Colby’s father and Jenna had arrived while she’d been speaking with Alec’s mom. Her dad leveled a cool look at Jake over the rim of his champagne glass. Shoot. Seating Gentry with him might’ve been a mistake.
Meanwhile, Hunter had been only marginally happier to sit with their mom and Richard. He’d scoffed when Colby had “reminded” him not to forget about their dearly departed dog. Sara, thankfully, smiled and promised to make him put down his phone and converse. A reprimand Alec would never require, she thought with a grin.
Todd breezed through the door with Jacqui, Craig, and John, some of Colby’s former colleagues, carrying a bouquet of pink and white roses. He kissed her cheek. “Congratulations.”
“These are beautiful. Thank you.” Thoughtful, sweet, candid, steady. Apparently, these traits alone were not enough to make her heart patter. “Thank you all for coming.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” Todd smiled. Tonight’s bow tie featured a turquoise background littered with tiny snails. She’d hand him this much: he wore it well.
“Becca will seat you, and I’ll catch up with you a little later.” She left the group with the hostess and went to put the flowers in water. Most women loved roses. Colby favored less formal flowers, like the tulips Alec had given her a few weeks ago.
She returned to the dining area to observe the waitstaff as each took dinner orders and delivered starter plates with items like Poached Marrons on a Crab Pillow with Truffle Emulsion, and Warm Artichoke Panaché with Vegetable Risotto with Lemon Emulsion. Watching them in action—moving in unison in intricate patterns—made her think of an old-fashioned quadrille. So far, no missteps. Her attention, however, lapsed when her father cornered her on his way back from the restroom.
“Things are going well, honey. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks. I’m cautiously optimistic.”
“I know it hasn’t been easy for you with Alec.” He gently rubbed her back, blessedly unaware of the complicated ways Alec affected Colby. “I see Julie Morgan came without Frank.”
“I assume he didn’t want to see me.”
“It’s not your fault.” Her father kissed her temple.
“I know, but he’s still grieving over Joe. He needs someone to blame, and I’m the only one left. I only wish Alec got some support from his father.”
“You can’t fix everything for everyone. Focus on your own goals.” She must’ve frowned again, because he waved a hand. “Let’s change the subject. How’s Gentry working out? Is she pulling her weight or just wasting time like she is with this Jake?”
“She’s helping.” Colby glanced over her dad’s shoulder to watch the floor. “Really, Dad. She is. Go easy on Jake. I think she’s using him to get to you and Jenna.”
“Why the hell does she want to needle me? I give her everything.” He scowled. “She should kiss my damn feet.”
“If she lacks perspective, maybe her life’s been too easy. Don’t be mad at her for that.” Colby struggled to see beyond her dad’s tall frame.
“It’s not like you and Hunter had rough lives,” he griped.
“No, but our family broke apart. And we didn’t grow up in the McMansion with the pool and endless shopping sprees and a car at sixteen and . . .” Something in her periphery caught her attention. “Can we talk about this later, please? I need to pay attention to what’s going on.”
“Of course.” He patted her shoulder and returned to his table.
While she milled around the tables to observe and eavesdrop, Todd grabbed her hand.
“Sit with us.” He gestured toward the open chair at their table.
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“Come on . . . a few minutes.” His earnest grin, and the fact her friends had come out of their way for her, broke her down.
She glanced at them all, noting the remnants of Pan-Roasted Lobster with Stuffed Zucchini Flower and Tangy Persian Lime Sauce on Todd’s plate. Her mouth watered because she’d enjoyed taste testing that one yesterday. “How’s everything so far?”
“The food’s almost as good as that view.” Todd pointed through the open glass doors to where the sun was setting over the lake. “We’re all a little jealous you get to spend your days looking at that lake.”
“I’d miss the energy of the city.” Jacqui sipped her wine. “But this is a great little getaway.”
“Come whenever you need to escape Warren Blackstone,” Colby joked, thinking about the firm’s curmudgeonly managing partner.
“You’d better expect me on a regular basis,” Todd rejoined with laughter. His wistful glance, however, suggested he’d intended the double meaning of his words. Colby hoped their friendship didn’t suffer because she didn’t return his interest.
By the time she excused herself from her friends, most of the other tables had been cleared of the first course. Too late for her to determine whether the other guests had devoured their meals, like her friends had, or simply moved food around their plates.
She did, however, discern the fluidity in the way the waitstaff continued working the room. Gentry now wandered around, snapping candid photos. Guests were chatting and laughing. The upbeat energy took root somewhere in her chest and revved her.
That fizzy lightness lasted until her mother charged toward her—expression panicked—like a steaming locomotive about to hit broken railroad ties. “Colby, did you remember to tell Hunter about Snickers?”
“Yes, and I told Sara as well.” Good grief. This? Now?
“Richard mentioned him, and Hunter forgot to play along. He tried to cover his mistake, but I’m not sure Richard buys it.”
Colby glanced at Hunter, who speared her with bug eyes. Thankfully, Sara kept Richard distracted with bubbly conversation.
“I told you not to lie,” Colby murmured, “Just come clean tonight.”
“Then he’ll never trust me.” Her mom toyed with her necklace.
“Exactly why you shouldn’t lie in the first place.”
“Don’t lecture” came her harsh whisper. “I need your help.”
“I’m kind of busy, Mom. The main course is about to be served. Here’s my best advice: get back there before Hunter does more damage.”
Her mother’s eyes widened before she dashed back to her table.
As the main courses began to arrive, Colby decided to check on Alec. She popped into the kitchen and froze. Cooks frantically assembled each dish. Alec barked out orders and, alongside Chris, inspected and wiped every plate before it left the kitchen. Flames shot up from the stove, clatter erupted from the dishwashing station, waiters whirred past. Heat, noise, chaos.
The heart of the restaurant, and Alec made it beat like that of an Olympic athlete.
Another satisfied jolt stole through her. This was hers—or it would be once she paid off CTC’s investment. With Alec at the helm, they couldn’t fail. As if hearing her thoughts, he looked up.
“What?” Alec spared her the briefest glance before fixing his attention on the next plate set in front of him.
“I . . . I just came to check in.”
His brows knit together as he adjusted something on the dish. “We’re fine, but I need to focus.”