45. Cole
Forty Five
Cole
Taking a deep breath of the late morning air, I watch the city moving around down below. It’s amazing how many people are out and about on a sunny Sunday morning.
I suppose it’s one of the few we have left as fall is here. A cool breeze glides across my skin and moves the hair from my face.
It was strange waking before Sal. While I hated leaving his warmth, the morning beckoned me.
The conversation with Sal last night touched me in a way I hadn’t expected. The future isn’t something I wanted to think about. My stupid, hopeless romantic heart begged for what I have now, but I never saw it coming true.
What other dreams are within my grasp that I didn’t think were possible?
Sipping my iced water, I watch a couple jogging together. I can picture Sal and I doing that together. There isn’t much I can’t picture.
My mind wanders from unfulfilled dreams of being a chef to the farmers market we’re going to go to together.
Will things be different now that everyone knows we’re together?
For the best, I tell myself. Now that I actually know the people I work with, and care for them.
A warmth fills my chest. I need to schedule some time to hang with Tony.
Picking my phone from the table, I decide to text him.
Me: How’s Bella doing after last night?
It’s only a minute before my phone buzzes.
Tony: So good! She ended up drinking more and dancing! Were you guys gone pretty quick?
Me: yeah.. I was overwhelmed lol
Tony: All good, just glad you are ok.
Me: Wanna come to the farmers market with us today?
A double date.
Tony: Totally! See you there
This is gonna be awesome.
My phone buzzes again and I wonder if Tony needs the address.
Oliver: Hey buddy!
Did Oliver just call me buddy? No way.
Oliver: I have someone looking for a personal chef. Would you like me to schedule the interview? No rush on answer, just let me know by the end of today
Oh shit. Emotions spin through me like a roulette wheel. Fear, dread, excitement and so many questions.
Did he enjoy my cooking that much? Have him and Sal chatted about my failed dreams behind my back?
Oh God.
I should chuck my phone off the balcony so I don’t have to respond.
Instead, I message him back.
Me: Yes please!
My hands tremble as I set my phone back down. The sounds of footsteps and then a hand on my shoulders make me jump.
Sal chuckles. “Didn’t mean to scare you,” he says from the doorway.
I gesture for him to take a seat across from me. He’s half-naked but obliges. Does he sense my nervous energy?
I can’t keep my secret in. “Oliver offered me an interview as a personal chef.”
Genuine shock registers on his face. I don’t know if I’ve seen that on him before, in this way.
He starts sipping a coffee I hadn’t even noticed.
“What did you say?”
Biting my lip, I can’t look him in the eye. Just as everything’s about to settle, it’s about to be shaken up again.
I should text Oliver back and say never mind.
“I said yes to the interview.”
Sal’s eyes gleam. “That’s perfect, baby.”
I meet his gaze fully. “Yeah?”
He nods and sips his coffee. Damn, he looks good sitting there shirtless in his silk pajamas. Has he left those here for when he spends the night?
I wish all his stuff were here .
I try to swallow that thought.
“I think you should give it a shot. I’d miss you at the office, but you’re meant to be in the kitchen.”
I don’t know why but that makes me laugh. “We’ll see.”
But he looks at me as if he already knows I’ll get the job.
“We’ll see,” I say again, then we both look out at the city moving around.
As he sips his coffee, I drink in quick glances of him, hoping I can have the same confidence as him.
Maybe it will work out as nicely as we have fit together.
“You’re a little too eager to have me take a new job offer.”
Sal nods. “Because you’re not meant to be stuffed away at some nine to five. You’re meant to be a chef.”
The confidence in his words struck me with admiration and gratitude.
Despite the compliment, I’m prompted to counter. My arrogance regarding that before was unwarranted. “There’s nothing wrong with a nine to five.”
I’m sure I’ve won this argument.
“If it’s where you’re meant to be, then sure, there’s nothing wrong with it.”
There he goes again, speaking as if he’s some authority on my destiny.
“I’ll have the interview, and we’ll see.”
That smug smile on his face makes me want to reach across and slap him on his building muscles. Something clever comes to mind and I opt to run my mouth instead.
“Finish that coffee and show me who’s boss.”
The smile quickly shifts as he damn near chokes on the sip he’s taking.
I expect some sassy remark. Raising to his feet, he sets his drink down and grabs me by my hand. “Yes sir.”
A morning with my boss and now boyfriend in my sheets will help put my nerves to rest. That’s the one thing I’ve extremely confident about.