doing, of course—I feel like you are the better investment right now.”
Darcy's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Are you serious?"
"Yes, I am," Ariel said, nodding. "You said that you want to run your own place someday, right?"
He nodded.
“Well, you’ll need seed money. And, trust me, opening anything takes a lot more of that than you ever plan for. So I’d like to be the one who gets you started saving for that future place. If you’ll accept it.”
Darcy grinned from ear to ear. "You have no idea how much this means to me. You don’t have to do this."
"I know I don't have to, but I want to," Ariel said, smiling. "Consider it a thank you for all your hard work and dedication.” Ariel could not help but throw in a playful tease. "I have two conditions though, Darcy. One, you have to promise me that you'll stop checking out my waitress friend, Jill."
Darcy laughed nervously. "What? I don't know what you're talking about."
Ariel grinned. "Oh please. The one you asked about on opening night. Blue dress? Very pretty? I saw the way you blushed when you asked about her. You have to stop checking her out—and go ask her out. But do it when she's working. Go order one of her amazing milkshakes and tell her I sent you."
Darcy's face turned red. "Okay, okay, you caught me. But can you blame me? She's gorgeous and she's got a great smile."
Ariel chuckled. "I cannot argue with you there. And my second condition…"
Darcy nodded seriously. "I’m listening.”
“Stay with us a while. You’re so talented, I’d be heartbroken if some other fancy place wooed you away. Of course, if the kitchens in Paris come calling, I won’t stop you, but I’d really love it if you would consider Leeside and the Seaside your culinary home for at least a little while.”
Darcy ducked his head and nodded. “You won't be disappointed. I already consider this place home. And for a nomad like me, trust me, that’s a high compliment.” Darcy raised his head and looked at Ariel, his gaze locking on hers. “And thank you for this opportunity. I won't let you down."
Ariel smiled, feeling another weight lifted off her shoulders. She knew that, with Darcy's help, she could make Leeside and the Seaside Café even better than they already were. And if something happened between Jill and Darcy?
