“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” he asks.
We continue on the path, on the water’s edge. We’re walking along the sidewalk, a metal barrier separating us from the rocks scattered along the shore below. People wander throughout the park on my left, most on their morning jogs, enjoying the last bit of summer that remained.
“Right,” I take a deep breath, a knot forming in my chest. “I wanted to talk to you about Natalie.”
Max stops and tilts his head toward me. His abrupt stop catches me off guard, finding myself a few steps ahead of him before I stop. I turn around.
I’m unable to sense his reaction, his sunglasses successfully blocking his eyes. But I can tell by the way he’s completely stopped walking that he’s frustrated. “What happened with her this time? I thought you said she did great this past week.”
“She did.” I nod. “I just...” I pause, wondering if now would be the best time to bring up her kissing me. I decide against it, wanting to know more about her past before spilling that piece of information to Max.
I pick at the lid of my coffee, tracing my finger across the sharp edge. “I was just wondering if you knew more about Natalie’s background.”
“She didn’t tell you?” He sighs. “I spoke with the dean at the culinary institute and they said she was one of the top chefs in her class.”
“Yeah, she told me about that. I’m talking about her, in general. Has she ever mentioned anything to you about where she’s from or how she came to be up here?” I think back to when Natalie and I were at the market, waiting in line to order our smoothies. She had told me about the times her dad would take her to the Santa Monica Pier. I assumed she was from there but wanted to know more. I’m not sure why but there was more to Natalie than what she was saying. I hoped Max knew more than I did.
He shrugs, sipping his coffee. We’ve resumed our walk, Max slowing down enough to stay in line with me. “She did mention something about living in Los Angeles before moving to San Diego for school. Other than that, I don’t know too much. Technically, it isn’t any of my business since I’m her employer.”
“I know.” I take a sip of coffee. The heat has worn off, the lukewarm liquid making its way down my throat.
“Why are you asking about her?”
I frown, shaking my head as I look out at the water. “I don’t know, Max. Something seems off with her and I was just hoping maybe you could tell me something that might help me figure out what it is.”
“How’s her work? Is she proving that she can handle working at Bistro?”
“Yeah.” I nod, knowing I’m not telling Max the whole truth. For reasons unknown, I can’t bring myself to tell Max about the kiss. Maybe it was because a small part of me felt bad for Natalie, remembering how she begged me not to fire her. Max would fire her without a second thought. That I knew for certain.
Despite learning hardly anything new about Natalie, a gnawing sensation picks at my brain. I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to her story. Aside from what she’s told Max.
I decide to drop the questioning, believing him when he says that’s all he knows. Max may be somewhat of a player and popular with women, but he’s always taken his business seriously. No matter who it involved.
“How’s Lena?” Max tosses his coffee in a trash can on the sidewalk, pushing his sunglasses farther up the bridge of his nose before sliding his hands into his pockets.
“She’s doing great. Actually, she just got hired on to work for a law firm out in Tacoma.” I grin, thinking back to the day Lena told me she was hired. It was as if she was waiting for this opportunity to come her way.
“What law firm? I know a few lawyers whose offices are in Tacoma.”
“Sawyer and Sawyer.”
Max abruptly stops walking again. “Lena’s working for Candace Sawyer?”
“Yeah.” I nod, remembering that was the woman’s name Lena had mentioned. “Why?” I chuckle as Max rolls his head to the side, groaning.
“Shit, man. I can’t believe Lena is going to be working for Candace fucking Sawyer.”
“Is there something wrong with her?” I tip my head back, confused.
“Not exactly. We dated a few years back.”
“Of course you did.” I nod, tossing my unfinished coffee into the same trash can Max had.
“Whatever, man.” Max holds his hands up. “Anyway, she’s a spitfire. Intelligent woman, gorgeous, not to mention great in bed.”
“What happened with you two?”
“We were two sides of the same coin. Candace took her career as seriously as I did. She lived and breathed for her work. Eventually, our relationship exploded and then dissolved. I hope Lena can handle her.”
“I’ve been working for you for a year and I’ve survived. I’m sure Lena can do the same.” I laugh, continuing our walk.
We’re already back on the other side of the park, completing our circle. We’ve almost made our way back, heading in the direction of the restaurant just in time to open for lunch.
“Speaking of which, are you all set for our meeting with Gavin tomorrow.”
“I am.” I nod. “I have all the menu options typed up and the drink menu as well. I prepared a separate list to account for how many bottles of liquor and beer we’ll need as well.”
“Great.” Max smiles, clearly excited for this opportunity to work with Gavin again. Gavin had said there were at least five hundred people on the guest list and RSVP’s were due by the end of the week. Max suggested it could be potentially more than the five hundred Gavin stated. We were set to finalize the official count by the end of
