just been doing his job.
“Right. You do your job well and seem to know what needs to be done. And thank God Zane stopped ranting and raving about his salads and soups. Alan and I were beginning to wonder if we were going to have to take the guy out back for another talking-to pretty soon. Then you showed up and the kitchen settled into a good place. He actually smiles now.”
Tucker chuckled. “Yeah, I didn’t know it was possible.”
“Neither did we,” Richard told him. “He says you have real talent, and Zane never says nice things about people.”
Tucker leaned forward a little. “What is he doing here? Not that there’s anything wrong with the Driftwood, but it seems like he could work at a high-end restaurant. There are advanced skills there, and yet he’s working at the Driftwood.”
“Family commitments,” Richard answered. “I’m not at liberty to talk about it, because it’s his business, but I think that’s part of his frustration. Zane would really like to create fancier dishes, but the clientele isn’t going to allow for that.”
Tucker shrugged. “Why not as specials?” he asked. “Folks are always looking for something different every now and then. I mentioned that he should talk to you and Alan about it. I don’t know if that’s the kind of thing you want to do, but….”
Richard sat back. “So that’s where that idea came from? Alan said that they used to do that but stopped at some point. We think it’s a good idea and told Zane to go ahead.”
That was awesome. Tucker thought Zane just needed to be able to stretch himself a little. Everyone needed a chance to do something out of the ordinary every once in a while, and Zane was no different. The chef at Tucker’s last job had loved developing new dishes and specials more than anything else. “Good. I think there are things I can learn from him.”
“And then maybe you can run a kitchen of your own someday,” Richard told him. “You do good work and you learn fast. That says a lot.”
“I like what we’re doing,” Tucker said, and he lightly bumped Gerome’s shoulder, knowing he was the one who had brought his abilities to Richard and Alan’s attention. He really felt like he was making a contribution.
“That’s good.” Richard glanced around, and Daniel joined him, the two getting close on the chair.
“I should probably get Joshie home and ready for bed.” He also wanted to check on Cheryl.
Gerome put an arm around his shoulder, leaning in close. “Will I see you later?”
Tucker wasn’t sure how to answer. Yes, he did want to spend time with Gerome, but all the topics that the guys skirted around had him wondering. He needed some time to think, and that wasn’t possible around Gerome.
“I need to see how Cheryl is and get Joshie to bed. Can I let you know?” Tucker asked, and Gerome nodded. He got Joshie, who said goodbye to Daniel and thanked Coby for the car before they walked across the hall, doubts ringing through Tucker’s head.
Chapter 9
GEROME SHOOK his head as Daniel gathered his and Coby’s things before leaning in close to Richard. “Don’t be too late.” He kissed him, and Coby hugged Richard goodbye before leaving.
“This is going to be real trouble,” Terrance said as soon as the door clicked closed. “All they need to do is send someone down here to clean up this mess, someone who knows who we are, and all of us are completely screwed. Richard and Daniel most of all.” He glared at Gerome so hard Gerome was surprised Terrance didn’t burn a hole through him. “You had to get involved, and now we’re closer to the Garvic operation than we have been since we left Detroit.”
“How was I to know?” Gerome jumped to his feet, growling back at Terrance.
“Keep your voices down,” Richard cautioned. “These places aren’t exactly soundproof. “And for the record, Gerome didn’t know. All he did was stand up to a bully.”
“For a guy he thought was cute,” Terrance sneered.
“Quit acting like an asshole,” Gerome countered. “Just because you don’t have anyone interested in you.”
Terrance scoffed. “Please. I can get any guy I want, any time. I have people lined up for this.” He motioned to himself. “But I have better things to do right now than screw half of Longboat Key. I need to keep the two of you in line, because both of you seem to fall for the first guy to