Chapter 25

HAILEY

She’s in disbelief. Where had he been hiding?

“Are you okay?” Alex’s voice pulls her back to reality.

“I’m fine,” she replies, taking a bite of her meal.

Alex wipes a smudge of sauce from her cheek.

“Thanks.” She grins at him.

“Happy to help.” He chuckles, returning to his food. “Your restaurant’s food is amazing.”

“Thanks, Alex. You should visit more often.”

“I intend to.”

“Are you two alright?” She glances up to see Matt watching them, his expression unreadable.

“Hailey, what’s good for dessert?” Alex inquires.

“Could we have the famous cheesecake and chocolate cake, please?” She smiles at Matt.

“Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Hailey?” He puts a strange emphasis on the word ‘friend’.

“Sure. Alex, meet my best friend, Matt. Matt, this is my friend Alex.”

They shake hands.

“One cheesecake and chocolate cake coming right up,” Matt announces before walking away.

“So, you and Matt are close?”

“We’re very close.”

“But not in a romantic way?”

“No, not at all. We’re more like siblings.”

“That’s good to know,” he says, reaching out to caress her cheek.

“Your desserts are here.” Matt sets the plates down, giving them a curious look.

Alex quickly withdraws his hand.

Matt seems like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t. He walks away.

“Thanks,” she calls after him, but he’s already gone.

Matt had given her the cheesecake, and Alex the chocolate cake.

Alex scoops up a piece of his cake and holds it out to Hailey. He gestures for her to take a bite, and she hesitantly opens her mouth.

“How is it?” he asks.

The chocolate cake is divine.

He laughs. “Your face says it all.”

She cuts a piece of her cheesecake and offers it to him. “And?” she asks.

“This is really good, Hailey.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“How long are you staying here?”

“As long as necessary,” Alex replies.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll find out soon, Hailey.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“You’re not prying. What are your plans for the weekend?”

“Not much, really.”

“Good, because I’ve made plans for us, and you can’t say no.”

“Alright, but where are we going?”

“You’ll find out. It’s a surprise.”

“Okay.” She smiles and continues eating her cake. After they finish, she walks him to his car.

“I’ll see you soon.” He kisses her cheek and pulls her into a tight hug.

She hugs him back and watches as he drives away.

She clears their table and sets it up for the next customers.

“Excuse me.” Hailey turns to see one of the executives at Valerian’s table beckoning her.

~Why me? But I do work here…~

She approaches them, avoiding Valerian’s gaze.

“You work here, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What’s good for dessert?”

“Our famous cheesecake or chocolate cake.”

“Hey, Hailey.” She turns to see Colhane addressing her.

“Good evening, sir.”

“How are you?”

“I’m good, thank you. And you, sir?”

“I’m doing well. Thanks.”

“Can we get those for the whole table?” the executive interrupts Colhane.

“Is that all?” she asks.

“Does anyone want anything else?” he asks the others.

“No.”

She places the order, realizing she’d been holding her breath. Once the desserts are ready, she serves them to the table.

“Here you go.” She was just about to walk away when she felt a firm grip on her wrist.

It was the executive who had beckoned her over. “Why doesn’t this dessert come with a side of you?”

“Excuse me?” she asked, taken aback.

“I saw you feeding that other guy earlier. I could offer you a lot more for that kind of service.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested.”

“Don’t be shy now. There’s no need to be embarrassed, sweetheart.”

Hailey attempted to wriggle her wrist free from his grasp—it was nearly futile.

“Let go of her right now, or I swear I’ll remove your hands for you.”

Everyone’s attention shifted to an irate Valerian.

“Valerian, why do you care? She’s just a pretty little tart.”

Valerian rose to his feet and forcefully pulled her hand away.

“The deal’s off. Don’t you dare show your face around me again.”

Colhane stood up. “I’ll handle the check.”

Valerian gave a nod of approval and guided her away.