Unexpected Rush (Play-By-Play #11)(52)

“This is lovely, Flynn,” Harmony said, as Barrett held a chair out for her and she slid onto it.

“Thanks. Our mother made sure we knew how to set a table. If Barrett isn’t doing that for you, let me know and I’ll give Mom a bad report about him.”

“Shut up, Flynn,” Barrett said.

Harmony didn’t even try to fight her smile. “Actually, he has cooked for me and he did very well. He told me you taught him everything he knows.”

Flynn grinned.

“That is not what I told her at all. I said I picked up a few pointers from you.”

“Which is pretty much everything,” Flynn said. “Other than how to microwave hot dogs, he knew nothing before.”

“You’re full of it,” Barrett said.

“He was telling me about his prowess in steak cooking,” Harmony said.

“Oh, those charred and black things he pulls off the grill?” Flynn said. “I guess you could call those steaks.”

Barrett poured wine in all the glasses. “I can out steak you any day of the week.”

Amelia brought salads and set them on the plates. “Are the brothers always like this?”

“In the times I’m around them, always,” Harmony said.

“Interesting.”

Flynn held out a seat for Amelia, who acknowledged him with a nod.

Flynn held up his glass. “I’d just like to welcome Amelia, and thank her for cooking dinner for us tonight.”

“Agreed,” Barrett said. “And whatever you cook, I know I’m going to love it.”

“Thank you, Amelia,” Harmony said.

Amelia smiled. “Thank you all. For starters this evening, we’re having a crab, apple and watercress salad with a walnut vinaigrette. I do hope you enjoy it.”

They sipped their wine, then dug into the salad. Sweet and tart flavor combinations burst on Harmony’s tongue, and the crab was delicious.

“This is so good, Amelia,” Harmony said.

“Thank you.”

Harmony looked over at Flynn, who seemed to be dissecting his salad with the tines of his fork. But he ate every bite, then looked at Amelia and nodded.

Amelia stayed mostly silent while they ate, but Harmony noticed Amelia watching all of them.

Harmony was nervous for Amelia, though she had no idea why. The salad was amazing.

Flynn and Barrett cleared the table, and Amelia went to dish up the main course. When it was presented, it was gorgeous, with salmon, onions and fennel.

“Dinner is grilled cedar plank salmon, sweet onion and caramelized fennel.”

Salmon was Harmony’s absolute favorite seafood, and she couldn’t wait to see how Amelia had prepared it. When she took a bite, the savory flavor filled her senses.

“This is wonderful, Amelia. How did you prepare this?”

“I marinated the cedar plank in apple cider for several hours, then used the plank on the grill to provide a smoky cider flavor to the salmon.”

“It’s . . . incredible.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s amazing, Amelia,” Barrett said. “I really like it.”

“The fennel and onions are also amazing,” Harmony said, realizing she could use the word “amazing” only so many times, but the food was fantastic.

Harmony focused mainly on her food, and carried on small talk, but she also noticed the looks shared between Amelia and Flynn. She also noticed Flynn didn’t comment on the food.

She could only imagine how stressful this must be on Amelia, having her meal judged while she was in the middle of eating it.

She understood Flynn was evaluating Amelia as a prospective employee, so he was probably waiting until the end of the meal. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for him to say something tasted good, would it?

And when Amelia brought out dessert, a chocolate mousse with a white chocolate truffle topping, Harmony was certain there was no way Flynn wouldn’t hire her.

“I’m in love with this dessert, Amelia,” Harmony said. “It’s incredibly light and airy, yet the taste is decadent.”

“I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.”

She could tell from the smile on Amelia’s face that she was proud of the meal she’d served.

After Barrett ran his spoon around the empty ramekin several times, he said, “This was a kick-ass meal, Amelia. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

They all looked to Flynn, who nodded. “It was very good.”

Amelia nodded back. “Thanks.”

Harmony wanted to throw her shoe at Flynn. Very good? That was it?

“Tell me about your life in—Portland, is it?” Harmony asked.

“I’m actually in the process of selling my house and making a move here to San Francisco.”

“Oh. Do you have family here?”

“No. But I’ve been here many times and I enjoy the vibe of the city. And of course, the food and restaurant culture here is spectacular, so this is where I want to settle.”

She nodded. “I can understand why. This is my first trip out here, but I love what I’ve seen of the city so far.”

Barrett shrugged. “It’s an okay place, if you like architecture, incredible vistas, history, great music and incredible food. Otherwise . . . eh.”