She flicks her ponytail over her shoulder. “No, you don’t. You love me.”
I groan and slump back into my chair because once again, she’s right. I just don’t know how to handle being optimistic or excited about anything.
CHAPTER 22
SUTTON
I’ve donethis thousands of times. Setting up the kitchen before service is nothing new to me. I’ve been cooking for years, and I still love it. The reason I know it’s love? Because I still get the perfect, little rush right before we open.
Standing at the tasting counter in the restaurant tonight is no different, except I might be a bit more on edge because of one extra person working tonight.
I look at my waitstaff after running through the daily specials. “So that’s it. Let’s have some fun tonight.”
“Yes, Chef.” They turn and head to their stations, leaving me, Devyn, Rich, and Kelsey behind the counter. I’m still mad at myself for how I left the other night, but that doesn’t mean I’m still not hurt that she called me a tourist.
I do my best not to stare at Kelsey because she’s wearing a dress that I know I’ve never seen her in before. She definitely hasn’t worn that at Cowgirl Coffee or when making deliveries. The black denim dress stops just above her knees. The v-neckline teases just enough of her breasts before it plunges into the button down front.
I decide to give myself three seconds to imagine what it would sound like if I rippedit off her.
One. I’d hear the tearing of thread.
Two. I’d hear her gasp at suddenly being exposed to me.
Three. I’d hear the buttons hit the old wooden floor, filling the silence while we stare into each other’s eyes.
After enjoying my three seconds, I look away and focus on the night.
It might be a Wednesday evening, but Jackson's summer tourism season is in full effect. So I know we’re going to be busy tonight with multiple full turns.
“Any special occasions, Devyn?” I turn to my hostess and see her laser focused on her tablet. She might have started as a hostess, but she’s part of the glue that holds a place like Gloria’s together. She’s so damn good at her job that I plan to make her my general manager as soon as Slade gives me the OK—something I’ve been doing recently since the last one went to work directly for Slade in Denver.
She nods. “One couple at the tasting counter. It’s their fortieth anniversary.”
“The couple from Cincinnati?” I ask, already knowing the answer. I always check our reservation list the day before, in case there’s any dietary restrictions or a celebration or someone I should be aware of. If there’s a way I can make their night even better, I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen.
She looks down at her tablet again and nods. “Yep. That would be them.”
“Any special requests?”
She shakes her head and I turn to Rich. “Make sure they get champagne with their second dessert.”
He nods, but gives me a questioning look. “Second dessert?”
“Yep. You’ll know what’s going on when you see it. Just leave the rest to me.”
The couple sittingat my tasting counter reminds me why I live for this. Celebrating almost half a century together is special and I’m honored that they wanted to do it at my restaurant. Over the last two hours of working through the six-course tasting menu, I’m positive I’ve learned their life story. John was a lifelong firefighter and Maddy was a school teacher. They were high school sweethearts and everything about them screams the All-American couple.
What I really love about them is their lust for travel and visiting National Parks. Apparently, they’ve been to Jackson almost a half dozen times on their trips to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks.
“I’m surprised I haven’t seen you two before. It sounds like you’re quite the regulars in Jackson.” I smile at them as Maddy takes the last bite of their dessert, a blueberry and chocolate chip bread pudding with a bourbon glaze.
“First, that was absolutely delicious.” She gives me a wide smile and dabs the corner of her mouth with her napkin. I note the look she gives her husband, who nods back at her as he finishes a bite. “But it’s been a few years since we’ve been to Jackson. I don’t think this place was here.”
“I wish it was. This is the best meal I can remember and we’ve had our fair share of great ones.” John pats his stomach and I chuckle.
“I appreciate that. You’re in luck though. It’s not over. May I?” I gesture toward their empty plates and they both nod. I reach out and grab them. “I’ll be right back with a little surprise.”
I toss them each a wink before heading to the bussing station. When I turn, I nearly bump right into Kelsey. I step to the side just in time to avoid dropping the dishes.