Anna Stewart - Recipe For Redemption

Abby eyed him as she sipped the water she’d set on the table when she’d first arrived. “As far as scandal rankings, I would put cheating on a national TV show somewhere between Mrs. Greely’s penchant for pilfering neighbors’ flatware and whoever’s been snipping buds off Mr. Rondale’s prized roses. Someone will probably say something at some point, but if you’re looking to have that past held against you, the last person you want to talk to is Luke. He’s a big believer in second chances.”

“Sounds like there’s a story there.”

“If you ask, he’ll give you the abbreviated version. Growing up we called him the bad boy of Butterfly Harbor.” Abby’s heart still ached for the life Luke led growing up. Between his abusive alcoholic father and an accident that had nearly cost Holly’s father his life, Luke had worked hard to overcome his past. She still admired the courage it had taken for him to come home after all those years away. “It was rough going when he first showed up, but then he stopped letting his past define him. Now look at him.” She nodded to where Simon had all but superglued himself to the sheriff and Holly stroked a finger down the center of her fiancé’s chin. “Happily ever after.”

“Nice to know things work out for some people.”

“Things work out for a lot of people.” How sad he didn’t realize that.

“But not you.” Jason glanced uneasily at the laminated menu behind the ketchup bottle. “You’re not married.”

“Blunt and charming as ever.” Yet somehow she was getting used to it. “Maybe I’m waiting for some tall, handsome, scandal-ridden ex-chef to sweep me off my feet.” She grabbed the menu to push into his reluctant hands. “Meanwhile I divide my time between a genius eight-year-old and, most recently, a bowling alley tech with a penchant for shoe rentals.”

“I never know whether you’re joking or not.”

“I wish I was joking. Read the menu already, Super Chef. It’s not going to bite, and look.” She swiped her fingers over the top of the black-and-orange Formica table and showed them to him. “No pedestrian grease.”

“Darn straight there’s no grease, pedestrian or otherwise.” Holly frowned at her as she set a glass of water down for Jason and tapped her fingers against the rolling pin sticking out of her apron. “This diner might be old, but it’s my second baby. It was my grandmother’s for almost forty years.”

“I’m beginning to think I should have worn protective gear.” Jason glared at Abby, who grinned in response.

“That remains to be seen.” Holly placed a firm hand on her hip. “It’s not often we get celebrities in here, let alone chefs with bestselling books and award-winning restaurants. I’m hoping we’ll surprise you.”

“I’m sure you will,” Jason said. Abby was certain he was trying to find the means to inch out of arm’s reach of Holly’s weapon of mass destruction. “Can I have a minute with the menu?”

“Absolutely. Twyla will take your order when you’re ready. And you.” Holly pointed a stern finger at Abby. “We’re not done with our conversation. I’m not happy with you.”

“Love you, too,” Abby sang as Holly waltzed away.

“What isn’t she happy about?”

“Nothing important.” Abby pinched her lips shut and tried not to dwell on the rings she’d sold. Good thoughts. Positive thoughts. They weren’t gone forever. Yet.

“Did you have to tell Holly what I said about diners?”

“I tell Holly everything.” Abby shrugged. “Have ever since the sandbox.”

He set the menu down. “You’ve been friends that long?”

“You sound surprised. You were friends with your brother, weren’t you? What?” She couldn’t decipher the odd expression on his face.

“We were. But we were also competitive. I figured that’s all people saw.”

“Then people weren’t looking very closely.” All anyone had to do was look at the photos from David Corwin’s funeral to see his twin brother had been devastated by his death. She’d bet that arrogant and rude demeanor Jason wielded like a weapon was his shield against the grief. One thing about grief: the more you struggled against it, the tighter its grip became. “You look like him, you know. Since you cut your hair and grew the beard. Was that on purpose?”

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