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Michael and I had shared some good conversation on the flight. He had brought up the winery, telling me again that he was looking forward to the meeting with his friend, Jax. He’d asked questions about Grams and Pops and appeared genuinely interested in helping us. I asked about his interest in wanting the land for development, and he reassured me that it just seemed like a win-win for both of our businesses. When I suggested that his father better not try to schmooze my grandparents, he brushed me off, stating, “I’ve already told him it’s not for sale.” For some odd reason, this was the first time I felt like he had no ulterior motives.
My interviews had gone extremely well, and I was confident I’d receive an offer from at least one of them. One was a popular upscale steak and seafood restaurant, the other a fancy French bistro. I had eaten at both over the years and liked each one for different reasons. Mostly, I liked that they weren’t Italian restaurants, especially considering what I had gone through at the last one.
I’d loved working at Scarcella’s and felt right at home from the first day. I had flourished there. The owner, Tim’s mother, had been willing to let me experiment with various items. Her traditional family recipes were off-limits, but other than those, I brought my own authentic flair to the dishes. I respected her commitment to her legacy and her willingness to help me grow as a chef.
It sucked that, because of Tim, Scarcella’s was no longer my haven, and I had to start over. Prove myself all over to a new owner and manager, new crew, and clientele. “It is what it is, though,” I said out loud. While I dreaded starting over, I did what Grams advised me to do when an obstacle got in my way. Use this new opportunity to build the future I wanted.
I texted Nev to let her know that I’d finished my second interview. I was hoping I’d be able to see her while I was here, but her schedule was jam-packed, and she was on a deadline.So excited for you! I can’t wait for you to be back up here for good!she sent back.
Next, I texted the girls to let them know I finished my interviews. And within moments, Jenny’s face popped up on the screen.
“How are things going?” she asked.
“Just got out of the second interview. They both went really well, and I can see myself working in either location.”
“Awesome!” The happiness my best friend felt for me flew through the line.
“Yeah.” I looked up at the blue sky. Not a cloud could be seen. “I’m glad it’s over. Now all I have to do is wait and see.”
“Someone’s gonna snatch you up. If they know what’s good for them.”
“I have a really good feeling. I’d kill to work for one of them. And I know I’d be happy at either place. So that’s a relief.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.”
“I know you are. You’re my biggest fan.”
“Well, the second biggest. Grams is the first.” She was right. No matter what happened, I knew Grams was rooting for me. I was lucky. I seriously had the best support system. Grams, Pops, the girls. “So, when do you meet up with Tim?” I could tell Jenny was trying to be blasé about it. One, she didn’t want to upset me. Two, she wasn’t Tim’s biggest fan. And although she was biased toward me, she tried to be Switzerland and remain neutral for my benefit.
“Uh,” I glanced at my watch to check the time. “In about an hour or so. I am so not ready for this.”
“So, don’t go.”
“That’s not very Swiss of you,” I joked.
“Right, right. Switzerland. I am Switzerland,” she reminded herself.
“Yes, you are.”
“Let me try again. Ahem.” I imagined her smoothing her long, sandy blond hair away from her face in an attempt to get into character. “It’s okay that you don’t want to go. That’s a natural reaction to what you’ve experienced. But just remember, you want closure. And the best way to get it is to be the bigger person and hear him out.”
I looked at the time again. “Still, this is going to suck major balls.”
“Closure. Just remember closure. And balls. Balls are nice too.” Classic Jenny. God, I loved her.
“Thanks, babe. I needed a little pep talk. I’ve been dreading this all morning.”
“No problem.”
“All right,” I said, trying to get my own balls back. “I got this.”
“You got this.”
“Yep.” I plastered my smile in place and set off on my mission.
“Oh, one more thing.”
“Yeah?”
