Just A Taste by Deirdre Martin

Author:Deirdre Martin [Martin, Deirdre]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780739491744
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Published: 2008-04-14T23:00:00+00:00

“God, they’re killin’ me here.”

Anthony studied the guest list for the Blades Christmas party, which seemed to grow longer every year. Luckily for the team, he was able to switch the dates as Michael had requested. But the number of people they expected him to cram into the banquet room was unreal. He’d need all the help he could get, both in the kitchen and with the front of the house. Aldo would bust his balls about having to work the party, but in the end would capitulate. Everyone else would be on board as long as Anthony paid them well, which he always did. He was a firm believer in paying people what they were worth; it showed respect and helped create loyalty. Between working the Blades party and their regular Christmas bonuses, his staff would have a very Merry Christmas indeed.“Hello?”

He looked up to see Vivi peeking her head through the restaurant’s front door. He hadn’t seen her since the night of the cook-off. It surprised him how much lighter just seeing her face made him feel. It was as if she brought the sunshine into the room with her.

“Come on in.”

Vivi approached the table, eyes bright. “I was hoping you’d be here.”

“I’m always here. What’s up?”

“The DiDinatos have finished installing my kitchen equipment. It’s so beautiful! I want you to see it.”

“I would love to.” Anthony slid out of his chair and followed her across the street.

“Well?”

Vivi looked at Anthony expectantly. The equipment for the kitchen had indeed been installed. What surprised him was how small a space the kitchen was—long and narrow, like a galley. He couldn’t imagine fitting more than a couple of people in there at a time.

“It’s great,” Anthony told her. “It’s just—small.”

Vivi frowned. “This is a small bistro, Anthony, remember? I don’t need a kitchen your size.”

“Yeah, but—” He clamped his mouth shut, determined not to dampen her enthusiasm.

“But what?” Vivi demanded. She was scowling at him like a Halloween witch.

“Nothing.” Anthony held up his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry I said anything. Clearly, I’m talking out my ass.”

Vivi’s scowl turned into a look of mild offense. “My kitchen is somehow related to your ass?”

“No, no, no.” Jesus, he really had to watch the colloquialisms. “It’s an expression. ‘Talking out my ass’ means ‘I don’t know what I’m talking about.’”

Vivi considered this. “You are talking out your derriere,” she declared.

“Exactly. It’s a nice kitchen, Vivi. I mean it.”

She sighed wistfully. “I just wish I didn’t have to wait months to be able to use it. I’m dying to cook.”

Anthony hesitated a moment, then jumped in. “Mikey’s old hockey team is having their Christmas party at Dante’s in a few weeks. Would you like to help me out?”

“Yes!” Vivi enthused, but then her face fell. “When is it? I’m going back to France for Christmas.”

“Oh.” Anthony felt a wave of disappointment. “The party is the twentieth.”

“Perfect! Natalie and I are flying back the twenty-first.”

“How long will you be gone for?”

“Just through the New Year.

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