21
PARVATI
It always had to rain when I wasn’t feeling my best. The whole day was nothing but a persistent blur of drips that seemed to dampen everything. Including the restaurant.
“Parvati, be careful on your way through,” Mary said as she came into the kitchen with a tray full of dishes. “Some kids came in with mud all over their shoes.”
I let out a breath. “Want help mopping?”
“Oh, no. I got it.”
I went back to finishing the chicken, turning it once more to brown the edges. Life was good, or at least I kept telling myself so. My mom was happy, and Danforth had been great to pay off the last of my student debt from culinary school. He said to call him if I ever needed anything. And he emphasized anything with a long and almost uncomfortable stare. I knew what he meant. Money. It was always about money. Cooking made me happy, clearing out my debt made life easier, but things weren’t… Well, things just felt off.
I ran the back of my wrist along my forehead. “This order is almost done.”
“Okay,” she called over her shoulder as she headed toward the dishwasher. Coming back a minute later, she slumped over the counter as I drizzled crème sauce over the chicken breasts. “You alright?”
I shrugged, forcing out a smile.
“I think I’m still in Hawaii.” I let out a soft laugh, but it was the truth. I looked over Mary and her curious green eyes. She had a spunky, kind demeanor about her. Always a good listener, but sometimes a little nosey. I wanted to tell her everything just so I could get it off my chest, but I didn’t know her very well. She’d only started working with me a couple months before my vacation.
“I bet it was just gorgeous,” she replied, awed. I gave her a smile, then pushed the plates over for her to collect. “Got plans tonight? It is Friday.”
“I think I’ll just go home and relax. I need it.”
Mary let out a giggle as she loaded her order. “It’d be a great night for a movie, you know. Something quiet.”
“Yeah, that sounds nice.”
“What about Jourdanne? I haven’t seen her around lately.”
I let out a breath. “Yeah, this inn isn’t the same without her. She’s busy at college though.”
Mary smirked. “It’s the weekend. Call her up for a girl’s night. I’ve got a date, or I’d totally be game.”
“A date?” I teased.
She winked at me. “I’ll tell you all about it next week.” She headed through the door with her tray of food. I took a long look at the place. Things really weren’t the same without my best friend always around to manage the place. I missed her a lot, especially now that I was feeling totally alone and isolated. I couldn’t just call up my mom for a chat, and I wasn’t about to get a hold of the guys just yet. Things were too fresh, too painful.
I tugged out my phone and dialed Jourdanne between orders.
“Oh my gosh! I was just thinking about calling you!” she gushed on the other end of the call.
“No way.”
“Totally. I haven’t seen you yet since you got back, and this weekend has been a bit blah. Got plans?”
My lips curved into a smile. “You read my mind.”
* * *
I got to Leandro’s mansion just after closing. “I can’t believe this house. It’s incredible!”
She giggled. “Oh, it’s probably nothing like what your new step-dad has.”
“Well, I haven’t been to his home, so I don’t know.” I tucked back my hair as I followed Jourdanne through the place. The entry alone was big enough to be a living room. There was a huge chandelier hanging overhead as we went through the middle and toward a side room that revealed itself to be the kitchen.
“That’s too bad. I bet your mom wants to see you more.”
“I know. There isn’t anything I can do right now.” I crossed my arms over my chest and held them snug in place. “I mean, things are so weird.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” she said, facing me. She had that sweet and kind smile that made me melt. “It doesn’t matter today. It’s just me and you.”
I breathed a bit of relief. She turned on her heels, peppy as ever, and led me farther into the kitchen. “I haven’t been here in weeks. We’ve been remodeling the upstairs back in the country.”
“Now that’s a house I love.”
“I know, right! It’s so cozy and sweet.”
“And out of sight.”
Jourdanne rounded the counter and gave me a stern glare. “Parvati?”
“I’m sorry, but it’s true.”
“You were my biggest supporter. Why is it so hard for you to take your own advice?”
“You mean, date more than one guy?”
She hummed in agreeance. “It’s not as taboo as you might think. Look at me and the guys. I’m so happy with them. Leandro is my constant rock. Always there, always taking care of me. And Matt gives me emotional support and comfort.”