Chapter 7 Trial Run – Kerry
Mondays always bring their own kind of chaos, don’t they?
Today has been no exception.
I’ve somehow managed to complain about my potential employer to his own mother, bonded with the daughters of the man who’s been relentlessly invading my thoughts, and dove back into my passion—teaching.
All things considered, I’d say this day is turning out quite remarkably.
Teaching again fills me with an exhilarating joy I hadn’t realized I’d missed so much.
Unlike managing a classroom of twenty-five energetic kids, focusing on just two has its unique rewards.
There’s Syd, who has stubborn streak, and Ari, who is determined to rely on her calculator as a shortcut through her math problems.
Two inquisitive and very spirited girls.
Oh, how I’ve missed this!
“Okay, girls! We’ve done so much this morning. Who’s ready for lunch?” I announce.
Syd shoots her hand up, excitement twinkling in her eyes.
“Me! But I bet Dad’s still cooking.”
“Does he make your lunch every day?” I ask, my curiosity piqued by their enthusiasm.
Syd nods, her eyes lighting up.
“Yeah, and it’s always super good. You’re going to love his food. We’re like his lab rats. He tests his new recipes on us.” The girls giggle, their laughter echoing warmly around the room.
“Syd, we’re his taste testers!” Ari playfully corrects her .
“That sounds fun and delicious!” I find myself increasingly charmed by their closeness.
These girls have quickly found a place in my heart with their vibrant spirits.
Ari is especially light-hearted and spunky.
She exudes confidence, which speaks of the love that surrounds her.
Despite her physical challenges, she doesn’t allow her disability to hold her back, which inspires me more than she could possibly know.
Syd is sharp for a six-year-old, and I can tell she always gets her way.
While Ari’s disability is recognizable at first glance, I’ve begun to notice the limited mobility in Syd’s left arm as well.
Like her sister, she doesn’t allow anything to hinder her spirit or drive.
Though there’s an obvious tragic history within this family, their love and light seem to overshadow the pain they’ve experienced.
As I contemplate the layers of their young lives, my commitment to understanding and supporting them deepens.
It’s clear there’s a lot beneath the surface of the Grimes family, and I’m eager to learn more.
As a teacher, I’m committed to understanding my students and their backgrounds to provide the best education possible.
With the Grimes girls, my dedication feels even more personal.
I already care deeply for them and their father.
He’s enigmatic, infuriating, and intriguing.
He lingers in my thoughts, adding a layer of complexity to my new role in their lives.
“Alrighty, girls, how’s about we crash your dad’s kitchen and throw him off his game?” I suggest sparking a conspiratorial glint in their eyes.
Syd gasps.
“Ooh, this is gonna be fun! Dad hates being interrupted.”
We tiptoe towards the kitchen, giggling softly.
Peeking around the corner, we catch Vic in a rare, unguarded moment with Gary, Ms.
Tina, and Vicky, discussing lunch preparations.
“I just hope she likes it,” Vic mutters, uncertainty coloring his tone.
“She’s never had my cooking before. I should’ve just grilled some burgers.”
Vicky chuckles, her voice full of affection.
“Son, you’re a world-class chef, and you’re second-guessing yourself over a woman?”
Gary joins in with a tease, “See, I told you, Ms. Victoria. He’s smitten! Completely lovestruck. Haven’t seen him like this in ages.”
“It’s heartwarming, really,” Ms.
Tina adds, her smile audible in her voice.
“Seeing him like this, it’s like the old Vic is coming back to us. ”
Vic smiles, though his tone betrays his annoyance.
“I’m right here, you know? And I’m not lovestruck. I just want to make sure Ms. Kind is comfortable and happy here, that’s all.”
Hearing his words, I can’t help but feel a warmth spread through me.
The past few hours with his daughters have brought a genuine joy that I hadn’t realized I was missing.
I am happy.
Today’s been the happiest I’ve been in months, and his desire to ensure I’m happy only deepens the budding connection I feel toward him and his family.
When our giggles eventually give us away, Vic and the others pause their conversation and turn towards us.
Playing innocent, I ask, “Did we interrupt something important?”
Vic replies with a smile, “Not at all. You’re just in time. Lunch is ready.”
I usher the girls to the bathroom to wash their hands, and when we return, we sit down to a spread that looks more suited for a royal banquet than a casual family lunch.
I can’t help but marvel at the care Vic clearly puts into everything he does.
“Wow, this is lunch?” I can’t keep the awe from my voice.
Vic, serving us, smiles modestly.
“I like to cook, so I thought I’d prepare something special. We’ve got a saffron-infused seafood risotto, herb-crusted lamb chops, and a deconstructed caprese salad with a balsamic reduction drizzle for a touch of whimsy.”
Syd’s eyes widen at the sight of the colorful risotto, and Ari claps her hands in delight at the lamb chops.
I’m amazed by it all.
Vic’s culinary skills are as much a gateway to his world as they reflect his passion, and I find myself increasingly charmed, not just by the food, but by the chef himself.
The connection I feel with Vic strengthens with every shared glance, light touch, and casual caress as he serves the food, sending sparks along my skin.
Despite the professional boundaries I know we should maintain, I can’t help but flirt with the idea of blurring the boundaries just a little.
“Y’all sure know how to eat good in this family.” I remark as Vic assists me and the girls into our seats before pouring water into our glasses alongside a cup of punch.
“And you cook every day?” I ask, genuinely impressed .
Vic responds with a smile, setting down the pitcher.
“I’m always busy with work, so the least I can do is ensure my girls have three good meals every day.” He bends down and kisses the top of their heads.
“Enjoy.”
Confused, I frown, noting his lack of a plate as he nearly exits the dining room.
“But wait! Aren’t you joining us?”
Ms.
Tina, Gary, and even Ms.
Vicky exchange surprised glances.
“Dad never eats lunch with us,” Syd explains with a hint of sadness in her voice.
“He’s always working in his study, remember?”
I gasp, taken aback.
“Mr. Grimes! There’s no way we’re going to let you cook something this scrumptious and not enjoy it.” I state firmly, setting my jaw.
“Sit down right now and eat with us.”
“I can’t, I really need to—” He starts to protest.
“Nope, can’t isn’t allowed in this house, right girls?” I interrupt, turning to the giggling girls for support.
“That’s right, Ms. Kind.” Syd chimes in with laughter.
Ms.
Tina mumbles under her breath, “I really like her.”
Vic and I lock eyes, a silent battle of wills unfolding between us.
He hesitates, but the girls’ eager nods and my insistent gaze finally coax him to the table.
“Okay, I’ll join. But only for ten minutes! I have to submit these plans before five.” He warns, settling into the seat with a resigned smile.
The earlier formalities dissolve as we dine, replaced by genuine exchanges and shared laughter.
It’s clear Vic is more than just a diligent father and skilled chef; he’s a man deeply dedicated to his daughters’ joy and well-being.
I notice him gradually relaxing, his tension melting as he spends precious time with his daughters.
I can’t imagine the pressure he’s dealing with–managing the family business and raising two daughters while still attempting to have a life of his own.
He was right.
His life is complicated.
And though I know he’s my employer, and I should focus on my ultimate career goal, I really don’t mind complications, not if it involves getting closer to the Grimes family.
Throughout the meal, his occasional glances in my direction are soft and thoughtful, and he even engages when the girls begin to probe.
“Ms. Kind, I think Daddy likes having you around. He never eats with us.” Syd casually reveals while the house staff attempt to contain their laugh .
Vic looks visibly embarrassed but also so cute while trying to gather words to respond.
“Ooh, Daddy’s blushing!” Ari squeals.
Vicky gently intervenes.
“Now, now, girls. Don’t put your dad on the spot like that,” She then adds with a smirk.
“Though you do seem a bit flustered, Vic.”
Oh geez, now I’m blushing.
“And this is exactly why I eat in my office.” Vic smiles, attempting to actually make a joke.
He then looks at me, a trace of nervousness flickering in his eyes.
“So, Ms. Kind, how’s the food?”
Knowing Vic is a five-star chef, I feel a bit self-conscious about my reaction.
He must know his food is spectacular and that I’m trying my hardest not to come off as a desperately hungry, broke fast-food connoisseur who hasn’t had a homecooked meal in forever!
If I were home, I’d probably lick this damn plate clean.
“It’s delicious, Mr. Grimes. I could never cook something like this. Well, I’m sure I can, but I’ll be honest, I’m a much better baker than a cook.”
His interest piqued, Vic slightly leans in.
“You enjoy baking?”
“Do I?” I hysterically retort.
“I love baking! Now, I’m no trained professional like you, Chef Grimes, but I can bake a mean sweet potato pie. They’ve won first place in the Beverly Mills Bake-off for two years in a row. I bet you’ll love my pies.”
Vic’s gaze intensifies, sparking a flutter in my chest.
“I bet I will.” He replies, a playful edge to his voice.
Flustered by our exchange, I find myself blushing and subconsciously tucking a stray curl behind my ear.
His presence has a way of making every other distraction fade away, leaving just the two of us in a bubble of our own until Ari’s gleeful interjection snaps us back to reality.
“Ms. Kind, when you move in, you won’t have to worry about cooking. Dad handles that. You two could tag team! Dad will cook dinner, and you’ll bake.” She suggests with a hopeful grin.
I smile, amused by her forwardness.
“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is still just an interview, remember?” I gently remind them.
The girls sigh in unison, their voices tinged with disappointment.
“Yeah, we know. ”
Then, Vic breaks their lull, offering his daughters a hint of reassurance, “The best interview ever, if you ask me.”
Their faces instantly brighten, and their smiles spread with infectious joy.
My heart flutters slightly, warmed by his unexpected affirmation.
Pretending not to notice, I focus on my plate, but I can’t ignore Ms.
Tina’s soft ‘aww’ filling the room or Vic’s steady gaze that tenderly holds mine from across the table, wrapping the moment in an unspoken connection that feels both unexpected and just right.
But suddenly, Ms.
Vicky interjects with a reminder, her tone shifting the conversation to more pressing matters.
“Son, your schedule’s about to get hectic. Your PR team has gone all out for your re-introduction into society. You have public appearances, award shows, the business dinner with the City Manager, the showrunner party. And, oh yeah—”
Vic waves a hand dismissively, attempting to maintain the casual atmosphere.
“Mom, no business talk at the table, please.”
Vicky isn’t deterred.
“Don’t you dare dismiss me. You will not bail out on any of your commitments. You need the town’s support, especially with all the pushback on your new building design. I’ve been making friends with all the powers-to-be, but you gotta stop mistaking your sarcasm for humor. You’re gonna burn every bridge before we can even create one.” She then turns to me, her suggestion catching me off guard.
“You know what? Kerry, you should accompany Vic to all of these engagements he keeps trying to avoid. I’m sure you know the City Manager, Jeffrey Jones, right?”
Stammering slightly, I reply, “Uh, yes, I do, actually. I taught both of his children, and his wife and I used to organize the town’s Fall Festival together every year.”
Vicky beams.
“That’s perfect! Would you mind being my socially inappropriate son’s date to that dinner and a few other engagements over the next few months? This town’s been pushing back on the build, the T.V. show, everything! Vic’s attitude is the main reason why so your hometown connections might help sway things in our favor.”
Vic looks torn between frustration and resignation.
“Mom, you can’t just volunteer Kerry to do that.” He protests, though his tone lacks conviction .
Shrugging off any hesitation, I assure him, “It’s no trouble at all. I’d be happy to help. Besides, the town already seems to think I’m your…” I pause, glancing at the girls and opting for discretion, “…special friend.”
Vic, caught off guard by my willingness, lets a genuine smile break through his usually reserved demeanor.
“Well, then, it’s settled. If you really don’t mind the boring affairs of business dinners and fake smiles, I’d appreciate your company.”
“Not at all, Mr. Grimes. I’m all in,” I affirm, my voice steady yet revealing a hint of excitement.
“Feel free to use me up.” The words slip out more flirtatiously than intended, and a low chuckle escapes his lips, sending a warm thrill through me.