Chapter Nine
One Step Forward
Walking into the restaurant, Rachel immediately spotted her sister Jess, her purple hair distinctly noticeable.
Rachel toyed with the zipper of the white hoodie she had in her car.
By the time she’d left the estate, she hadn’t had time to change.
So it was either the hoodie which looked odd with her dress pants and shoes, or it was wear the dirty blazer.
Happily the hoodie was clean and hid the dirt she’d also discovered on her shirt. She was sure that a few of the stains weren’t dirt, but more likely grease. Hopefully, they would come out.
Reaching the table, she gave Jess a huge smile as she slid into the booth. “Hey there, you. How are you doing?”
“I’m good,” Jess replied. “Work’s been going well. Unfortunately, Jill’s been sick, so I’ve been covering. Although I don’t mind so much. The extra pay has been nice, even if the hours are long.”
Jess was an assistant manager at a restaurant.
Rachel knew she liked the job but couldn’t help thinking about what could have been.
In college, Jess had been excited about her dreams. Her desire was to work for a tourism board doing marketing and PR.
She had an associate’s degree in travel and tourism, and had even been considering switching to a four-year marketing degree, but Chris soon put an end to that.
When Jess had first moved back, Rachel had assumed she’d jump right back on that track, not realizing her sister needed time. Time to recover. Time to stand on her own two feet. Time to dream again. And as her sister kept reminding her, time to build a resume and network of contacts again.
“But that’s me,” Jess remarked, interrupting Rachel’s train of thought. “I’m eager to hear how you’re doing. You said on the phone you got pulled into a big project. So spill. I want all the details.”
The server came by with their drinks, and Rachel shot Jess a look. “What?” her sister asked. “Like you weren’t going to order a diet soda? Some things never change.”
Rachel smiled despite the sting of Jess’ words.
Matt used to make comments about Rachel’s habitual ordering.
Although his comments weren’t the loving, teasing nature of her sister’s.
She thought Matt was just joking too, but then he threw it back in her face.
Called her inflexible and unapproachable.
Suddenly, her regular order had become evidence of ‘her inability to fully commit to another person.’ At least, according to Matt.
However, she refused to keep hearing that negativity.
She certainly didn’t want Matt to live rent-free in her head and ruin the relationship she was rebuilding with her sister.
She wanted the close friendship the sisters had shared growing up.
Sure, it was light and playful at times, but also deeply supportive. Matt’s comments be damned.
When the waitress asked if they were ready to order, Jess looked at Rachel with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Would you like me to order for you?”
Rachel couldn’t help the smile that tipped the corners of her mouth. This was the sister she remembered.
“She’ll have the chicken parm. With ziti not linguine. Extra sauce on the side.”
So fine. She was a creature of habit. Rachel could live with that. Especially since the chicken parmigiana here was to die for. It was also so big, she had leftovers to take home.
“And she’ll have a side of garlic bread with that,” Jess quickly added.
The waitress looked at Rachel, and when she nodded, the woman laughed. “She’s got you down cold, doesn’t she?”
“Yeah, she does,” Rachel laughed.
Once the waitress left, Rachel rolled her eyes at Jess. “I don’t always get the same thing,” she started.
Jess waved her away. “You do here. And it’s a good choice. If I didn’t love their lasagna as much, I’d get the chicken parm too.” Jess sipped her soda before prompting Rachel again. “So. The big project?”
“Oh yeah. It was crazy. The team member who was supposed to be the lead was out sick, so Seth pulled me into this meeting last minute. It’s a huge deal because the company is hoping this will be the first of many projects for this client.
“As part of it, I’m on site at the White Hall Estate. It’s this huge old mansion down by the shoreline. It has the most incredible grounds and overlooks the ocean. You probably don’t remember, but I went to my friend Alex’s wedding there just a few months ago.”
“I do remember,” Jess said excitedly. “I looked it up when you told me about going to a wedding there. Tell me you’ve had a comprehensive tour, because you were pretty slim with the details before.”
Rachel laughed, “Well, I was concentrating on the wedding, not the estate! But no,” she said. “I haven’t gotten a full tour yet, but I have seen more of the grounds.”
“Man,” Jess said. “I am so jealous that you get to see that place. I would kill to see the inside. When I checked it out online, there were some nice marketing photos. The place looked amazing.
“But you know me, I want to see more, like real photos from events, not just the staged stuff. Why aren’t there more client photos or reviews? The event space must be stunning.”
“Oh, the space is magnificent. But they’ve only been doing events there for a bit, so that’s probably why there weren’t as many photos. Cal, the owner, or I guess manager? Not sure. Anyway, Cal took it over about two years ago and did some renovations before it was ready to host events.”
Seeing the interest on her sister’s face, she continued, “I saw the chapel today. What an unusual space. Cal said it used to be a carriage house. And he put in all this stained glass, so when the sun hits it, the colors inside are just crazy amazing. He restored the original wide plank flooring. So between the coziness of the wood and the stained glass, it’s a remarkable location. ”
Their meals came, and they both focused on enjoying those first few bites before Jess said, “Seems like you and this Cal guy hit it off pretty well.”
Rachel almost spit out her garlic bread, but that would have been a crime against deliciousness. When she swallowed, she immediately said, “Oh, hell no!” with a forceful headshake, causing Jess to laugh.
Rachel launched into the story of Trace at the wedding which led to her initial encounter with Cal, stoking her own anger about the argument all over again.
She felt better seeing the same outrage reflected on Jess’ face.
It helped validate her feelings. It was always good to get an outside opinion that you weren’t crazy or making a mountain out of a molehill.
“I can’t believe that happened,” Jess said. “And it’s incredible that you have to work with him now.”
“I know,” Rachel whined. “My big chance to prove myself to my new boss, and I get saddled with Mr. Grumpy and Disagreeable.
“But I’m doing everything I can to ensure I succeed. I’ve been doing lots of research, learning about the business on my own, not just from Cal. I will not let him derail this for me. It’s too important.”
“Well, you have me too,” Jess said. “I’m delighted to answer questions or just talk about the hospitality industry.”
Rachel wanted to reject her offer but knew it would hurt her sister’s feelings.
She refused to add anything to her sister’s already full plate.
If Cal was bringing up memories of Chris for Rachel, she wouldn’t allow her sister to get anywhere near the man.
There was no way she intended to drag her sister into this. It was Rachel’s problem to solve.
Some of her thoughts must have shown, because Jess frowned at her. “What?” Jess’s shoulders were tense and her face closed off. Rachel kicked herself for ruining what was a splendid dinner with her sister.
“Nothing,” Rachel said. When Jess glared at her, she added, “I’m certain you have a lot on your plate, and I’d rather not add to that.”
“Rachel.” Jess’s tone was clipped. “If I offer to help, that means I can help. If I couldn’t handle it, or the timing wasn’t ideal, I wouldn’t offer.
It sounds like this is a significant project for you, and I want to support you.
So, please,” she sighed exasperatedly. “Please call on me if you need any information. I mean it.”
“Thanks,” Rachel replied, torn by how she was feeling. For the millionth time, she wished her mom was still around for advice. Would her mom approve of her protecting Jess? Or would she agree with the obviously annoyed Jess that Rachel was overstepping?
Even though she had to confess, she loved the way Jess had her back.
It made her hopeful that one day they would regain the easy, close bond they’d once shared.
Still, a large part of her was reluctant to lean on Jess too much or make many demands on her.
Not only to protect her, but because Rachel prided herself on being self-sufficient.
This was her project and her problem; she’d handle it.
Seeing her sister’s scowl, she added, “I promise I will reach out with questions or to ask your opinion. And Jess? I really appreciate the offer.”
Jess smiled, which drained some of the tension out of Rachel. She’d have to give this some thought. Asking Jess some questions could help them become closer, provided that it didn’t embroil her sister in anything. There had to be a way to balance that.
Tabling that for later, Rachel focused back on Jess who was asking, “Are you caught up with Great British Bake Off, or do I need to be sure I don’t spoil it for you?”
Nothing beat a GBBO debrief with Jess. Leaning in, she used her fork to accent her words. “Matilda was robbed! Her cake looked delicious. No way she should have gone home already.”
“But what about that soggy bottom pastry? And we both know she would have never survived bread week.”
Rachel laughed, relieved the strain between them dissipated quickly. “Please. You’re just upset Carl wasn’t star baker.”
“Oh, he will be. Mark my words. That man knows his way around puff pastry.”
Neither one of them could contain their laughter at that. The remainder of the night passed in a blur of laughter and great conversation. Rachel stored every moment in her heart.