Chapter 11

The next morning, I set off to drop off my resume at Savor. The nerves are there, simmering just under the surface, but excitement’s got the upper hand.

Stacy’s sprawled on my bed in my room, phone in hand, probably deep into her latest social media spiral, while I’m ransacking my closet for something that screams, ‘Hire me; I’m a culinary genius.’’

‘I ran into Caleb yesterday,’ I blurt out, hoping to distract myself from my pitiful wardrobe.

Stacy barely glances up, her thumbs still flying over her screen. ‘Caleb?”

I pause, a black blouse in one hand and a beige one in the other. ‘Tall, dark, and handsome? We dated for, like, a hot minute a while back.’

Recognition flickers in Stacy’s eyes. Then she laughs. “Oh wait, you mean the one guy you’ve dated. How could I have forgotten?”

‘That’s the one,’ I confirm, tossing the black blouse back into the abyss of the closet. ‘Anyway, he popped up out of nowhere yesterday, all casual like he just happened to be in the neighborhood, and dropped a bombshell: He wants me to meet his dad.’

Her interest piqued, Stacy finally puts the phone down. ‘His dad? Why?’

‘Turns out his dad owns Savor, and they’re looking for a new sous chef,’ I say, finally deciding on the beige blouse and black pants.

Stacy sits up, her demeanor shifting from casual observer to full-blown strategist. ‘Wait, Savor? As in, top-tier, wish-list dining Savor? And he wants you to meet with his dad for a job? Girl, this is huge!’

I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. ‘I know, right? It’s kind of a big deal. Caleb seemed to think I’d be a good fit.’

Stacy’s suddenly all business. ‘Okay, we need to make sure you nail this. First impressions are everything, especially with a job like this on the line.’

I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for having Stacy. She’s always been my rock, ready to dive head-first into whatever madness comes our way.

She leans back on my bed, a mischievous glint in her eye. ‘Imagine the money they rake in. Hey, maybe you should give Caleb another shot. Date him again, and you might not even need to work,’ she jokes, winking exaggeratedly.

I throw a pillow at her, laughing. ‘Oh, shut it. I’d never do that.’

But Stacy’s on a roll, not missing a beat. ‘Or, you know, aim higher. Date the dad! If he owns Savor, you’re set for life.’ Her teasing smile widens as we both burst into laughter at the absurdity of the idea.

After a moment, Stacy turns practical. ‘Okay, okay, but seriously, let’s go shopping. You need to look top-notch for this.’

I wince, thinking of all the monthly bills I haven’t yet paid. ‘Rent’s due, Stace. I can’t really splurge right now. Not to mention, I’m meeting Caleb in an hour.”

Undeterred, Stacy jumps to her feet and pulls me toward the closet. ‘Then let’s find something killer from what we already have.”

“I’ve already got an outfit picked out,” I say, gesturing to the blouse and slacks draped over my desk chair.”

She laughs. “Don’t tell me you’re planning on dressing for this like it’s a job at the damn library. You need something with a little more edge. Come here.”

The search turns collaborative, and Stacy runs into her room and returns with a sleek, red, form-fitting dress and a pair of dark red heels. I look at the dress with hesitancy. ‘Won’t this be too tight? I mean, I’m a bit curvier than you.’

Stacy gives me a reassuring once-over. ‘Girl, please. You’ll look amazing. Curves are in, and you’re going to rock that kitchen interview. Confidence is key.’

Her encouragement dispels my doubts, and when I look in the mirror, I have to admit I look good, ready to take on whatever Savor—and Caleb’s dad—have in store for me.

Williamsburg is its usual blend of buzzy chic and urban hipness. The neighborhood makes this whole meeting feel like an adventure—like I am on the brink of landing my dream job.

I see Caleb waiting out front as we agreed. He looks almost as eager and giddy as I feel. He spots me and greets me with a hug that lingers just a second too long. It’s a bit awkward, and I find myself hoping this connection doesn’t lead him to think I want to get back together.

As we break apart, Caleb lays on the charm. ‘You look great, Allie. Ready to meet my dad?’

I offer a polite smile, sidestepping the flirtation. ‘Thanks, Caleb. I want to make a good impression.’

The restaurant’s façade is sleek and stylish, with large glass windows offering a glimpse into the chic interior, where soft lighting and an understated color palette create an inviting atmosphere.

Caleb catches me staring. ‘Impressive, huh?’ he says, a note of pride in his voice.

‘It definitely has that wow factor,’ I reply.

He chuckles. ‘Just wait until you see the inside. And you know, if you end up working here, you’ll be part of the wow.’

I laugh nervously. ‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.’

We make our way through the elegant dining area, and I can’t help but feel the eyes of the lunch staff on us. Caleb, seemingly oblivious to the attention, guides me confidently toward the kitchen, where lunch prep is already in full swing.

It’s immediately apparent that they run a tight ship because the kitchen looks understaffed. Otherwise, though, it’s a chef’s dream—state-of-the-art equipment, a spacious prep area, and there’s an air of efficiency that speaks volumes about the restaurant’s high standards.

As I take it all in, my desire to be part of this team, to stand among these talented individuals, and to contribute my share grows tenfold.

‘This kitchen is incredible, Caleb,’ I whisper in awe as we walk further into it and the moment of truth draws nearer. Caleb knocks on the office door, and a familiar voice calls out, ‘Come in.’

Caleb opens the door and gestures for me to enter first, but I’m so surprised by what I see that I almost stumble. There, seated behind the desk, is Patrick—who, it turns out, is Caleb’s father. The realization hits me like a freight train.

I never got Patrick’s last name during our date or our dalliance afterward. And we’d never talked about our careers. I suddenly realized how little I knew about the man whom I’d been obsessing over for the past few days.

Patrick doesn’t notice me, as his attention is focused on his computer screen, so I take the opportunity to try to compose myself.

‘Just a moment,’ he murmurs, not yet aware of the bombshell standing in his doorway.

My body’s reaction to him is immediate. I feel a mix of nerves and desire that I pray isn’t written all over my face. I’d prepared myself to meet Caleb’s father, the owner of Savor, but not Patrick, the guy I’d slept with only a few nights before.

Finally, he looks up, and our eyes lock. I watch as recognition dawns on him, his expression shifting from professional curiosity to surprise. Smoothly, he rises from his chair, the picture of composure despite the shock.

Caleb, oblivious to the tension, steps forward with a smile. ‘Dad, this is Allie. Allie, my dad, Patrick Spellman.’

Patrick extends his hand, the smile on his face suggesting he’s playing along with this “first-time” introduction. ‘Pleasure to meet you, Allie.’

I take his hand, grateful for the charade. It gives me a moment to collect myself, to slip into the role of a chef here for a job, not someone who knows him in a way that’s anything but professional. ‘Thank you, Mr. Spellman. The pleasure is mine.’

Internally, I’m a mess. My body remembers how his arms felt around me, the taste of his kiss, the feeling of his cock buried inside of me. It’s as if every nerve ending has come alive at the sight of him, a reminder of what we shared.

Caleb looks between us, a hint of confusion in his gaze before he shrugs it off. ‘I told Dad all about your skills in the kitchen. He’s been looking forward to meeting you.’

Patrick nods, his attention briefly flitting back to me, an unreadable look in his eyes. ‘Yes, Caleb’s mentioned your work at Verde Oliva. We’re eager to see what you might bring to Savor.’

I have to force myself to focus on the opportunity at hand, to prove to Patrick why I’m the right choice for the job. But in the back of my mind, the memory of our night together lingers, a tantalizing reminder of the complications that could arise if I take this job.

Yet even under these strange circumstances, one thing is crystal clear—I want him.