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I can’t focus on that now, it’s showtime.
Minutes later, I’m in the walk-in cooler, thumbing the embroidered writing on my chef’s coat.Fiona Reynolds, Owner, Executive Chef,when I hear commotion that can only be LTZ just outside the door.
“Want a tour?” I pop out to greet the guys. Zane takes his place by my side. He’s so proud of me. It just shines in his eyes. Which makes me love him beyond measure.
Jace, who rarely shows any emotion at all, is stunned. “This is gorgeous, Fiona.”
“When I was a line cook, I worked in some badass kitchens, but this is unbelievable, Fee.” Ty, looking somewhat flustered, manages to hug me like he means it. “If you ever need a guest chef, I’m not worthy but I’d love to cook here.”
I can’t help but laugh. He could easily work the line for me. “Are you kidding, Ty? I might hold you to that. We’ve spent so much money on this place, I’ll need to sell out two seatings for an entire year just to break even.”
“Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” He looks in wonder around the kitchen. Strokes the marble countertop where we’ll eat dinner.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Petra and Jetta gawking. Ty has that effect on people. He just radiates sex. Vulnerability. Over the years I’ve seen the lengths women will go to catch his attention. Unfortunately, for them, he only has eyes for one girl.
As if on cue, the telltale squeals and giggles emanating from the front door mean Ty’s surprise is here. His entire body literally comes to life when Zoey enters the room with Alex and Ronni.
Zoey adorably flings herself at Ty, who holds her tightly against him. “Were you surprised? I’ve tried so hard to keep this a secret. Did you suspect something was up?”
As they kiss and snuggle like they haven’t seen each other in decades, I greet Alex and Ronni. We had a blast helping Zoey pick out her wedding dress. I’m beginning to look forward to the times the four of us spend together. Such cool, accomplished, awesome women. When Gus opens, I’ll finally be part of the club. “Welcome to Gus. I’m so glad we could make this happen.”
“I’m so grateful for a night off. Connor’s mom is watching the twins.” Ronni, looks every inch the television star in a green sweater dress and knee-high Louboutin boots. She gives me a warm hug. “I was just telling Alex, we should get our kids together sometime before the holidays.”
Alex, like Jace, is super laid back. “A couple of our horses are healthy enough for some human interaction. Maybe we could do a cute photo shoot at the ranch.”
Huh. It actually sounds nice. Mia would love it.
After our band family is finished with the greetings, Ronni addresses the elephant in the room. She grips Ty’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry about your mom.”
Ty’s face freezes. Then he puts on his rockstar persona to address us all. “Everyone, seriously. I’m fine. It was a long time coming. If you don’t mind, I’d rather focus on the most important thing in my life. I’m finally marrying the most amazing woman in the world.”
He bends down and kisses Zoey like no one else is in the room. It’s so hot, I feel like a voyeur. Alex, Ronni, and I all mock-flutter our hands like fans. The guys make fun of them. My staff is stunned silent.
Zane whispers in my ear, “After that display, we might need a quickie over at the Mission before dinner.”
“Not happening.” I swat at him. “Okay, peeps. Please sit down and we’ll get this party started.”
When everyone is seated, my team goes into motion. In many ways, this is the inaugural soft opening to dial in the food and service. Petra and Justice are incredible, each detail is nailed. There are some tweaks I’m going to work on, but all in all I’m proud of the eleven-course feast.
Daire keeps the wine and mocktails flowing. Jetta is extremely competent and personable. It’s just a seamless experience through and through. When we’re finished, I move us into the lounge where we sit and visit in various groupings. Even after all of their hard work, my entire little staff volunteer to clean up and do the dishes, leaving me to relax with my friends.
Zane pulls me on his lap next to Connor and Ronni. I nestle into his strong arms, exhausted. Connor’s half-asleep. Zoey and Alex, who have been best friends since they were little girls, are in their own little world. Jace and Ty are talking about some sort of certification thing.
“This is an incredible accomplishment, Fiona.” Ronni takes my hand. “I was serious about getting together. I could really use some girl time.”
“Really?” I look over at Zane to see if he’s listening. Nope. He and Connor are talking about tour buses, so I focus back on Ronni.
“I’m trying to figure out this mom-work balance. You’ve been doing it for so long, I’d love to pick your brain.” She seems so earnest, I get drawn in.
“Gosh, you just get through the day.” I can’t believe I’ve been a mom for nearly seven years. “Honestly? I have no idea. Help. Lots of help.”
“I’m shooting a new series in Vancouver BC in the new year. I’ll be in Ireland next summer for a movie. With the band situated here, I wonder if we should get a bigger place in Seattle. I’ll keep my house in Malibu, of course, but we have a better infrastructure here.” She pats Connor’s knee. “It’s a bit of an adjustment to go back to work when we had so much time off when the boys were born. I’m not sure how you do it.”
I try not to scoff. She’s one of the most famous television stars in the world. I’m, well, married to a famous rockstar. It’s not like she and I are even close to equivalent. “How come you don’t have help? You must have a fleet of nannies.”
”Sadly, no. We’re having a struggle finding someone in LA who isn’t trying to fuck my husband or get his autograph.” She shrugs.
I’m startled silent. Sweet, wholesome Ronni Miller just blew my mind. “Yeah, it’s a real problem. I decided on an older, retired woman. I trust Zane, but I’m not taking any fucking chances. People will do or say anything.”
