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A few eyes flick curiously from Lucas to me. Mouths drop. It’s so quiet, I can hear water bubbling on the stove. This wasn’t how I intended for the staff to find out about us. But I guess if we’re going to rip off the bandage, let’s do it as fast as possible.
Lucas nudges me to follow him to the special closet where he stores his personal items. “You can leave your stuff with mine.”
Lucas has never let anyone use his closet before. He’s obviously trying to send a very clear message to the staff. I’m someone special, because I’m privy to his personal stuff.
Sweat prickles under my uniform as I stick close to him. The heat of everyone’s gaze is on the back of my neck. It’s an odd sort of feeling, especially since I was entirely invisible before.
He shoots me a quick glance and then a thumbs-up. His way of reassuring me that he’s got my back.
As Lucas washes his hands, Henrique enters the kitchen. His eyes flick to me and his lips clamp into a tight smile. Lucas told me he “had words” with Henrique about rehiring me. He wouldn’t tell me details, but based on Henrique’s look, he’s not entirely pleased about it.
“Welcome back,” Henrique says stiffly, before turning to Lucas. “We’re going to have a full house tonight. I think you should add the lamb chops back to the specials as soon as possible.”
Lucas sighs. “You know that I pick the weekly specials, Henrique. You’re overstepping your responsibilities.”
Henrique follows him around the sink. “Our customers are raving about it. Even Elizabeth gave it her recommendation.”
“Adding lamb to the specials isn’t possible for the next two weeks.”
“That’s too late.” His eyes shift to me. “Maybe your new kitchen assistant could pick up some later this week?”
Lucas’s jaw clenches as he moves a step closer to me. His arm brushes mine, a sign of our solidarity. “That’s not her job. I need her help. She’s mine.”
A warm feeling spiders up my back. Hearing Lucas saying I’m his stirs something inside me.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do.” Lucas strides across the kitchen, while I head to set up his work area. Henrique follows me, not taking the hint that I’m busy.
He watches as I set out fresh sprigs of rosemary and shiny basil leaves in neat, orderly lines.
He clears his throat uncomfortably. “I hope there won’t be any hard feelings between us.”
“There isn’t,” I reply quickly, hoping to get him off my back. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work. And I won’t let Lucas down.”
I think of Lucas’s words. Say as little as possible. Leave Henrique for me.
“I had no idea you were dating,” he says. “I didn’t even realize you knew each other well. My mistake.” I can’t tell if he’s trying to apologize or get me to crumble and tell the truth.
Henrique has never been interested in making friendly conversation before. He’s not exactly the warm, fuzzy type. And I’m shocked that he’s apologizing to me. But now that I’m part of Team Lucas, he’s either trying to make sure there are no hard feelings or sniff out the truth behind our relationship.
“We’d just started dating,” I say, plucking rosemary leaves from the stem. “No one knew.”
“Timing is everything, isn’t it?” he says, the scent of pungent herbs heavy in the air. “Maybe I can make things up to you. Perhaps you and Lucas can have dinner with my wife and me, so we can get to know each other better.”
For the first time, I realize Henrique’s married. I’d never imagined that prickly Henrique could convince a woman to date him, let alone be his wife.
Lucas glances my way and sees Henrique cornering me, and immediately strides over.
“What do you need, Henrique?” he asks, wiping his hands on his apron. “Gianna’s got work to do for me.”
“Just getting to know each other,” he says, attempting a smile. “I’d like you both to meet my wife sometime. How about on Monday, when the restaurant is closed? We have a lovely beach house.”
I swallow. “So soon?”
“Why wait?” Henrique says. “We need to get to know you outside of work. You’re a couple, right?”
“Yeah.” Lucas glances at me nervously and then wraps his arm around my waist, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Feeling his warm hand around me shoots sparks inside my chest even though I know it isn’t real.
“Our beach house is a few hours away,” Henrique says. “Consider joining us.”
