Heart Song Anthology, Carolyn Faulkner [simple ebook reader .TXT] 📗

of degrees, and I also had to work and have twenty grand of my own money saved up before I could touch the trust. I did lose money the first few months, but I was lucky, and the good food and good service drew in more and more people. You helped to make that happen, Jenny. So did Reed and Scott, and Tabitha is wonderful with the front of the house. Hiring quality people pays in the end. I think you have what it takes, Jenn.”

“Thank you very much.” I was blushing from the praise. “I am still saving money, but I’m not even close yet.” I didn’t have a trust waiting for me, and I wasn’t about to ask my parents for money. Knowing my mom as I did, if she invested in my restaurant she would want a say in everything, and when I say everything, I mean down to the last detail. I want to do it my way when the time comes.

Chapter 4

The next few days were idyllic. Cody and I spent much of our time together, and I didn’t think that any of our coworkers knew of our relationship as of yet. We continued to work well together, and I remembered that it was his restaurant and he was the boss. When he spoke, the answer was, “Yes, Chef!” I didn’t want to do anything to cause Cody to have second thoughts about us working together.

After hours, we were a couple. We did things together; tested new recipes, went to movies, shopped for items to decorate the restaurant for Valentine’s Day, and most of all, we talked and talked about everything under the sun. It was amazing all the things that we already knew about each other, but there was so much more to be discovered, and we were delighted to learn that we shared the same spiritual and political beliefs. We didn’t think that people should drive and talk on cell phones at the same time, and we felt that texting while driving was even worse. Cody made it positively clear how he would punish me if he ever caught me doing something so foolish, and since my bottom was just recovering from that sound spanking he gave me, I had no trouble imagining he would do as he said. I was quick to reassure him I wouldn’t do any such thing, and I knew I wouldn’t.

The more time we spent together the better I liked Cody, and he was quick to tell me he felt the same about me. Valentine’s Day was fast approaching and we’d created quite a package deal for couples wishing to celebrate at A Touch of Class. We’d put together a full romantic meal, including appetizer, entrée, and dessert, and we were booked full. Unless someone canceled, we couldn’t accept even one more reservation. Valentine’s Day would be extremely busy, and while Cody and I might have enjoyed going out somewhere ourselves, we would be working. Cody had already given Reed the night off to be with his wife, and since it was unlikely they would ever have another Valentine’s Day together, I appreciated Cody’s thoughtfulness. He was a good man.

Cody put me in charge of lunch service, and asked me not to disturb him unless we got backed up. Things were extremely busy, but everything seemed to go well, and by midafternoon the crowd thinned out and I was finally able to take my break after giving instructions for dinner prep. I had a nice fresh spinach salad for my lunch and I was looking forward to enjoying it. Tabitha came back with a cup of coffee, sat down, kicked off her heels, and put her feet up on another chair. She looked over her chair and toward the office before lowering her voice to say, “The boss is sure crazy; that woman Alyssa calls and he jumps to do her bidding.”

“What?” I asked.

“Oh, I guess you didn’t hear. Alyssa called and asked for the boss this morning. Her attitude was just as snotty as ever and she demanded I put her through. He’s been so much happier lately, and I’d hoped we’d seen the last of her. I went by the office a few minutes later and he was still on the phone with her, laughing, and said that he would keep things a secret for a while longer. I guess he’s figured out that we all dislike Alyssa, and he doesn’t want us to know they are back together.”

I didn’t know what to think. Why would he tell Alyssa that he would keep her a secret for a while longer? Was he telling us both the same thing? I needed some answers, and once Tabitha finished her coffee and went to supervise changing the linens for the dinner service, I got up to go and confront Cody. I didn’t like being made a fool of, and I was going to tell him that in no uncertain terms.

“Come in,” I heard Cody call out. I walked into the office and put my hands on my hips.

“Well, now, young lady, what has you in such a fine temper? Who is giving you a hard time?” His dark eyes were full of good humor and I wondered if talking to Alyssa put that smile on his lips.

“You are, Cody Andrews! What is going on with Princess Alyssa?” I demanded. My tone was accusatory.

Cody stood and then looked down at me. “Hold on a minute, Jenn. Nothing is going on with me and Alyssa. She called and I told her I wasn’t interested in getting back together with her just so she would have a date for Valentine’s Day.”

“That isn’t what I heard!” I didn’t have sense enough to back off when I should have done so. “Tabitha overheard you talking to that woman and agreeing to keep her secret!”

“Is that so?” Cody responded, and I could see the temper in his eyes. “There is nothing like a gossipy