I grin happily at him while we get up from our seats. I bow my head slightly feeling nothing but gratitude toward him for lightening my burden by giving me a taste of home.
When I meet his eyes again, I ask, “Is there any work I can do? Maybe in the kitchen? I’ve worked in restaurants before.” When he takes a moment to think, I quickly add, “I’ll work for free. I would just really like something to do.”
He gives me a stern look but then says, “You can begin by clearing this table.”
I don’t miss the smile spreading over his face as he turns around and walks back to the kitchen.
Feeling energized, I quickly gather the dishes and chopsticks and rush after Chef Anand.
Thirty minutes later, Chef Anand’s voice booms through the kitchen, “Why are there no plates!”
I stop wiping the counter and glance over my shoulder at the pile of dishes. There’s only one woman in front of the sink, and she looks exhausted.
I dart over to her and whisper, “Let me take over while you rest.”
She lets out a tired sigh, and without saying anything, she walks out of the kitchen. I load all the dishes into the soapy water and begin to wash. Soon I fall into a routine of wash, rinse, and dry – and it makes a familiar calm settle over me.LakeAfter class, I try to call Lee so I can ask her to meet us for an early dinner. When the call goes to voicemail, I let out a chuckle. “I give her a phone, and she doesn’t use it.”
“Lee?” Falcon asks.
“Yes. You guys go ahead,” I say and when I walk toward the dorm, Layla and Kingsley come out of the lobby. “Did you see Lee upstairs?”
“No, she’s not in her suite. We knocked a couple of times,” Layla answers.
“Maybe she’s already eating?” Kingsley asks.
Shrugging, I squeeze in between the girls and place an arm around each of their shoulders. “While we’re walking there and I have a moment alone with you, I want to say thank you.”
“For what?” Layla asks, looking a little confused.
“Crap, did we forget to do something?” Kingsley asks.
I let out a chuckle and shake my head. “Thanks for welcoming Lee with open arms. It means a lot to me.”
Kingsley pulls away and punches me against the arm. “Ow, what’s that for.” I pretend it hurt by rubbing over the spot.
“I seriously thought we forgot to do something,” she grumbles, but then a smile spreads over her face. “You really don’t have to thank us, Lake. She’s a part of the group.”
I give her a grateful smile and walking into the restaurant we head over to our usual table while I glance around for any sign of Lee.
Jeremy, our usual waiter, comes to the table and frowns when I don’t sit down. “Mr. Cutler?”
“Everyone can order. I’m going to go look for Lee,” I say, but before I can walk away, Jeremy says, “She’s in the kitchen.”
“What?” I ask, not sure I heard him right.
There’s a flash of worry on his face when he repeats, “Miss Park is in the kitchen.”
Frowning, I walk to the kitchen, and when I step inside, and my eyes land on the girl by the sink, my feet come to a faltering stop. My lips part and I’m flooded with amazement as I watch her work.
Lee’s hair is tied back, and there’s a contented smile on her face. Her movements are hypnotic, and she works at a speed I never knew was humanly possible.
Seeing the real Park Lee-ann in her element will be imprinted on my heart and in my memory forever.
I thought Layla was special, but Lee… she’s on another level.
A waiter places a stack of dishes on the counter, and Lee’s smile grows as she calls out, “Thank you for the work.”
She’s extraordinary in ways I can’t begin to describe. I know deep in my heart if I keep her at Trinity with me, the same thing will happen to her that would’ve happened to me if I had joined CRC – she will only end up losing herself.
I can’t let that happen.
There’s a vibrancy about her that’s been missing from my life. She’s different from everything I’ve ever known.
She’s the change I’ve been craving.
An emotion I’ve never felt before begins to bubble in my chest. It feels like a mixture of excitement and promise.
I want to experience her way of living, her island, and her people.
I want to view the world through Lee’s eyes because I know it will the most awe-inspiring thing I will ever see.When I sit down at the table, Falcon asks, “Did you find her?”
“Yes, she’s in her element right now.” Wanting to avoid further questions, I ask, “Did you guys place your orders?”
Mason nods. “Kingsley ordered a steak with chicken wings on the side for you.”