Slices of Life by Georgia Beers Read Free Book Online Page A

the crackers and simply eating it with a spoon. For twenty minutes, she actually thought about nothing but the food and the wine and let herself just enjoy it. She was dabbing at the corners of her mouth with the linen napkin when a voice next to her posed a question.
    “What did you think?”
    Cassidy turned to meet warm hazel eyes that studied her through rimless glasses. A woman in a white chef’s coat stood next to her, a delicate smile on her face. She was about the same height standing as Cassidy was sitting on the tall barstool, and she leaned one elbow on the bar as she cocked her head. Her hair was cut in a simple bob, highlighted with toasty chestnut and subtle streaks of gold. Cassidy put her in her early to mid-fifties and there was something about her…something that drew Cassidy, that almost called to her. It was a feeling that both comforted and discomfited her. She cleared her throat.
    “Well, as you can see,” she said, waving a hand at her very nearly empty plate, “it was awful. Horrendous, really. The chef should be ashamed.”
    The woman nodded, feigning a grave expression. “I’m so sorry for your dissatisfaction. Though it does seem that you ate all of it.”
    “Of course I ate all of it. I had to be absolutely sure of its awfulness, didn’t I?”
    “I see. Well, the chef happens to be me and an unhappy customer is very bad for business. I hope you’ll allow me to make it up to you.”
    Never one for such open, obvious flirtation, Cassidy was surprised to realize how much she was enjoying this little game and she loved that this intriguing woman was playing along. She propped her chin in her hand and her elbow on the bar. “An interesting offer. What exactly did you have in mind?”
    “I thought maybe I could recover my reputation by making you brunch on Sunday morning.”
    “Brunch?”
    “Yes. Right here.”
    Cassidy narrowed her eyes in playful suspicion. “This restaurant isn’t open for brunch.”
    “That’s true.”
    “Do you own it?”
    “I do.”
    God, what was it about her? Cassidy had never felt such a pull before, but somehow, it didn’t frighten her. She knew without a doubt that she could very well go home with this woman right now without thinking twice and that realization didn’t freak her out at all.
    “You want to make brunch for me on Sunday? Here? Just you and me?”
    “I do.” The chef was completely relaxed, which Cassidy would normally find cocky. Normally, she’d wonder what kind of reputation this woman had, assume she was probably some kind of womanizer. But again, there was something…different. And Cassidy wanted to be around her.
    “I have one request.”
    The chef arched an eyebrow, waiting.
    “Your name?”
    The delicate smile widened, and dimples appeared. Cassidy nearly swooned. “Kate Martindale. Pleased to meet you.” She held out her hand.
    “Cassidy Freeman. A pleasure.” Kate’s hand was warm and strong and Cassidy had a sudden feeling of safety, of contentment, of comfort. She almost didn’t let go.
    “I should get back to the kitchen,” Kate said, her eyes never leaving Cassidy’s and their hands still linked. “Can’t afford any more dissatisfied customers.”
    “Absolutely not,” Cassidy agreed. “I don’t want to show up for brunch and find a dozen other people.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth to keep from smiling.
    “Oh, no. That will not be the case, I assure you. Just come to the front door on Sunday at eleven and I’ll be waiting for you. Yes?”
    “I look forward to it.”
    “Me too.”
    They stayed for a few moments more until Kate finally let Cassidy’s hand slide out of her grasp. With a small wave, she headed back through the swinging door to the kitchen.
    Cassidy let out her breath. “Oh, wow.” She felt a giggle bubbling up from her chest and worked hard to keep it tamped down; this was not the place to act like a schoolgirl. Instead, she gestured to Jason for her tab.
    He brought it