LITMIR.BIZ

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Estebe wasn’t having breakfast with me?” She studied him, wondering what his reaction had been when the town busybody had called.

      “I came out here with breakfast because we didn’t get to see much of each other this week. You’ve been busy with the restaurant. And Mildred’s been clingy. I needed to get away from her before I said something that would hurt her feelings.” He stood and went to refill his coffee cup. As he brought the pot to the table and refilled her cup, he added, “And to make sure Estebe wasn’t having breakfast with you.”

      “Ian!” Angie glanced up into those impossibly blue eyes and saw the humor in his reaction.

      “You have to admit, we’ve never talked about this thing between us being exclusive. And with you straight out of California, you may not be as traditional as I am. So I thought I should come and ask you straight out. Angie Turner, would you be my girlfriend?”

      “Which means I don’t date someone else, or I don’t drive in a car with a man?” Angie sipped her coffee, wondering how they’d gotten in so deep so quickly.

      Ian pulled a second donut out and tossed the bag to her. “What it means to me is we’re exclusive in the softer side of the relationship. I have no problem with you being with anyone else as long as it’s not a date.”

      “Or a hookup. I hear those loose California women like to just have random encounters with strange men.” She noticed he’d left the last maple glazed donut for her. This having a boyfriend thing was working in her favor.

      He was staring at her.

      “What? I was kidding. Or did you want the maple donut?” She held it toward him.

      “Sometimes the things you say…” He paused. “Just don’t be saying that around Missy. I don’t think she has the same sense of humor as you do.”

      Angie snorted. “I don’t think the woman has any sense of humor at all. Okay, fine, I’ll be your girlfriend. Does this mean you’re giving me your class ring?”

      “Not sure what that is, but I bought you breakfast this morning. Isn’t that enough?” Ian stood and took his cup to the sink. “I better get going. I’ve got a meeting with the board for the farmers market this morning. Thank you for breakfast.”

      “You brought the donuts, all I supplied was coffee.” She stood and took her own cup over to the sink. “I’ve got to get ready to go in too. There’s always so much to do the first night we’re open each week. Besides, I really want to check out Estebe’s cousin’s produce. I’ve got some killer ideas if he can actually deliver consistent quality like I got yesterday.”

      “From what I’ve heard about Javier, I’m not sure he spends a lot of time at the farm. He’s more of the sales department for the younger brother, who does all the work.” Ian pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. “Bye, girlfriend.”

      “You just like saying that word, don’t you?” Angie brushed a donut crumb off the corner of his lips.

      “Funny, but I really do.” He gave Dom a rub between the ears and went outside to his car. The guy was whistling. Angie shook her head. He really was sweet, and apparently, he had been at least concerned when Missy told him about her ride in Estebe’s Hummer. The gossip train had just better learn to ignore her actions because she wasn’t changing who she was just because some woman had an antiquated idea of what was proper.

      As she drove into River Vista, she thought about what Ian had said about Javier’s younger brother. She’d have to ask Estebe about the guy and if he thought the brother was dedicated enough to provide product. She’d hate to have to redo a menu in the middle of the month, but she guessed she needed to take a chance on the farm, for her sous chef’s sake. He’d trusted her enough to share this part of his life with her. She could trust him.

      When service started Friday night, Angie was surprised to see Missy Stockwell and her husband seated at a table near the door. Felicia had just seated the couple and waved Angie over.

      “I’m sure you both know our head chef, but Angie likes to get out and talk with our guests.” Felicia set out menus in front of each diner. “Angie, this is Herbert and Missy Stockwell. They own the Farm Store. Did you know that?”

      “I think they owned it back when I went to school at River Vista High.” Angie furrowed her brow. “Don’t you have a daughter?”

      “Tina. Our daughter was in your class, I believe.” Missy’s voice sounded tight and her nose twitched like she smelled something rotten.

      Herbert looked up at Angie. “I remember you. You’re Margaret’s granddaughter. When Missy got these reservations a month ago, I wasn’t sure I wanted to come. I like places a little less stuffy, like Cracker Barrel. You never need a reservation there. But I told her we’d come, if she insisted. I’m sure if you’re Margaret’s kin, the food is going to be amazing. That woman brought the best potato salad to the church picnic I’d ever had.”

      Missy glared at her husband, but he waved her off.

      “Now, Mother, I’m not saying your food is bad, but boy, Margaret could cook.” He patted Angie’s arm. “I’m sure you have more important things to do than listen to an old man talk, but Margaret Turner was one of a kind. She’s sorely missed around here.”

      “Thank you for saying so.” Angie felt the tears form behind her eyes. That had been the hardest thing about coming home, all the memories of Nona. “I hope you enjoy your meal.”

      She stepped away from the table with Felicia, who led her over to the bar. “What the heck was that? I swear Missy Stockwell was trying to burn a hole through you with her eyes.”

      “She saw me getting out of Estebe’s car yesterday and told Ian I was cheating on him.” Angie saw no reason to hold the truth back from her friend.

      To her surprise, Felicia laughed. “Boy, she doesn’t know you at all, does she?” She added a garnish to one of the drinks waiting for a server to pick up the tray. “Although I did tell you that it felt like a date.”

      “It was not a date. We went out to visit a farm that hopefully will work out as a regular supplier for the restaurant.” She straightened her chef jacket. “Ian understands business. Why don’t you?”

      “Oh, I understand business.” Felicia frowned at the bartender, who had forgotten the garnish on a second drink. “I just also understand men.”

      Angie held up a hand. “Whatever. I need to get back into the kitchen, where things make sense. You people out here are all about rumors and innuendos.”

      Felicia called after her. “Just because it’s not true doesn’t mean it’s not a good story.”

      Going back into the kitchen, Angie relaxed and started expediting the tickets. By the end of the night, her body ached and yet she felt amazing. She loved working at the County Seat. Her kitchen team worked as a real team, pitching in wherever they were needed. She had been lucky in her hires. One bad apple did spoil an entire bunch. She sank into a chair at the chef table with a plate of trout and mashed potatoes. Matt and Nancy joined her with their own plates. But Estebe stood over at the dishwashing station, helping Hope finish up the last of the evening’s cleanup.

      “Come on over and eat. We can finish those up after the meal,” Angie called over.

      Estebe shook his head. “We’re almost finished. We’ll be right there.” He looked at Hope. “I’ve made you a special plate. We’ll test your palate as you eat.”

      Angie turned toward Matt and Nancy. “Great job tonight. You guys look like you have been cooking here for years.”

      “Nancy makes it easy,” Matt told Angie, causing Nancy to blush at his words. “It’s hard for me to remember tickets, but she just tells me what to do next and I don’t get frustrated.”

      Nancy quickly changed the subject and told a story about a past job where the owner thought he knew

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