And when Amelia brought out dessert, a chocolate mousse with a white chocolate truffle topping, Harmony was certain there was no way Flynn wouldn’t hire her.
“I’m in love with this dessert, Amelia,” Harmony said. “It’s incredibly light and airy, yet the taste is decadent.”
“I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.”
She could tell from the smile on Amelia’s face that she was proud of the meal she’d served.
After Barrett ran his spoon around the empty ramekin several times, he said, “This was a kick-ass meal, Amelia. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
They all looked to Flynn, who nodded. “It was very good.”
Amelia nodded back. “Thanks.”
Harmony wanted to throw her shoe at Flynn. Very good? That was it?
“Tell me about your life in—Portland, is it?” Harmony asked.
“I’m actually in the process of selling my house and making a move here to San Francisco.”
“Oh. Do you have family here?”
“No. But I’ve been here many times and I enjoy the vibe of the city. And of course, the food and restaurant culture here is spectacular, so this is where I want to settle.”
She nodded. “I can understand why. This is my first trip out here, but I love what I’ve seen of the city so far.”
Barrett shrugged. “It’s an okay place, if you like architecture, incredible vistas, history, great music and incredible food. Otherwise . . . eh.”
Amelia laughed. “I’m really looking forward to making the move here.”
“And I’m looking forward to eating wherever you end up as chef,” Barrett said, giving his brother a pointed look.
“I’m sure Amelia will be successful wherever she ends up,” Flynn said.
“Now that Amelia fixed us this amazing meal, Flynn and I will do the cleanup,” Barrett said, standing. “Harmony, why don’t you and Amelia take the bottle of wine and head out onto the front porch and relax?”
“That’s a great idea.”
Clearly Barrett had had enough of his brother’s noncommitment as well. She grabbed the bottle and her glass. Amelia followed her.
They sat in the oh-so-comfortable cushioned chairs. It was cool out tonight, so Harmony was glad she’d grabbed her sweater.
“Are you cold?” she asked Amelia, who was dressed in flowing pants and a short-sleeved silk top.
“I’m fine, thank you. This weather feels perfect to me. A lot like home.”
“Did you grow up in Portland?”
“Seattle, actually. But I’ve lived in Portland for the past five years.”
“What brought you down there?”
“My marriage. My husband—ex-husband now—moved there for work, and I followed. But I loved it there. It was a great city to live in, and I had a phenomenal job as a chef at a fantastic restaurant.”
“And yet you’re moving here.”
Amelia stared down at the glass of wine in her hand, as if it were some kind of crystal ball that would yield her a glimpse into her future. “Time for some changes in my life.”
Harmony didn’t want to pry, but she figured Amelia could tell her to mind her own business if she wanted to. “I imagine the ex is the cause of those changes?”
Amelia lifted her gaze to Harmony’s and smiled. “Oh. Definitely.”
“Sounds to me like you need to get the hell outta town.”
Amelia laughed. “I’m not fleeing or anything, but yes, I want to put some distance between myself and my ex-husband.”
“You’re safe though, right?”
“Yes. It’s nothing like that. I just want a clean slate, and I’d like to establish new memories. Portland reminds me too much of him, and of all the promises he made to me that were never fulfilled. Does that make sense?”
“Yes. It absolutely does. Well, you’ve chosen a beautiful city to start over in.”
“I think so, too.”
“And about Flynn. I don’t know why he wasn’t gushing over that meal you cooked. I thought it was phenomenal.”
Amelia waved her hand. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I considered it part of the interview. I’m sure he’ll speak to me about it later.”
“So you weren’t pissed? I’d have been pissed.”
Amelia laughed. “Not at all. I’ve often had to fix a meal for prospective employers, and they very rarely comment at all while they’re eating. Though I appreciate you and Barrett overcompensating on Flynn’s behalf.”
“I was not overcompensating. If it wasn’t inappropriate, I might have kissed you. I kind of have a thing for food.”
“Then I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Now tell me about you, Harmony. You said you were visiting out here. Where are you from?”
“I live in Tampa.”
“Oh, a lovely city. And warm, too.”
“It can get very warm. But it’s my home and I love it there.”
“What do you do for a living?”
“I’m an interior designer.”
Amelia’s eyes widened. She shifted in her chair to face her. “Seriously? What a fabulous career.”