“From the looks of things, your kitchen is a well-oiled machine, Amelia. Take a minute and get off your feet.”
“All right.”
She took a seat, doing her best to hide her sigh of relief. It felt good to relax her tight back muscles. She was used to being on her feet all day. She’d been doing it for years. But on occasion, the tension in her lower back took its toll.
“I own an event planning company,” Tara said. “And I have to tell you, over the years I’ve tried out many catering companies, and even hired private restaurants to cater events for me. So, I’d like to think I have a fairly sophisticated palate. I have to tell you that your cooking is beyond excellent.”
Amelia beamed a smile. “Thank you. What company?”
“It’s called The Right Touch. We have an office here in San Francisco, and another in St. Louis. We’re also going to branch out to the East Coast by the end of the year.”
“Event planning. How exciting. And you’re expanding, too. You’ll be nationwide.”
Tara laughed. “Well, sort of. I’ve wanted to do an East Coast expansion for a while, but I had another baby four years ago and he’s kept me pretty busy.”
“Oh, you have a son. That’s wonderful.”
“Two sons, actually. Though my oldest is in college. I kind of took a long break in between the two of them.”
Amelia blinked. “I can’t even imagine how difficult that must have been for you to start over again.”
“It’s been an experience, for sure. I had forgotten so much about what it was like to have a baby—and then a toddler. It’s a lot harder once you’re older, too.” Tara laughed. “But Sam’s four and in preschool now and at such a fun age. Plus, he loves his daddy and all things football.”
“That must be fun for all of you.”
“It is. Nathan’s a senior this year at the University of Texas. He’s the quarterback there, so following in his dad’s footsteps as well.”
Amelia leaned back in her chair, swirling the wine around in her glass. “Wow. Building a mini football dynasty, aren’t you?”
“Mick would like to think so. He’s proud of both the boys. And what about you, Amelia? Do you have any small cooks in your family?”
She shook her head. “Recently divorced. No kids. I moved here from Portland to take this job.”
“I’m sorry about the divorce. I know how difficult it is when a relationship doesn’t work out. But I’m sure Flynn is happy to have you working here.”
Amelia appreciated that Tara didn’t ask her any probing questions about her divorce. “I love working here. It’s a wonderful environment and Flynn has given me a lot of freedom to do what I want as far as the menu. Within reason.”
Tara’s lips curved. “I know Flynn loves to cook, so I’m sure he has some ideas of his own.”
“He does. Fortunately, they’re all good ideas.”
“Aha. I have it on record now that you think my ideas are good.”
Amelia looked up to see Flynn and a spectacularly good-looking Mick Riley standing at their table. She’d only seen Mick on TV—both playing football and in the endorsements he did. The man was a work of art. But in person? He was so much better looking with his black hair and searing blue eyes. He was supremely tall and wow, what a chiseled body.
Tara was one lucky woman.
“Amelia, this is my husband, Mick. Mick, this is Amelia Lawrence. She’s the head chef here at Ninety-Two.”
Mick held out his hand. “Very nice to meet you, Amelia. The food here is great. I’ve already eaten way more of it than I should have.”
She blushed under his compliment. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mick. I’m a big fan. And I’m glad you’re enjoying the food.” She pushed back her chair. “I should go back and check on the kitchen.”
Flynn laid his hand lightly on her shoulder. “Stay. The kitchen’s under control. While you were out here I took a peek.”
She arched a brow. “You did, did you?”
“Yes. No one was in there to throw anything at me.”
Tara stifled a chuckle.
Flynn and Mick took a seat.
“Where’s your date, Flynn?” Amelia asked.
“She’s in the ladies’ room. She should be out in a second.”
Amelia hadn’t noticed her. Or Flynn, for that matter. Then again, there were a lot of people in the restaurant, and she’d mainly been focusing on who had plates filled with food, so it wasn’t like she’d been searching him out.
“There you are.”
The guys stood when an amazing-looking woman came over. She was slender, with chin-length dark brown hair and an incredible body. Amelia could see why Flynn would be attracted to her. She had a gorgeous smile, perfect teeth and beautiful brown eyes.
The woman reached across the table and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Jameson.”
Intriguing name. Amelia shook her hand and introduced herself, as did Tara and Mick.
“I’m with him,” Tara said with a grin.
“Oh, I know you both. Doesn’t everyone?”
Mick laughed. “Well, I don’t know about everyone, but thanks.”
“And which one of these guys are you with, Amelia?” Jameson asked.
“I’m actually the head chef here.”
“Oh, I love the food. It’s all fantastic.”