Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
“Perfect,” I croon and roll my window up. “Andiamo. We’re done here.”
“To the restaurant?”
“No, send Autumn. Have her record everything.”
Chapter 7
The Offer
Gio
Bethany did everything I expected and more. I watch the video again and laugh. She’s such a twat.
Not only did she show her ass in the restaurant Jacob works at, but she also went online to rant about it after. That video is the one that went viral, but this video of her terrible behavior is it for me.
“I asked for the seafood broil without the shrimp,” she whines. “Let me speak to the chef.”
The waitress rushes off and moments later Jacob appears wiping his hands on a towel. He smiles as he approaches Bethany’s table, where she sits with two friends.
“How can I help you? Was everything not to your liking?” Jacob asks while giving her a charming smile.
“No, it was not. I asked for the seafood broil with no shrimp in it. What if I was allergic to shrimp? There’s a big fat shrimp right here.”
At this point, I notice both of Bethany’s friends have their phones out recording. Jacob looks uncomfortable from the angle of my video, but he keeps his smile in place.
“I’m so sorry about that. Are you allergic to shrimp?”
“No, but who cares. I made the request. You’re the chef. Can’t you do your job?”
“With all due respect. There’s a line of us working and we’re slammed tonight, but we can only push out what comes in.
“Someone made a mistake. I checked the ticket before coming out to you. I’ll talk to the waitstaff and make sure they’re double-checking things for the rest of the night. I’ll comp your table this evening as well. Order anything you like, it’s on me,” Jacob says politely.
“So you could have killed me and your excuse is you’re slammed and it wasn’t your fault, are you kidding me? Or are you saying I didn’t order what I said I did?”
“Ma’am, I’m not saying you’re lying. Not to mention, you admitted you’re not even allergic. I’ll remake your order myself, but at this point the kitchen is only falling behind in my absence.”
“Wow, just wow,” Bethany snarls. “I’ve never.”
Jacob turns to leave, muttering to himself. His patience is clearly gone. Bethany pushes her plate onto the floor like a toddler, food slashes against the backs of Jacob’s legs.
Jacob turns slowly, his face turning bright red. I see the moment he snaps, as if this was the final straw of the day. He grabs the wineglass from the table nearest him and tosses the contents in Bethany’s face.
I roar with laughter even after watching this video for the fourth time. I wasn’t expecting him to crack like that. It’s priceless.
“You fucking asshole,” Bethany screams. “I want him fired. Do you know who I am? You’re never going to work in a restaurant again. Mark my words, you son of a bitch.”
I shut the video off. I’ve seen enough. I need to finish the task I’ve started here in Boston. It’s time all my little piggies head home. I need Riccardo’s grandsons to return to their grandfather.
I step out of the rented SUV and fix my cuffs before buttoning my suit jacket. I flick my wrist out to check the time. Shelly, the doll I’ve had working at this restaurant for the past year, said Jacob was asked to come pick up his things and clean out his locker by nine this morning.
I’m right on time. Jacob comes out the front door of the restaurant, looking pissed off as Jace and I approach. He does a double take as I stop before him while he holds the door open for us.
“Oh God, please tell me you’re not here to have me fired. Your sister-in-law and that viral recording already did the job. I don’t need any more bullshit,” Jacob groans.
“My sister-in-law?” I say as if I’m confused.
“You’re Gio Di Lorenzo, right?” He narrows his eyes at me.
Interesting. This one does know who I am. I wonder if that’s by trade or from Riccardo.
“Yes,” I reply smoothly.
“Sorry, man, I know your brother from the business. I wanted to come work for you guys once. After that thing last night, I saw your picture when I googled your brother and sister-in-law.” He shrugs. “There’s not a chance he hates her or something, is there? My career can’t be totally fucked.”
Very interesting. I bank all this information for later. Riccardo will jump at this chance either way. I can count on that.
“Um, I don’t know what that cunt has done to get you fired. As for your career, that’s why I’m here. I hope this doesn’t stop you from sitting to talk to me about a job. I was here a month ago and your food is amazing.”
It’s not a lie. I was here a month ago. He has stellar skills. If not for his grandfather, I would have hired him then with the intent to cultivate his raw talent and keep him around for my restaurants.