Chapter Three
Garett
“What did she think she was doing?” My booming voice fills the reception area as Kath wraps a bandage around Ruby’s hand. The scent of blood is in the air. Not even the sugary globs of marshmallow that had somehow stuck to my hands before I gave up trying to clean the counters could mask it. “What the hell is wrong with her?”
“You can ask me directly. I’m right here,” Ruby snaps from her seat next to Kath.
I glance at her briefly and consider finding a spare mouth guard. Her blouse and jacket are so tight it’s a wonder they’re holding her boobs in. Her skirt grips her curvy ass like that’s its only calling in life.
“I thought it was a children’s party. That’s what it says in the diary.” She winces as Kath slowly bandages her. I can do a much better job, but I’m not going near our new useless manager.
“Didn’t you think the grey perms and the layers of nylon and polyester were a giveaway? Bloody hell, what a mess.” I fist my hands. “And you tried to catch a knife. Have you ever been in a kitchen before?”
“I was flustered. I know how to handle working in a kitchen.”
“Are you sure?” I growl. “You know making a mediocre cup of tea doesn’t count, right?”
“Garett, you need to cheer up. It was an accident. And those ladies will be back in five minutes after their early break. Homemade chocolate cookies will only keep them calm for so long,” Kath replies, her voice soft. “You’ve got a session to run.”
“And she has trashed my kitchen.” I point at Ruby as if I still don’t want to speak to her even though I just did. “There’s marshmallow goop sticking to the demonstration counters and strands of dried spaghetti all over the floor.”
I catch Wicksy staring at Ruby with big moon-like eyes. He usually reserves that stare for when we have a group of hot women in for a cookery class. I grind my teeth loudly.
“Why are you standing around, Wicksy? You need to tidy up. Get in the kitchen and sort it out before we lose these clients.”
“Yes, Chef,” Wicksy shouts before rushing out of the room.
“I’m going to have words with Amber about this.” I pause, my brow furrowing. “I’m guessing Amber is fine.”
When Kath nods, I add, “So why didn’t anyone tell me we were getting a new manager? You’d think I deserve to know, or am I just inconsequential to all of you?”
“It would help if you turned up on time or answered your phone,” Ruby grumbles.
“It would help if you didn’t try and catch falling knives or—”
Ruby stands and faces me. “I checked the diary, and it said it was a children’s party. I set out the room wrong. I thought I’d try baking with them. They were all asking for you, but you were late, which you could have warned us about. You’re not perfect. Right now, you’re far from it. You could try acting less like a petulant child.”
“You shouldn’t be working here,” I retort. I’m being ridiculous. But I need this job to get Cookie back and to regain some self-respect. Pissed off clients mean bad reviews and no customers for our classes. “I am going to sort out this mess. I will put on my charm to keep everyone happy.”
“That has to be seen to be believed. I’ll have to run out to all the local villages to tell them how great your transformation can be,” she mumbles.
“How about you do that and never return?” I snarl. “And don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.”
As I leave the reception area, Kath says, “Ruby, do you need a moment? Maybe go and sit in your car for a second.”
“Hopefully, space will help me forget that jerk.”
I turn back and glare. I’ll show her how much of a jerk I can be to her while I charm all the ladies to ensure we get their return business and keep our reputation. I give myself a shake, push my shoulders back, and force my fakest smile as I enter the kitchen.
“Ladies, it’s time to get your cook on. Are you ready to make the best meal you’ve ever eaten?”