“Do you think he surfs?”

“Maybe that’s how he catches all his fish.” Not that she was surprised that he caught a lot of fish. That intrigued glance when he’d laughed at her comment. Her stomach flipped again. She would’ve swallowed a hook if she hadn’t overheard his remark to his friend.

Eve asked Audrey to point him out to her if she saw him. Audrey took a bite of the curried chicken and said, “Oh wow, Eve. So good.”

“So, it’s a yes as a menu option for my catering gig in three weeks?” Eve asked.

“Yes. The mix of spices—it’s delicious.”

Eve smiled. “Chef Burns seems to be feeling me out for the executive pastry chef position.”

“That’s amazing.” Audrey savored another bite. “But you’re still doing the catering? Shouldn’t you just focus on getting that position?”

“I can’t do these hours forever. I don’t want to be working nights and weekends. I never see Pete. Especially because he works all the time too. But, we can’t both continue like this.” Eve lived with her boyfriend, Pete, who was in finance. Eve rested her head on her hand. “I thought being an executive pastry chef at a restaurant was the holy grail, but I’m thinking I need to check out some back-up options.”

“But you shouldn’t be the one giving up your dreams,” Audrey said. That’s what her mother had done. And she never failed to tell Audrey she deeply regretted it—having to start over when her husband’s death meant she had to return to the workforce.

“My dream is a balanced life where I get to see my boyfriend, my friends and family, and be a chef.” Eve sipped her wine. “I’ll still work.” The music volume from the party next door increased.

Audrey shifted uncomfortably in the iron chair. She wanted a balanced life too, but having it all was a myth. She was going to have to live at the office 24/7 if she wanted to be a partner. And Eve had been pursuing her dream of a pastry chef with the same single-minded determination. “But what if Chef Burns promotes you?”

“If he promotes me, I’ll put my all into that. Then I’ll be able to create my own menu. But until then, I’ll try the catering or apply for jobs as a pastry chef for a chain where the hours are better, you know, explore other options. And you?” Eve gave her a look as if to suggest she should do the same.