Before I Knew (The Cabots #1)(51)
She glanced at them all, noting the remnants of Pan-Roasted Lobster with Stuffed Zucchini Flower and Tangy Persian Lime Sauce on Todd’s plate. Her mouth watered because she’d enjoyed taste testing that one yesterday. “How’s everything so far?”
“The food’s almost as good as that view.” Todd pointed through the open glass doors to where the sun was setting over the lake. “We’re all a little jealous you get to spend your days looking at that lake.”
“I’d miss the energy of the city.” Jacqui sipped her wine. “But this is a great little getaway.”
“Come whenever you need to escape Warren Blackstone,” Colby joked, thinking about the firm’s curmudgeonly managing partner.
“You’d better expect me on a regular basis,” Todd rejoined with laughter. His wistful glance, however, suggested he’d intended the double meaning of his words. Colby hoped their friendship didn’t suffer because she didn’t return his interest.
By the time she excused herself from her friends, most of the other tables had been cleared of the first course. Too late for her to determine whether the other guests had devoured their meals, like her friends had, or simply moved food around their plates.
She did, however, discern the fluidity in the way the waitstaff continued working the room. Gentry now wandered around, snapping candid photos. Guests were chatting and laughing. The upbeat energy took root somewhere in her chest and revved her.
That fizzy lightness lasted until her mother charged toward her—expression panicked—like a steaming locomotive about to hit broken railroad ties. “Colby, did you remember to tell Hunter about Snickers?”
“Yes, and I told Sara as well.” Good grief. This? Now?
“Richard mentioned him, and Hunter forgot to play along. He tried to cover his mistake, but I’m not sure Richard buys it.”
Colby glanced at Hunter, who speared her with bug eyes. Thankfully, Sara kept Richard distracted with bubbly conversation.
“I told you not to lie,” Colby murmured, “Just come clean tonight.”
“Then he’ll never trust me.” Her mom toyed with her necklace.
“Exactly why you shouldn’t lie in the first place.”
“Don’t lecture” came her harsh whisper. “I need your help.”
“I’m kind of busy, Mom. The main course is about to be served. Here’s my best advice: get back there before Hunter does more damage.”
Her mother’s eyes widened before she dashed back to her table.
As the main courses began to arrive, Colby decided to check on Alec. She popped into the kitchen and froze. Cooks frantically assembled each dish. Alec barked out orders and, alongside Chris, inspected and wiped every plate before it left the kitchen. Flames shot up from the stove, clatter erupted from the dishwashing station, waiters whirred past. Heat, noise, chaos.
The heart of the restaurant, and Alec made it beat like that of an Olympic athlete.
Another satisfied jolt stole through her. This was hers—or it would be once she paid off CTC’s investment. With Alec at the helm, they couldn’t fail. As if hearing her thoughts, he looked up.
“What?” Alec spared her the briefest glance before fixing his attention on the next plate set in front of him.
“I . . . I just came to check in.”
His brows knit together as he adjusted something on the dish. “We’re fine, but I need to focus.”
“Sorry.” She backed out of the kitchen in time to hear Jake’s voice rise above the din of conversation.
“At least people know what they’re eating when they buy my hot dogs.” Jake poked his fork at the pork croquette on his plate. It occurred to Colby that Jake would be the type to show up for a happy-hour deal, but not necessarily stay to eat. Maybe Alec had been right about her idea.
Colby hustled to their table in time to hear Jenna’s cool reply. “Eating with silverware must be a real change of pace.”
Jake shot up—his chair screeching against the wood floor—drawing everyone’s attention. “Bunch of snobs, praising bullshit food that people pretend to like, but everyone goes home hungry.”
Colby glanced over her shoulder and saw Mrs. Morgan’s cheeks turn red. Another black mark against the Cabot family in the Morgans’ book.
“Please sit down,” Colby implored. “If there’s a problem, may we discuss it privately?”
“No problem. I’m outta here.” Jake tossed his napkin on the chair and squinted at Gentry. “You comin’?”
“You’re making a scene.” Gentry kept calm, but Colby wanted to strangle the jerk.