Two to Tangle (A Tangle Valley Romance #2) - Melissa Brayden Page 0,4
much to do? I should grab a broom. Something.”
“I’m not sure jogging through your kitchen with one will help.” Joey met her gaze and tried to steady her with a calm tone. “All I need from you is your opinion on the plans as we move forward. Like I said, I want you to be in the driver’s seat. I’ve got wine to pour all day.”
Joey didn’t just own the vineyard, she also served as manager for the tasting room and had her hands full on a daily basis. Gabriella appreciated her ability to delegate rather than micromanage. “I’ll be there every day. I’ll oversee the whole thing. I know what I need and what I want.”
“And please make sure you speak up as we go.” Joey frowned. “Though I’m not sure that’s a problem for you. You can be a spitfire.”
Gabriella brushed one shoulder. “I grew up in Jersey, JoJo.” She rolled her shoulders. “Speaking up is not a problem.”
The door to the cottage opened a second time, and Madison entered and grinned at Joey. Her deep blue eyes sparkled. “I saw you come in and not come out again. I was jealous of the friend time, so here I am. Tada.”
Gabriella automatically handed her a plate, which Madison set to filling at the stove without missing a beat.
“We’ve settled on a name for the restaurant,” Joey told her proudly.
Madison looked over her shoulder from Joey to Gabriella in anticipation. “Is no one going to tell me? I’m feeling jealous again.”
“Tangled,” Gabriella said, smiling proudly.
Madison took a moment with the word, nodded, and visibly melted, which was the best kind of progression. “I really like it, you guys. I’m not just saying so either.” She kicked her hip out as she pondered her words. “It’s sophisticated and obviously on brand, right? Why didn’t we think of that before? It’s perfect.”
The declaration made Gabriella stand even taller than her five feet three inches. She valued Madison’s opinion. After all, if it wasn’t for Joey originally offering Madison the job as winemaker, and Madison then recommending Gabriella as chef, she wouldn’t be here. That Madison was also her ex-girlfriend hadn’t complicated their working relationship at all. In fact, they got along way better as friends than they ever had as a couple. “I’m so happy we all agree. How’s the chicken?”
Madison nodded. “Better than most things I’ve experienced.” That was another win. Madison wasn’t a gusher or someone who leaned toward hyperbole, but rather an individual Gabriella could count on for an honest opinion. “I’d come back for it tomorrow.”
“Unfortunately, me and my two guests have killed the whole pan.”
“Does it bother you that we just barge in?” Joey asked with a half wince. “I can try to announce myself in advance more often. Stomp down the path outside real loud so you hear me coming.”
“I’m not doing that, the stomping,” Madison said, pointing at Joey with her spoon and a smile. “But I think you’re used to me.”
Gabriella folded her arms. “I like things the way they are, but thank you for asking,” she said pointedly to just Joey and gave Madison an elbow in the arm as she passed.
“Ow,” she heard her murmur, yet it didn’t stop her cheerful meal consumption.
“You two are always welcome to pop in and eat my food. In fact, I demand it.”
“Where’s Becca? She didn’t pop with you?” Madison asked Joey. Becca Crawford was the chic, yet warm general manager of the Jade, the multi-million-dollar resort located just up the road from Tangle Valley Vineyard.
Joey got that starry look in her eyes, the same one she got each time she thought about, looked at, or even considered a sentence that contained mention of the woman she loved. “Working late. Alas.”
“Wow. Lots of that lately. She must be exhausted,” Madison said.
Joey nodded and eyed the chocolate cake on the back counter. “It’s been a busy month with tourism picking back up before the seasonal hires start in June. Sometimes I feel like we’re two ships, you know?”
“Cake, JoJo?” Gabriella asked, lifting the less than perfectly frosted dessert. She’d made it herself the night before, but her baking skills, while better than most of the population’s, still lacked the heart that her cooking came with. The cake looked beautiful, but she knew better. The frosting hadn’t folded as effectively as it could have. The flavors didn’t pop, which was a downer. She’d continue to practice.
Joey lifted her shoulders. “I mean, if you’re offering.” She dragged out