Page 90 of Calculated Whisk

“I’m helping Chef Jildarin with the numbers, yes.” Though Rylana doubted her father cared about anyone present, she pointed around to make introductions, finishing by stepping aside so that he could see into the hallway. “That is Jildarin-grozanarav of Clan Killcrusher. Jildarin, this is my father, Lord Gavlin Avandar.”

“The contest winner.” Ah, Fatherhadread about it in the newspaper.

“And the owner of this establishment, yes.”

“A legitimate business that earns its money through the distribution of meals?” Father arched his eyebrows, something in the expression making Rylana think he might have heard the rumors about the diner from its dragon-spice days. Days in the very recent past.

“That is correct.” Jildarin looked at Rylana, as if asking whatillegitimateway a diner might earn money.

She didn’t look at Rolf.

“The family business has expanded from being primarily a shipping carrier,” Father said, “to also offering logistics management, providing warehousing, and even building rails and roads in landlocked nations desiring access to the global markets.” He paused and waited expectantly.

What did he want Rylana to say?

“Congratulations,” was what she offered.

“Should you seek employment that is more challenging and offers the potential for upward mobility, and should you be willingto return to your studies to learn what is required, the family would have an opportunity for you.”

Oh.

Rylana tried to smile, but it must have come out as more of a grimace. This was exactly what she hadn’t wanted. Not seventeen years ago and not now. The job sounded stressful even without the added tension of working with her uptight father.

“Rylana is employed as my bookkeeper,” Jildarin said. “She is required here.”

Father gave him a condescending look. “Employment at a diner isnotupwardly mobile.”

“Based on her recent contributions and the fact that she’s not attempted to slay me,” Jildarin said, “I have decided to make her a partner in my business.”

Rylana blinked. Had hejustdecided that? Or had that been what he’d been about to tell her in the kitchen?

Jildarin, looking a little smug, met her gaze with a slight smile and nodded at her. She had the urge to run over and clasp his hand, or even hug him, but she didn’t, not with her father looking on. Besides, she had no doubt that he wanted abusinesspartner, not anything romantic. Still, he wasquite handsome when he smiled and looked warmly at her.

Father was also blinking and taking a moment to recover, though it may have had more to do with the wordsnot attempted to slay methan the partnership news. He looked toward the golden whisk in the window, considering it thoughtfully for a moment, then turned back to them.

“You’ll accept that position?” he asked Rylana.

She recovered from her own surprise, glanced at Jildarin, then said, “Yes. This place is… more challenging than you might expect.”

Athunkcame from one of the tables. The tip money haddisappeared, but Rolf and Gniknik were now engaged in an argument over clearing dishes.

“I see,” Father said.

He looked toward the door, and she thought that would be the end of the visit, but he turned back again to ask, “Do you wish to get coffee?”

Rylana’s first instinct was to object, but she thought of Sylin’s words about blood ties and bonds. “All right,” she said.

“I see there is a new shop located across the street,” Father said. “Or perhaps you would prefer a pastry from that bakery.”

“The coffee,” Rylana hurried to say, “is excellent.”

And it wasn’tshapedinto anything suggestive.

Her father nodded, and they walked across the street together. Rylana looked up toward the rooftop and caught a glimpse of a hooded figure sitting up there, keeping an eye on things.

THE END