Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“You didn’t want to hire her?”
“She showed up on my doorstep wearing a fucking wedding gown. No experience, no references, no skills that would qualify her to be a nanny.”
I laughed. “But it all worked out.”
“It all worked out.”
“So is it serious?”
“Yeah. I’d say so.” He set his cup down. “I haven’t said anything to anyone about this, so keep it to yourself, but I’m thinking of asking her to marry me. Maybe this summer.”
I blinked. “Seriously? That’s awesome. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
“I always figured you’d get hitched first. I’m still kind of shocked about Devlin.”
“I was surprised too,” Austin conceded. “I think all of us were, especially because it happened so fast. But when you meet Lexi, you kind of get it. They’re good together.”
I nodded, observing as Ari hopped up on the back counter to erase the Creole Eggs Benny, which must have sold out. Her uniform rode up a little bit, exposing more of her thighs. She tugged it down, glancing over her shoulder to see if anyone noticed. When she caught my eye, she held a finger over her lips, and I winked.
“What about you?” Austin asked. “Dating anyone?”
“Nah. I don’t date much.”
“How come?”
“I don’t know. I mostly end up at places where there’s a lot of industry people, and they’re not always the most genuine. Sometimes I’m standing in a room talking to someone, and she’s smiling at me, but I can see her looking around, wondering if there’s someone more famous or more powerful she should be talking to. It starts to wear you down after a while, and then I’m just like, what’s the point?” I shrugged. “But I don’t really care. I like being single.”
Austin laughed. “Yeah. I did too.”
“But it’s different for you. You’re a lot older, and—”
“I’m not that much older,” he scoffed.
“Okay, but you have kids. I’m just not at all in that headspace right now. I’m not focused on relationships,” I said, watching Ari approach carrying two plates. “I’m focused on work.”
She set our breakfasts in front of us. “Here you go. Two Creole Eggs Benny. You have to let me know what you think.”
Austin wasted no time in digging in. “I think I’m in love.”
She blushed beautifully. “It sold out already.”
I took a bite too. “It’s really good, Ari. I’m not surprised it sold out.”
“Thanks. I’m kind of proud of it.”
“You should be,” I told her. “You’re so talented.”
The color in her face deepened. “Thanks.”
“Especially since you’ve learned the difference between salt and sugar,” I added.
She burst out laughing and swatted at me with a paper napkin. “Jerk!”
Austin was chuckling too. “I’d forgotten about that.”
“Apparently, Dash doesn’t forget anything,” Ari said, giving me the stink eye.
“What can I say?” I shrugged. “I have a good memory.”
“Do you still want to come over for dinner tonight?”
“Sure,” I said casually, as if I wasn’t dying to spend more time alone with her. “If you want me to.”
“I’m going to try a sandwich with braised short ribs, maybe served with some crispy truffle fries.”
“Can I come for dinner tonight?” Austin asked.
Ari laughed. “Absolutely. But you’ll have to watch a movie with us. Last night, I made Dash watch Titanic. He hated it.”
“I didn’t hate it,” I said. “I just don’t think I’m the target audience.”
“Maybe you’ll like tonight better,” she said.
“What’s the movie?”
She shook her head, her eyes twinkling. “Not telling. Come over about seven?”
“If I came a little earlier, we could get some painting done,” I suggested. “What time will you be home from work?”
“I have to hit the grocery store after my shift, but I should be home by four.”
“Sounds good. I’ll have your car by then too.”
“Okay.” She smiled brightly. “You’re the best, Dash. Thanks.”
When she disappeared into the kitchen, Austin put down his fork and picked up his coffee. Took a sip while staring straight ahead.
“What?” I demanded.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Your silence implied an opinion.”
He finally looked at me, his mouth hooking up. “You said there was nothing going on.”
“There’s not. We’re spending some time together at her house, that’s all.”
“Watching romantic movies. Having dinner she cooks for you. Painting a bedroom together.”
“As friends,” I stressed. “She doesn’t have any older brothers to help her with the house, and her dad has a bad back.”
“I get it. That’s nice of you.”
But I felt compelled to continue explaining. “She’s showing me her favorite romantic movies because I’m trying to improve my range as an actor, and I’m taste-testing new recipes she’s trying. She’d like to add a few more upscale items to the menu here, but her parents are resistant.”
“Why doesn’t she open up her own place?”
“She’s too loyal to her parents.”
“Can’t fault her for that,” said Austin.
“No. But it’s a hell of a sacrifice.”
Ari approached with the coffee pot again, so I stopped talking and picked up my fork.