Free Catering to Three by Kalissa Alexander Page A

you.”
    Chef Anders smiled. “We couldn’t have done it without your input and explicit instructions. We are in awe of you, Ms. Larson.”
    “Thank you. However, I feel bad I wasn’t here to help you clean up. It was the least I could have done. I didn’t mean to desert you. It’s just that Noah had other plans for me this evening. He introduced me to a lot of potential clients. I’m hoping I can count on you three again.”
    Chef Carlton nodded his head. “It would be a pleasure to work with you again, Ms. Larson.”
    They talked for a few more minutes before she told them to go home and leave any other details to her, not that there was much left to do except shut the kitchen door behind them. She walked back into the ballroom that was now empty and out through the doors to the garden. She walked down the path to where the tables and chairs were stacked. Tomorrow the truck would be by for them and the workmen would remove the lights from the trees.
    She had told the chefs earlier that the staff should take away the flower arrangements for themselves, if they wanted. She had also instructed that any leftover food also be taken home by the staff or donated to a food bank nearby. It appeared that everything had been done without her lifting a finger.
    She heard movement behind her. She turned to see Noah, Mark, and Keith walking toward her. She knew her face couldn’t hide how happy she was to see them. Having them all to herself for a few more minutes would be the perfect ending to what had turned out to be the perfect day.

Chapter Eight
     
    “You tired, Julie?” Mark asked.
    “Maybe just a little. But I’m actually feeling a little giddy from what I think was a successful event.”
    “You should feel good,” Keith said, a big smile on his face. “It was more than successful. Everyone’s talking about what a wonderful party you and Noah threw.”
    “It was Noah’s party. I’m just happy I was a part of it.”
    “You were more than a just a part of it,” Noah said, giving her a quick hug.
    Mark and Keith sat down in the black wrought-iron chairs that had been returned to their permanent place around the pool.
    Noah pulled one out for Julie. “Sit with us for a little while. I think we should take a few minutes to bask in your accomplishments.”
    “I’d say a toast is in order,” Mark said as he jumped up from his chair. “I’ll be right back with a bottle of something and some glasses.”
    “Now that’s a good idea,” Keith said, watching Mark’s retreating figure as he disappeared through the garden to the house.
    “I don’t know if I should have any more to drink,” Julie said to both Noah and Keith.
    “You’re sleeping here tonight. No need to worry about driving,” Noah answered. “However, if you don’t want to have a drink with us to celebrate the evening, we aren’t going to force you.”
    How could she possibly say no to that? “Well, maybe just one,” Julie conceded.
    Mark came back balancing champagne flute glasses and not just one but a couple bottles of the “bubbly,” as he called it.
    Julie laughed. “You know where Noah keeps his private stash.”
    “That I do. I live here. So does Keith. It’s a big house.”
    “You all live here,” Julie said in surprise. “Why didn’t I know this?”
    “Like I said,” Mark repeated, “It’s a big house and you’ve been pretty busy.”
    “Not so big that I shouldn’t have noticed that you two live here.”
    “Are you upset we didn’t tell you?”
    “No. I think it’s great. I mean, a house this big should be lived in by more than one person. You two and Noah really are like brothers.”
    “Some might think we’re closer than brothers,” Noah said and then added, “I like the sound of my name on your lips, especially when it’s not preceded by ‘Mr. Jamison.’”
    “I’m still operating in my hostess mode. Not to worry, I’ll be back on my game tomorrow.”
    “Do you like games, Julie?” Noah asked,