“Likewise. Happy to be here,” Evie said.
“Anything crazy happen in the last thirty minutes?” Zach asked.
Iris laughed. “No. Had a brief conversation with a Mr. Canover about how firm we were on the no-smoking rules, but he was a very good sport about it. Said he’d smoke the rest of his pack at the airport. He’s staying over in Sparrow.”
“Ask Ed to do an extra pass, just to be sure. I met Mr. Canover this morning. Good sport, not much on rules though. ”
“Will do.”
“Thanks. Just gonna show Yvonne around. We’re gonna head back to the dining room.” He pointed to the floor. “Euca is down here.”
The woman’s professional exterior immediately dropped. “Oh, I love Euca!” She looked over the counter. “Hey, girl. She can hang out back here.”
Iris walked around the reception desk and disappeared through what seemed to be a hidden door in the hall. There was a wooden sign hanging just above that saidSTAFF. She patted her thigh and Euca went right to her, nearly knocking Iris over as she tried to lick her face.
“I missed you too. Don’t worry, Mr. Pleasant. I’ll keep her company.”
“Thanks. We’ll be right back.”
“Nice to meet you,” Evie said, waving with her free hand. Her other hand was suddenly intertwined with Zach’s. Iris had her hands full with Euca, but she didn’t miss the close contact between Evie and Zach. Evie hoped Zach was okay with the ranch staff knowing that maybe they were more than just friends. Clearly, he didn’t care. They walked into the kitchen, where a few employees were still finishing their side work. Zach didn’t introduce Evie, but hellos were exchanged and he held on to her hand the whole time.
They went down another short hallway and stopped at a door with a plaque that readEXECUTIVE CHEF BRITNAY LAM. Zach knocked on the door.
“Brit? It’s Zach.”
“Yep.”
Zach cracked open the door, then turned to Evie and said, “One sec.” He stepped into the room and pulled the door closed behind him, but Evie could still hear what he said next.
“Evie’s with me, but no screaming or grabbing. She’s still on the injured list.”
“What?” Evie heard next.
“What did I just say?”
“We got it. Keep it down and don’t be grabby. Move the fuck out of the way.”
The door swung open and a beautiful, plump Asian woman in a chef’s coat stared up at her, hands on her hips. Behind her was a woman in a black blazer and matching pants. Evie could see the blue, green, and white plaid blouse and the name tags she was wearing. Her dyed red hair was in a long braid over her shoulder.
“Oh my fucking God,” Britnay said in a dramatic whisper. She reached forward and just barely touched Evie’s hand with her finger tip.
“Can I hug her or will she break?” Britnay asked.
“Hey, I’m just—”
“Shut up, Pleasant. No one was talking to you.” Britnay stepped forward and gave Evie a very gentle hug. Delfi was right behind her, pulling her into a tighter embrace. Tears lined her eyes when she pulled back.
“Buck. It’s so good to see you.”
“Good to see you too,” Evie said honestly.
“I like the glasses,” Brit said.
“Yeah, me too. Seriously, only you look this good straight out of the hospital. What the hell happened?” Delfi asked.
“Ultra-high heels and a dark staircase,” Evie said so easily she almost believed herself.
“Yeeeesh. Well, I’m glad you came home. I can’t imagine you can get shit worth of R and R in New York City. It’s so tight and noisy,” Britnay said.