“Pardon me, but I think you owe me a dance, Dr. Hawthorne.” I grabbed his hand, pulling him behind me. “Hurry up, Dr. Hawthorne, or your girlfriend might get to you.”
“Hey, hold on, what are you talking about? I don’t have a girlfriend,” Trey said as he allowed me to pull him toward the dance floor.
We stepped onto the dance floor and I turned into his arms. “You do, according to red dress.”
“She is not my girlfriend.” He turned us around until we were on the other side of the room. “Natalie and I dated for a few months, but I figured out she is not a nice person.”
“She practically growled at me when you all ran away, leaving me there to deal with her.” I looked up at him. “How did it take you months to figure that out?”
“Oh, you’re a funny one, aren’t you?” he laughed. “But seriously, thanks for saving me. If I get caught with her tonight even for a minute, it will be front page.”
“I’m afraid to ask what you’ve been doing for them to be so interested in your life.” I looked around the room as he turned us. “Do they follow all the Hawthornes?”
“They do, but there are definitely a few of us they won’t leave alone.” He slowed us down. “I dated a lot and went through a few years of partying too much. I was an easy target, I guess.”
“And Natalie, how did you get involved with her? Does money just find money?” I was embarrassed right away. “I’m sorry, that was a rude question.”
“Not really. I like how you just say what you’re thinking. It’s refreshing.” He smiled down at me so long I had to look away. “Are you hungry?”
“Random question, or dodging questions?” I poked him in the side. “Don’t bother answering. Yes, I’m starving.”
“We can hit the buffet or we can sneak into the kitchen and have a few more options. He cocked his head to the side. “I have an in with the chef.”
Before I could respond, he stopped dancing, grabbed my hand, and pulled me behind him. I looked over to see where Sophie was. Mia smiled back at me and waved me on.
“Are we really going to the kitchen?”
“Of course we are.”
Chapter 29
Trey
“Of course we are. I told you I have an in with the chef.” I tucked her arm under mine.
The kitchen was busy, food going out and empty trays going in. I pulled Chloe along through the chaos until I found Chef Harris.
“Trey, I was wondering when you would be showing up in my kitchen.” Chef Harris threw his arms open for a hug. “I put your favorite in the back oven.”
“Sorry I took so long to come. I was having so much fun dancing with this young lady I lost track of time,” I apologized. “My manners. Chef Harris, this is Chloe.”
“Ah, Miss Chloe, so very nice to meet you. You must be a special friend if Trey brought you in here.” Chef Harris hugged Chloe. “Now you two go eat. Your mother will be wanting you for something soon enough.”
“You know she will. I still have to go to the hospital tonight too.” I motioned for Chloe to follow me.
“I made extra to-go meals for Miss Elizabeth and the other nurses,” Chef Harris called out as we walked to the far side of the kitchen. “Make sure you get pastries for her before you go.”
“I wouldn’t think of showing up at that hospital without your desserts for her,” I said. “I would be in so much trouble.”
“Who is Elizabeth?” Chloe asked.
“Betty is the head nurse on the pediatric floor, and she runs a tight ship.” I pulled the oven doors open. “Which would you like? We have lasagna or chicken parmesan.”
“Um, both please.” Chloe inhaled deeply. “What are you going to eat because these are mine.”
“A girl who isn’t afraid to eat. Not possible.” I placed the trays on the counter. “Will you at least share with me?”
“If I have to I will, but I’m not sharing dessert.” Chloe grabbed a fork from me.