Dish Best Served Cold (Corporate Chaos Series Book 5)

by Leighann Dobbs

  Aside from that, she was thrilled that everyone had RSVP’d that they would attend, and she looked forward to giving them all a great time. The charity ball would be on a different day after the VIP tasting, and that was where she hoped to get a lot of donations for the Kidney Foundation. She had invited every friend and business owner that she knew and hoped they would all open their wallets to support her cause.

  She looked out of her office window, across to the water. Her mind wandered to think of Noah. Her poor grandson. She had promised Lily that she would get Noah the help that he needed and told Lily to not worry about him, to live her new life. But Gertie had a feeling about the facility that she had placed Noah in. Something just seemed off. In fact, he was supposed to have been able to attend the events, but at the last minute, his counselor had called Gertie to say that it was probably best if he didn’t come, that it was too soon for him to be around so many people.

  Meow!

  Kidney announced his presence, strutting over to the corner where he had a custom-made cat tree. He lay down on top of it and started cleaning his paws.

  “Well, Kidney, I guess what will be will be, right? I’m going to go make sure Sarah’s got all the food under control. I know the food is your favorite part!”

  4

  “Something in here sure smells wonderful.”

  Sarah placed the hot pan that held her most recent culinary creation on the countertop as Gertie rolled across the kitchen toward her.

  “Good timing! Here, try a taste of this.” She plated one of her appetizers, crisped scallops with a spicy honey sauce.

  “Oh, that’s so different! What is that sauce? Is that honey? It has a bit of a kick to it. Not too strong, though. I like it.”

  “Yes, do you think it’s okay? I don’t want it to overpower the scallops but wanted it to add to it. I had Marly try some, and she loved it.” Sarah was always worried that her creative side was a bit too creative and welcomed honest feedback, which she knew Gertie would be sure to give. Last week she had tried making a new soup, and Gertie had said it tasted like dishwater. Sarah made a few adjustments with spices, and Gertie had loved it.

  “Oh no, it’s perfect! Just like everything else you make. Don’t change a thing, dear. Is this for the tasting tomorrow or for the ball?”

  Sarah smiled and grabbed a scallop for herself.

  “Both. Since it’s different people that are attending each event, I thought I would keep this on the menu for both events, as it seems to be a hit. Judging by the people who keep coming into the kitchen to get some, anyway.”

  “Excellent! So, not to change the subject, but I saw Raffe earlier out at the front desk. Are you two getting along better these days?”

  Sarah frowned. She didn’t really know what to say, but Gertie always gave great advice, and she knew she wouldn’t judge her.

  “Not really. I’ve been focusing on getting the menu for the VIP tasting and the ball ready for over a week now, so I’m sure he thinks I’ve been avoiding him on purpose, but I haven’t. I’ve just needed to prioritize. He brought me those earlier.” She nodded to the bouquet that was still lying on the end of the kitchen counter, the petals on some of the roses starting to wilt a bit from the heat in the kitchen and lack of water.

  “Oh, how pretty! But where’s the vase?” Gertie asked, looking around.

  “Exactly. That’s just it, Gertie. There was no vase. He just brought the flowers. Yes, it was a nice surprise, but I’m super busy trying to finalize foods for the VIP tasting tomorrow night, and having to cut the flowers down and find a vase for them isn’t really what I want or should spend my time on right now. Tell me if I’m being a jerk. I’m sure I sound like a horrible person. I just don’t have a lot of patience for him.”

  Gertie laughed and reached out and patted Sarah’s hand.

  “No, dear, you aren’t being a jerk. Flowers are nice. But you bring a hand-held bouquet for when you’re going to a house, you know, like if you were having dinner for him. Or when you’re going to someone’s house for the holidays. That way you are home and can easily grab a vase and then cut the flowers and arrange them.”

  “Exactly! Ugh, he makes me so irritated!”

  “Go easy on him. Men can be kind of clueless when it comes to these things. They just think flowers are flowers. They don’t think about if it matters whether they’re in a vase already or not.”

  “I know, but it just gets to be so frustrating. I asked him to be more spontaneous, and I am sure he thought that’s what he was doing when he just showed up with the flowers. It’s the same as after I’ve worked a fourteen-hour day, and I’m all sweaty and gross and just want to shower and go to bed, and he thinks it’s a good idea to go out to a late dinner. Why? I’m around food all day! After a long day, the last thing I want is to go out to eat. Isn’t that kind of a no-brainer?”

  Gertie laughed.

  “I know just how you feel with that one. Edward is always asking me to go out to eat. I can do other things besides eat! Heck, take me up north, and we can go do some sightseeing. Just because I’m in a wheelchair doesn’t mean I can’t get around! I’m not a darn invalid!”

  “Gertie, you definitely are not an invalid,” Sarah said, smiling as she watched Gertie reach for another scallop, her bangle bracelets jingling as she did so.

  “Are you interested in Edward? You know, as a boyfriend?” Sarah asked Gertie. She knew that Gertie and Tanner had dated after the kidney donation, but he had left for China or somewhere overseas months ago, and she never really heard Gertie talk about him.

  “Eddie is a nice man, and it’s nice when you have someone who pays so much attention to you…even if it is borderline obsessive.”

  They both laughed. Sarah knew she was joking. Everyone at O’Rourke’s always joked about how Edward was like a piece of furniture in the lobby because he spent so much time there.

  “But he’s not really my type, and I have Tanner. He’s been gone for a long time, I know, but we do talk almost every day, and this place keeps me busy. He makes me happy. Are you still interested in Raffe? Or are you happier being single?”

  Sarah wasn’t expecting that question and had to think.

  “No. But I don’t really want to be with anyone besides Raffe, and I’m not sure we can figure things out so that we can be together without constantly bickering. I kind of hoped that when I left EightyEight to come and work here, well, that maybe things between us would get better. After he got over me quitting, I mean. But it’s been a few months, and things just always seem to go bad between us. His schedule is more flexible than mine, but he always seems to ask me out when it’s the worst time for me and isn’t willing to change the day. And then that gets me mad, you know? That he’s the one who can go out any day or time he wants but won’t be flexible when I say I can’t make a certain date. I guess maybe we are both a little stubborn.”

  “Ya think?” Gertie asked, laughing. “Like I said before, don’t be too hard on him. Or yourself, for that matter. Sometimes people try much too hard on things that are fairly easy. Raffe is a good guy, and he’s smart and handsome. He’s quite a catch, from what I’ve heard. Just make sure you don’t push him away for the wrong reasons, dear. Now, give me a scallop for Kidney. No sauce. You know how he loves seafood.”

  Sarah placed two scallops on a plate and handed it to Gertie.

  With that, Gertie rolled out of the kitchen, leaving Sarah alone. She glanced over at the flowers again. Gertie had a point. Sighing heavily, she looked around for a vase.

  “Do you and Jasper have any plans for dinner? I thought maybe we could all try that new Chinese restaurant that opened near you. I’ve heard that it’s wonderful and that they have authentic Chinese, not this Americanized crap. My treat.”

  Marly looked up at Edward from her desk and smiled. He seemed so lonely lately. She knew he missed his wife, but over the past year, he had just seemed lonelier and needier than ever. Even though he still worked, he was really just neede
d for board meetings, which were only once a month, if that. He stopped by the office a few times a week and usually came by their townhouse on the weekend.

  “I’m sorry. I have plans to meet Sarah. But Jasper would probably love to go with you. You know how much he loves Chinese. Maybe you could ask Raffe to go too. He and Jasper haven’t hung out in a while.”

  “Oh, will Gertie be there with Sarah?” he asked, his face perking up.

  “Oh no, sorry. It’s just me and Sarah. We try to have dinner together as often as possible. Lately we’ve each been pretty busy, so it will be nice to be able to sit down and talk, instead of just seeing each other for a few minutes or exchanging texts.”

  “Oh. Yes, that’s good. Keep your friendships when you’re married. You don’t want to be a lonely old man like me.”

  Marly felt so bad for him.

  “Have you given any thought to that site I told you about?”

  Edward made a face, and Marly knew what was coming up next.

  “Oh God, no. No one wants to date an old man like me! Besides, even if they did, how do I know they aren’t after my money? That’s why I wish Gertie would realize we are perfect for each other. I don’t need her money, and she doesn’t need mine!”

  Marly had tried to convince Edward to try online dating, or even to meet with a local matchmaker that specialized in matching senior citizens. He had refused.

  “Edward, Gertie has a boyfriend. You know that. Just because Tanner has been gone for a while doesn’t mean Gertie wants to replace him!”

  “Nonsense! What kind of relationship can they have when he’s spending most of the year in China?”

  Marly sighed heavily. Edward was handsome, and yes, he was certainly rich. But he could be a real pain in the butt and stubborn at times, and that was why Gertie most likely hadn’t been interested in pursuing a relationship with him a year ago when she was single. He just didn’t seem to understand that, or if he did, he certainly didn’t want to accept it.

  “Okay. If you change your mind, let me know. I’m more than happy to set up your profile.”

  “Have a good night. I’m going to go hunt Jasper down.”

  Marly watched as he walked away, reaching in her desk drawer for some antacids. Her stomach was giving her issues again. She hoped it wouldn’t act up during dinner.

  5

  Sarah stared at the can of shaving cream that was in the top drawer of her bathroom vanity. Although she had started out looking for a hair clip, she had ended up sitting on the edge of her bathtub instead, staring at the can for the last fifteen minutes. She and Raffe had never lived together, but he had spent enough time at her place to have had his own drawer in the vanity as well as space in her closet. She had thought that every trace of him was gone from her place.

  “Grow up,” she said to herself, standing up and closing the drawer. The one below it held her hair clips, and she reached for a black one. Twisting her hair in the back, she tossed it up onto her head, securing it with the clip. She frowned at her reflection and took the clip out. Her ash-blond shoulder-length hair fell down, the long layers framing her face. She dabbed a pink gloss on her lips and applied another coat of black mascara onto her lashes, making her blue eyes pop. She never wore makeup to work, and she had felt like getting made up to meet Marly out.

  After a quick check in the full-length mirror that was on the back of her bathroom door, she adjusted her top, centering the V-neck. Satisfied, she reached for her wristlet on the table next to the front door and stepped outside, opting to walk to the restaurant as it was only a few blocks away.

  Sarah nodded hello to the hostess at McKay’s and walked toward the lounge area. She spotted Marly sitting in their usual spot at the end of the bar, her hand waving in the air as she talked on her cellphone.

  She slid onto the black wooden barstool next to her and ordered a glass of white wine while Marly finished up her call. The lounge was fairly busy, mostly with people who had come after work to wind down.

  “Sorry about that. As usual, there’s an emergency at work. I wasn’t sure what to order you for a drink, but I did order some soft pretzels and cheese dip. Is that okay? We can order meals after if you still want. I’m starving!” Marly said.

  “That sounds perfect,” Sarah replied, taking a sip of her wine and relaxing a bit.

  “So, what’s new? I feel like we haven’t done this in forever,” Marly said.

  “Sadly, same old, same old for me. Things are crazy at work. You know the events that we are having for the Kidney Foundation are so important to Gertie, so she’s been on top of everyone to make sure things are perfect. After you left today, she came in, and we had a talk about Raffe. You know how much she likes him. And as always, she gives good advice.”

  “The events are the talk of the town. We’ve made a few gowns for people. Edward made one for Gertie, and I don’t think she even asked him to.” The two women giggled. “So, how are things with Raffe anyway? Tell me if I should mind my own business. He’s been going out with Jasper more than usual, so I think he’s been lonely without you around. Between him and Edward, they’re keeping Jasper busy.”

  Sarah sighed heavily before she answered Marly. Raffe and Jasper were very good friends, so the four of them had been together a lot while they were dating. Marly and Jasper were still together, and Sarah did feel a bit like a failure when it came to her relationship with Raffe. She knew she shouldn’t compare it to Marly and Jasper’s, but it was hard not to.

  “Things are the same, I guess. I miss him. But at the same time, I get so frustrated with him always having to plan things out, to never be spontaneous. I mean, we would go grocery shopping, and he would take twenty minutes just to pick out what kind of toilet paper we should get. Toilet paper! I don’t know—maybe I’m just a grump, but between that and working for him, it just was too much.”

  The bartender placed two small plates in front of them, followed by the large soft pretzels and dip. The two women placed a few pretzels on their plates and eagerly scooped them into the warm cheese dip.

  “I can totally understand what you mean. I honestly think the work situation was just too much. You’re a very creative person, and Raffe said that’s what he wanted. And then he kind of, I don’t know, almost went back on his word? I mean, the food is great there, but it was the same dishes that all the other restaurants in the city have. Personally, I liked the food much better when it first opened up, when you created the meals and Raffe didn’t really get involved much with the menu.”

  “It was definitely a letdown. I took it personally, which I know I shouldn’t have. But he’s just so methodical. He started to ask for menus weeks in advance and challenge my ingredients—‘oh, you’re using garlic? Usually we use pepper in that dish’—things like that. It just got so bad that I hated going to work. But I just quit my job. I didn’t mean to quit the relationship too.”

  “Maybe you just needed some space? I’m pretty sure Raffe told Jasper that you guys weren’t broken up for good.”

  Sarah wanted to ask more about what Raffe may have said to Jasper, but she also knew that maybe it was better if she didn’t know. She already had mixed emotions over the whole situation.

  “I guess we just need to sit down and actually talk things out like adults, but that won’t happen until after the events are done. I suppose we were both a little too stubborn about the whole breakup—well, me leaving work—and then just not wanting to reach out to each other first. In the meantime, I guess I’ll just be miserable second-guessing his every move.”

  The bartender approached them, and they both immediately said “yes” when asked if they wanted another drink.

  “Well, you aren’t the only one who is miserable. Lately Edward spends more time at our house than he does at his own. Moping around, talking about being lonely. I know he misses being married, having a wife. It’s kind of depressing, to be honest. I wish I knew someone I could fix him up with, but I don’t have any friends that are in the
ir seventies!”

  “He didn’t go for the online dating thing, huh?”

  “Nope. He thinks that whomever he would meet would be after him for his money. I tried to explain that there are matchmakers that he can sign up with who weed people out and can match him with someone who has their own money, but he didn’t want to hear it.”

  “He’s definitely a stubborn man,” Sarah said.

  "Ma’am, did you want Sprite or ginger ale with the cranberry?” the bartender asked Marly.

  Sarah frowned.

  “Vodka, soda, cranberry. Lemon, no lime,” Sarah told the bartender, laughing. She knew what her best friend always drank.

  “Sprite is fine, thanks,” Marly replied softly.

  “You’re not drinking?” Sarah asked her, surprised. Not that Marly drank a lot. She didn’t, and that was the point. She basically only drank when the two of them met up, or when she went to dinner with Jasper.

  “I can’t,” Marly said.

  “Why? Is everything okay?” Sarah asked, remembering that Marly had mentioned having a doctor’s appointment a few days ago. “Oh God, what is it? Are you okay?” Her mind raced, worrying that Marly might have cancer like her mother had. They had talked about that before and knew that it was always in the back of Marly’s mind.

  “Everything’s fine. It’s just… I’m pregnant.”