Catering to Love Read Online Free

going to do. I called them while I was talking with the Carters, and they’ve agreed to help me any way they can. They’ll be coming up to see the place next week with their attorney. Obviously, this isn’t going to happen overnight, but I’m hoping to be up here by the end of March and working at the restaurant. Does that work for you?” she said, unlocking the car and rushing to let them inside.
    “Holy cow! So you’re really going to do this, huh?”
    “I am. Oh my God, I’m ecstatic.” Gabi rubbed her hands together to warm them. “We have a lot of paperwork to send to them. Nell said once the paperwork is in the closing process and the inspections are being done, she’ll introduce me as the potential new owner.”
    “But what if it falls through?” Jamie asked.
    “Well, I’ll leave then. But if she doesn’t introduce me that way, how much respect do you think the staff will give me when they find out the person they thought was a worker like them is now their boss? This gives me the respect right off the bat.”
    “You’re right.” Jamie nodded. “That absolutely makes sense.”
    “The one thing she did tell me was that the sous-chef has been wanting to buy the place, but they’d decided they didn’t want to sell it to him.”
    “Uh-oh, that sets the stage for some interesting conflict. Does he have collateral?”
    “She said he did not. He was basically in the same boat as me. It was too risky for some reason.” Gabi held up her hand. “I know. I didn’t ask, and she didn’t offer.”
    “These Carters certainly sound like nice people.”
    “They seemed very nice. They told me this was how they got their start at the inn, and it would be their way of returning the favor.” She blew out a steamy breath in the cold. “Okay, enough of that. It’s party time.”

Gabi sealed the box and watched Josh carry out the last of her things to the small U-Haul truck she’d rented. Nervous about the change and uncertain about the outcome, she tried to convince herself that everything happens for a reason and finding Carters was the beginning of something special. Nevertheless, she couldn’t shake the fear of possibly failing, especially now that her parents had agreed to put their home up as collateral after the Carters agreed to hold the loan. One step at a time, she told herself. Leaving her best friends behind was going to be the hardest part. When she saw Cassie standing by the window looking outside, presumably watching Josh stack boxes in the truck, she snuck up behind her. Gabi turned her around and noticed she was crying.
    “I’m going to miss you so much,” Cassie blubbered. “It won’t be the same without you.”
    “I know. I’m going to miss you guys too.” She wiped away Cassie’s tears. “Don’t cry. I’m not that far away. You guys can come with your men and stay at the inn free of charge.”
    “You can’t be giving those rooms to your friends, Gab. Wait until you know what kind of money you’re going to have first. Maybe a discount, but certainly not for free.”
    “I guess I need to take a step back from my generosity.”
    “Yes, you do. But it was a nice thought, sweetie, and so like you.”
    Jamie rushed into the apartment, out of breath from running up the stairs. “Cripes, I was afraid I was going to miss you. I couldn’t get away from Mama Carlucci. The woman was stuck on a high note and singing the daughter-in-law blues.” Jamie gave a long look at Gabi and blew out a breath of air. Jamie wrapped her arms around Gabi. “Aww, I don’t want you to go. We’ve been like the Three Musketeers ever since I joined the group. You and Cassie welcomed me with open arms, and seeing you leave… it just doesn’t feel right.”
    Gabi’s mouth pulled into a pout. “I know,” Gabi said, and kissed Jamie’s cheek. “This is hard for me too.” She returned the tight hug. “So where’s Bailey? Isn’t she with you?”
    “She saw Josh and Matt loading the truck and