35
Thad perched against the stainless-steel kitchen counter, observing Ashanti as she counted the sheet pans stacked on the worktable opposite where he stood. The commissary kitchen manager had left them to explore the kitchens while she showed the adjacent space to potential tenants.
“I can easily fit two dozen of the scepter treats on these,” Ashanti said. “And I can get six pans in the oven at a time. I can’t believe I waited so long to rent this space. Do you know how much time this will save me?”
“I’m guessing a lot by the smile on your face,” Thad answered.
After the morning he’d had with the fire that turned out to be nothing, but that scared the hell out of him all the same, seeing that smile was exactly what he needed. And yet, it was unnerving to realize the effect her presence could have on his mood. So much of his happiness—his feeling of worth—had been tied to the Army; it was unsettling to think that he was replacing that with something else. Or, in this case, someone else.
Still, Thad couldn’t deny that she made him happy. Despite the fact that, in most regards, they were polar opposites. She was sweet where he was surly, optimistic where he was always looking to spot where things could go wrong. She loved dogs where he… well, that was changing. He had her to thank—or rather, blame—for that too.
Ashanti looked over her shoulder. “You don’t have to stay,” she told him. “I know you didn’t expect to be stuck here while I inspect every corner of these kitchens.”
“Do you hear me complaining?” Thad asked.
She grinned. “Well, if that’s the case, go over there and check those hood vents for me.”
He pushed away from the counter and walked over to the six-burner stove. Ashanti explained that most of the work would be done by the huge commercial ovens, but some of the ingredients had to be cooked and cooled before being added to the batter.
“Cooked pumpkin, butternut squash, and carrots are the key to super-soft doggy treats,” she said.
“I’ll take your word for it,” Thad said, laughing at her eye roll. He resumed his perched position against the counter. “So now that you’ve examined every piece of equipment in the kitchen, what do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect,” she said. She shifted her gaze to the three-section sink and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. Then she looked back at him and smiled an overly bright smile. “It’s exactly what I need.”
Thad tilted his head, studying her face. “Then why do you look nervous?” he asked.
She huffed out a humorless laugh. “And this is why I can never play poker.”
“What’s wrong, Ashanti?”
She came over to where he stood and assumed his position, folding her arms across her chest.
“This is a huge step,” she said. “The kind that can make or break Duchess Delights. And…”
“And you’re afraid you’ll ruin your business if you can’t deliver?” he asked.
“I guess that’s it,” she said. “A part of me doesn’t know how to feel. Everything has happened so quickly. I went from baking a few dozen doggy treats in my home kitchen to now renting out something like this so that I can fulfill an order for twenty thousand?” She shook her head. “I should be more excited, but instead I feel like drinking Pepto Bismol straight from the bottle.”
“Is there any other way to drink it?”
That got a laugh out of her. A real one this time.
“You reserve the right to feel overwhelmed. But don’t let it get in the way of your dream.”
“I think that’s what has me so uneasy.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth again and stared out at the kitchen. “You see, this wasn’t my dream. It was never part of my original plan. Now it seems as if my little side hustle has taken over.”
Thad pushed away from the counter and came to stand in front of her. “Are you saying you don’t want to continue with Duchess Delights?”
“No. I would be a fool to give it up.”
“Not if it isn’t something you want to do.”
“I do want it,” she said. “I just don’t want to feel so overwhelmed by it all. Maybe once I hire more people I’ll feel better about this. Speaking of, I need to finally go through the list of candidates my staff suggested and start making some job offers. I need bakers in this kitchen tomorrow.”
In a show of impeccable timing, the manager returned and collected the information she needed from Ashanti to complete the contract. Thad watched her closely, ready to step in and offer reassurance if that’s what she needed. But she handled it well.
As they started for the car, it hit him that she would drive him to the Bywater house and in less than ten minutes their time together would be done. The thought caused a physical ache to settle in his chest.
He strived for nonchalance when he asked, “Do you have time for a late lunch? There’s a little Jamaican place a couple of blocks away that’s pretty good.”
“I don’t have time, but that sounds so much better than the ham sandwich waiting for me at the daycare. Do they serve alcohol with their jerk chicken?”
“Does the thought of signing that contract make you that nervous?”
“It’s not the contract,” she said with a sigh. They arrived at her car, but neither made a move to get in.
“What is it?” Thad asked.
“Anita came to the daycare this morning, threatening to take me to court over the girls because I spent the night at your house.”
“The fuck?” His anger was instant.
Ashanti waved him off. “Don’t bother getting worked up over it.” A mischievous grin pulled at one corner of her mouth. “I threatened to call the cops on her if she didn’t leave the daycare. It was amazing.”
“Next time don’t just threaten. Do it,” Thad said.
“Maybe I will,” she said, her smile widening. She tipped her head to the side. “You know what, I think I deserve that lunch. I have a feeling it will be a long time before I’m able to sit and enjoy a good meal once I start this big order.”
They’d just headed north on Lesseps Street when Ashanti’s phone rang.
“I’m tempted to not answer it,” she said, pulling the phone from her back pocket. She held it up. “As I suspected, Deja probably calling with my next headache of the day.” She answered the phone. “Hey, Deja. What’s up?”
She stopped walking. “Oh my God,” she whispered.
Panic gripped Thad’s chest.
“Oh my God! I’m on my way!” Ashanti started running back to her car before Thad could question her.
“Ashanti,” he called, catching up to her in just a couple of strides. “What’s going on?”
She was shaking so badly that her hand slipped as she tried to open the SUV’s door.
“Ashanti!” Thad said.
“It’s Duchess,” she said. “She was attacked by another dog.”
Thad jutted his chin toward the passenger side. “Get in. I’ll drive.”