Free Secrets of Paternity by Susan Crosby Page A

made. Anyway, they didn’t want me around.”
    Jealousy—a different sort—hit in full force now. She had enough to be worried about with James, now his mother…
    â€œMe, too,” he said, his gaze softening.
    â€œYou, too, what?”
    â€œI was jealous that they found such quick common ground.”
    â€œI’m not—” She stopped. Blew out a breath. “I should be glad.”
    â€œThat’s what I told myself, too. Listen, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know what was going on.”
    â€œThanks.” Who is the woman you’re with? she wanted to ask.
    He turned back. “So that’s the famous Venus who’s waiting on us?”
    Caryn nodded.
    â€œI can see why Kevin is bewitched.”
    â€œJust what I needed to hear.”
    He laughed quietly.
    She held up her order pad. “Gotta run.”
    â€œIf you get a free minute, stop by my table. I’d like to introduce you to someone.”
    â€œIf I can. I’m pretty busy.”
    He didn’t reply for a few seconds, then said, “Venus said you recommend the poached salmon?”
    Caryn faced an ethical dilemma. She couldn’t tell him how mediocre the salmon was, without making Venus seem idiotic, that she’d told him the opposite of what Caryn had recommended.
    â€œI don’t like fish,” he added. “Can you suggest something else?”
    Dilemma solved. “Pot roast, if you like hearty.”
    â€œYeah. Thanks.”
    She waved over her shoulder as she headed to the kitchen and turned in the sixteen lunch orders. She offered a smile of sympathy to the head chef, silently acknowledging his hard work, knowing that getting on his good side would result in less stress for her and the potential to make more money in better tips. It was one lesson she hadn’t had to teach Venus, who was naturally accommodating to everyone. Even the dishwashers tripped over their feet to help her.
    Caryn took eight salad plates from the refrigerator andprepared the side salads, then ladled three bowls of clam chowder. It took that long for her to ponder why James was eating at the club. Was he a member? He must be or he wouldn’t be allowed in. Unless the woman was. She did look athletic…
    â€œCaryn.” Rafael came up beside her. “Do you need a reminder of the rules?” He didn’t try to keep his voice down, but almost shouted above the kitchen noise.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œI made an allowance already today for your son to talk to you during working hours. Then you took advantage by conversing with that guest, Mr. Paladin. You know that’s not allowed.”
    Caryn went rigid, but occasions like this demanded contrition, not explanation. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
    He walked away. She’d never been reprimanded for any infraction before. Her face burned. Her conversation with James hadn’t even lasted a minute. And she hadn’t approached him, but vice versa, although she couldn’t tell Rafael that, could she? What was she supposed to have done? Be rude to the customer?
    She fixed a smile on her face and served the soup and salad, refilled the bread baskets, then checked the beverage station again while she had a few minutes before the entrées were ready. She had no outlet for the emotions tumbling riotously inside her—about Kevin, about James, his mother and now the criticism by her manager. She’d thought her life had settled in and settled down. Apparently she wasn’t to be allowed that luxury.
    Because she couldn’t stop herself, she glanced at James and his companion. He angled his head and raised hisbrows expectantly, as if inviting her to the table. She turned away, dangerously close to tears.
    â€œAre you okay?” Venus asked from just behind her.
    â€œSure.” She grabbed a cloth and wiped down the outside of the soda dispensers.
    â€œDo you want help