Page 14 of Risk It All
The booth creaked as he leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “Wes would likely have more thoughts about that. But I liked what you said about the food being authentic but exciting. Maybe seeing what feedback people have or what food they’re drawn to could inspire future menus.”
I was about to respond to Ray when a smile crossed his face, and I swore the gruff, tattooed chef had a faint blush on his cheeks. Confused, I glanced over my shoulder, seeing a woman who looked to be around his age approaching our booth.
“Are you two working hard or hardly working?” she asked with a warm smile, giving Ray’s arm a squeeze. Her blonde hair, streaked with gray, was pulled back in a clip, showing off hertulip earrings. “Nice to meet you, Leo. I’m Louise. One of the bartenders.”
Louise already knowing who I was didn’t phase me, especially since the guys had told me about her last night. Wes had spoken fondly of everyone who worked at Lake Ridge but especially Louise.
I learned from Wes that she’d lived in Golden Falls for nearly her whole life and had been bartending at Lake Ridge for the last fifteen years. She was definitely someone I wanted to talk with before finalizing the first menu.
“Nice to meet you, too, Louise,” I said, stretching my hand out for a handshake. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Louise let out a low whistle. “All good things, I hope. And whatever wasn’t good you can assume was gossip.”
“Onlygood things,” I assured with a laugh, which got a grin out of her.
“If ever you need to know which gossip is true or not, I’m your lady,” she said with a wink.
“That’s what I’ve heard.”
While I took a few additional notes down, Ray and Louise fell into an easy conversation. Setting my pen on the wooden top, I glanced around, seeing if I’d spot a familiar flash of dark hair.
“She doesn’t work on Mondays,” Louise said.
“Huh?” I asked, turning my attention back to her, not missing the amused smile tugging at her lips.
“Eliza,” she said matter-of-factly. “That’s who you were looking for, right?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say I waslooking forher,” I defended, but by the look on Louise’s face, there was no point in lying to her. I was just curious about Eliza’s schedule and how much we’d overlap. “I just wasn’t sure if she’d be in today or not.”
“She’s part-time between the bar and her yoga studio. Hershifts are typically later in the week. You’ll see her on Wednesday, which is also our team meeting day. Well, youmightsee her before—it just won’t be at work.”
“Louise,” Ray warned.
“What? I’m just saying maybe you’ll run into her during a yoga class or at Lily’s café or in your apartment building. It’s a small town.”
“Right,” I said slowly. “I’m sure we will. We’re friendly.” Not wanting Louise or Ray to think Eliza and I weretoofriendly, I quickly added, “She dated my younger brother. That’s how we know each other.”
“Oh, really?” Louise asked with a sparkle in her eye. “The universe has a funny way of bringing people together, doesn’t it?”
“I, uh, I don’t?—”
“Anyways, I should really get back to setting up the bar. Good talking to you two. Can’t wait to hear more about the menu.” Louise made a swift exit, not giving me a chance to say more.
I looked over at Ray, who shrugged, just as clueless as me.
I’d have to find her later and clarify thatthe universewasn’t bringing anyone together. Especially not Eliza and me.
5
ELIZA
I turnedon the lights at Root and Vine Yoga and locked the door behind me. I then dropped my keys on the front desk and immediately headed to the studio.
The yoga studio was decorated similarly to my apartment with plants and candles. Jules helped me revamp the studio last summer after working with Lily on her café. We picked new flooring, paint, and decorations. Jules also came up with a long-term plan for updating the mirrors, light fixtures, and other elements to make the space feel updated, relaxing, and modern.
I started practicing yoga in high school. It offered a way for me to unwind, get out of my head, and be active. I enjoyed being outside or in the gym, but the mental and emotional benefits of yoga were unlike any other.
Not long after starting yoga, I learned my mom had always wanted to open her own studio. According to Gran, my mom loved yoga but stopped shortly after I was born. She was getting back into it around the time she died.
