In Hot Water by Kate Kingsbury

Author:Kate Kingsbury [Kingsbury, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Chapter Nine

The rest of the evening passed swiftly as the conversation turned eventually into an animated discussion about the pros and cons of living at the beach as opposed to in the city. They were so engrossed in the argument that Vivian barely noticed the server bringing the bill to the table. She flipped her credit card onto the plate and waved away offers from the other two to pay their share.

“It’s my treat,” she assured them. “A little bonus for working so hard for me.”

Their grateful thanks warmed her heart as she checked her watch. Shocked to see how much time had gone by, she pushed back her chair. “Much as I hate to end this enjoyable get-together, I have to leave. I need to throw some lemon curd tarts together for tomorrow.”

Jenna shook her head. “I don’t know how you do it,” she said as she gathered up her coat and purse. “You must work half the night.”

Vivian laughed. “Not really. I love to bake, and it keeps me busy. After Martin died, the evenings were the worst time to get through. I needed something to keep me occupied, to keep my mind off everything I’d lost. That’s when I unearthed my mother’s box of recipes and started baking.” She sighed. “A lot of my neighbors put on weight that first year. Including me.”

“You’ve lost quite a bit of it since I’ve been working for you,” Gracie said, rising from her chair.

“I’m using up more energy now that I have the tearoom.” Vivian unhooked her purse from the back of her chair. “It’s a lot of work, and I love every second of it.”

Gracie grinned. “So do I. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had working.”

“Me too.” Jenna looked serious for a moment. “You saved my life, giving me this job. I hate to think where I’d be right now if it wasn’t for you and the Willow Pattern.”

“You’d be working just as hard somewhere else,” Vivian told her. “I just gave you the opportunity. You’re the one who made it work for you.” She cleared her throat. “Now, let’s get out of here before we all get tempted to have a group hug or something.”

That made both Gracie and Jenna laugh as they followed her out to the lobby.

As they crossed the carpeted floor, the front door swung open and an elegant man in a gray suit strolled toward them.

Reggie Lambert raised his eyebrows as he drew closer. “Good evening, ladies,” he murmured, his gaze skimming over Jenna and then resting on Vivian’s face. “I hope we don’t have another problem?”

Vivian smiled at him. “Not at all. We were just enjoying a drink in your excellent lounge.”

“Ah.” His features relaxed. “We are rather proud of the lounge. It was designed by a prominent local artist.”

“Desmond Pinto,” Jenna said.

“Yes, that’s right.” Again, Reggie’s gaze swept across Jenna’s face. “Er … well, please excuse me. I have a rather urgent appointment. Have a good evening.” He nodded at Vivian, smiled at Gracie, and then hurried off in the direction of the bar.

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