“Who is this chef? Is it the one out of Boston you were telling me about? Why isn’t he already working for us?”
“He hates your wife. She got him fired from his last job. She posted some rant on social media and it went viral. He was jobless by the next morning.”
I bare my teeth and run a hand through my hair. I’m not going to miss out on a chef like this because of Bethany’s tantrums. The chef is the heart of every restaurant.
“I want him on our team. Double the offer. Let him know Bethany has nothing to do with the business.”
“I’m already on it. This was a planned lunch if you remember. I’m on my job, little brother. Look, here he comes.”
I turn to find a tall guy in a chef’s coat heading our way as he wipes his hands on a towel. The topknot isn’t my thing, neither is the lip ring. I like my chefs clean-cut, with neat short hair. However, in a single bite this guy has impressed me enough for me not to care.
Gio stands and holds his hand out. “It’s good to see you again, Jacob.”
“Nice to be seen, Gio.” He shakes Gio’s hand before doing a double take as he scans our table. I stiffen in my seat as his mouth drops open when he homes in on Lizzy. “Holy shit, Izzy Gunz?”
Jacob wrinkles his brows and shoves his hand out in Lizzy’s direction. Lizzy looks a bit startled—which is starting to become totally adorable, by the way.
“Um… ah—” she pushes up her glasses and cleans her hands on her napkin. “Yeah, I’m Izzy.”
“You and Judge Sin are two of my favorite gamers. I watch whenever I have downtime.”
Lizzy ducks her head and that glow returns to her cheeks. I’m now even more curious about her gaming and this channel. What did Gio call it? I’ll have to ask him later.
“Cool, there’s a lot of competition out there. I’m grateful for all the views.”
“You guys are badass. I would love your autograph. I know you’re eating, but if you wouldn’t mind a pic, that would make my day,” he says excitedly.
“How about you guys trade autographs? Izzy here has the contract for you to sign to come aboard and cook for us.”
Jacob scoffs. “Dude, I was already considering your offer. That new place is going to be epic. A picture with a legend and an autograph and you have a new chef.”
“Seriously?” Lizzy says with confusion written all over her face.
This isn’t conventional, but that’s Gio for you. He gets it done, by any means. He’s calculated and methodical. It’s something not enough people give him credit for.
“Yeah, totally, do you know know Judge Sin? Like really know her?”
“Yeah, I do,” Lizzy says with a hint of pride in her voice. I can’t help wondering who this Judge Sin is.
“What’s the deal with the blacked-out screen? I heard rumors she’s some type of model or actress or something. One forum said she’s really some judge or something and can’t be on cam. That would be totally cool, but I doubt it.”
Jacob shrugs. Lizzy returns the gesture as a bit of mischief enters her eyes.
“She has personal reasons,” she says shyly.
“If she’s as pretty as you are, it’s a total shame. I’d love to see you both on screen. Don’t get me wrong, you guys game your asses off, but the view is worth the time as well. You know what I mean?”
Gio clears his throat. He looks cool and calm, but I, of all people, can tell he’s pissed off and ready to blow. I’m feeling annoyed as well, but I can’t allow this deal to fall through for a woman who isn’t mine. I shove my jealousy into the box it needs to remain in.
“How about we stick to business? You can drool all over yourself when you’re alone,” Gio says tightly.
“Dude, I’m sorry. Are you guys dating?”
“No, no. He’s…they’re my bosses,” Lizzy says.
“I’m her boss and this is a business lunch. Take your picture but respect my assistant as well.”
I hope the words have come out as smoothly as I mean for them to. Is she interested in this guy? No, no, that’s none of my damn business.
“Cool, cool, it’s been a while since you’ve been on with Judge. Is she okay?”
“She’s fine,” Gio growls.
Interesting. I had assumed Gio’s possessive reaction was about Lizzy. Clearly, it’s not. It’s about this Judge Sin. I note that information for later.
I have several questions. Gio never gets too possessive with his dolls. I narrow my gaze and truly study my brother. His jaw is still tight, and his fists are balled on the top of the table.
“Here, I have that contract for you. You sign, I’ll take as many pictures as you like,” Lizzy says as if sensing the tension around the table.