Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 122219 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122219 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“We figured you deserved more than chops and bacon, Chef.”
He narrowed his eyes as he began to examine the meat. He lifted the extras Evan tossed in. “Pork belly?”
“Pork belly.”
He grumbled, patting the meat with his hand. “I actually wanted some pork belly to test out a few recipes.”
I grinned. “It’s almost like we should go into business with one another.”
“Don’t get smart about it, all right? I said I would try your meat. I didn’t say I’d add it to my menu. I already get some quality stuff from a team in Chicago.”
“You’ll get better quality here and won’t have to pay to have it brought over, Chef. I’m telling you, once you taste Pierce meat, you won’t regret it.”
“I’m already on board with your produce, which has proved to be a good thing. But if I’m honest, you’re putting me in a bit of an uncomfortable situation here, Nate.”
“How so?”
“When we made our deal for produce, I wasn’t with Yara. Now that she’s my wife, it adds a bit of a challenge to the whole situation of us working together.”
“What do you mean by that?”
He cocked an eyebrow and shook his head. “I think you know what I mean by that.”
“I honestly have no idea.”
He crossed his arms and leaned back against his counter. “I got a visit from Yara earlier today. She was extra emotional about something that went down with Avery and you today at the high school.”
Oh.
That.
I flicked my thumb against the bridge of my nose before crossing my arms, too, standing tall. “Oh?” I said, trying to play it cool.
“Yes, oh.” He shook his head. “You got a pregnant woman coming over to me in distress because she’s convinced her older sister is going to have a mental breakdown from losing the one position that means the world to her. Now, you see how it could add unnecessary beef to my life if I have to tell her that I’m adding your family’s beef to my restaurant?”
“To be fair, it’s more than just beef. You have pork now, and we also have chicken—”
“Nathan. You already know I like you, and I hate most people. You and your family have been easy as hell to work with over the past two years. But the idea of pissing off my pregnant, hormonal wife and Avery—a woman who scares me to this day—is a big risk to my…well…life expectancy.”
I sighed. “I know it’s a bad look.”
“It’s an awful look.”
“What if I told you I wasn’t taking the head coaching position? What if I left that for Avery? Would you then consider a partnership?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps…”
I held a hand out toward him. “Deal.”
“There’s no way it’s that easy.”
“It’s that easy. There was a miscommunication with the whole head coach thing anyway. I don’t want the position if it means taking it from Avery. Between you and me, I just missed the game. I’d be more than happy being an assistant coach beside her.”
Alex brushed his hand against the back of his neck but then shook my hand. “All right. Give Avery her position back, and I’ll continue to consider a partnership. Thanks.”
“Not a problem. And congratulations again on the baby.”
Alex wasn’t one to smile much, but his lips turned up slightly. “Thanks. We’re excited.” You could tell how happy Yara made him. He could hardly avoid smiling when it came to talking about his family. Seeing a grump like him smile as much as he had about his partner and soon-to-be newborn was good. Maybe our grumpy Evan would find himself a Yara someday. It might ease his harsh temperament.
“Don’t screw me over, though,” Alex warned. “The moment I hear back from my wife that Avery is the head coach again, then we can chat.”
“Deal. Thanks again for the shot, Chef.”
He shook his head. “I’m still not going to get used to the MVP Nathan Pierce calling me Chef.”
“Tell Avery I’m sorry if you see her before I do,” I mentioned.
“There’s no way I’m telling her anything. I’m not getting in the middle of whatever the two of you have going on. I learned a long time ago to stay out of other people’s affairs.”
“Isn’t you telling me that you’ll only do a deal with me if I give Avery the head coaching position being involved in our affairs?”
Alex parted his mouth and hesitated for a minute. I’d stumped him. He rubbed his hand against his brows and grumbled under his breath, “sal de mi maldita cocina.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means get the fuck out of my kitchen.”
I smirked. “Yes, Chef.”
4
NATHAN
The second Saturday night rolled around, it was time to celebrate River and Grant. I loved my brothers, but I was already dreading each moment as we drove together from Mom’s to O’Reilly’s. I even tried to weasel my way out of a night of drinking by offering to help Mom clean up after the big meal she’d cooked for us boys.