“This should make our friendship bloom a little sweeter. That’s your retainer until we can get serious.” I’d say giving me a check of that magnitude definitely sealed a serious friendship. We shook hands but lingered in the building for a little bit longer. We talked and laughed in the way I did with my brother and Griffin. It made me miss them. I think he was pleased at my obvious approval. For the first time in a long time, my pulse skipped just a little faster with some long-forgotten joy.

I walked a block alone. The sky was darkening. I decided this merited a phone call. I called Henry. He was with Griffin who picked up the other line. “I got it!” I said.

“Just be sure a job is all you get from Mac Whitney,” Henry said.

“Congratulations, Bae,” Griffin said. He hadn’t called me by my nickname since we had that wretched conversation on the telephone. Were we slowly reestablishing our footing or had it just slipped out, out of habit? “This might merit a repeat appearance on 40 Under 40. What does your husband think? It will be a lot of pressure,” Henry added. A loud crack of thunder followed, jolting me.

Raindrops started as I was waiting for my Uber. I saw the awning of the bank Elliott and I used. The amount was burning a hole in my pocket and needed to be deposited. Later, I’d wish I had been more concerned about the math and a little less concerned about my dress. I would transfer the funds to my account tomorrow.

I hadn’t even thought about Elliott. I hadn’t thought about how or even if I would tell him. It could be construed as direct competition to Elliott. Although in my mind, we were looking at two different animals. Besides, Mac was just going to be the owner, the face—or as I would nickname him “Queenie” because he was the figurehead of the operation. Like Queen Elizabeth without the dowdy clothes. Mac had set his sights on a chef whose talents could match his ambitions to play with the big boys.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Thirty-Nine

The following morning, I headed toward the restaurant, deciding I could go by my bank at lunchtime. I overheard Elliott on the telephone. I had become suspicious and cautious about things in my very own life. It scared me. I heard Elliott mention my name. I moved closer to the door to listen better.

“Bailey is great. Of course, I’m deeply prejudiced. She is the most talented person I’ve ever met … ” Was there a “but” coming? Who was on the other end of the line?