Two to Tangle (A Tangle Valley Romance #2) - Melissa Brayden Page 0,93

have that for lunch?” Joey asked.

“No way. Gives you something to look forward to.” She scrunched her shoulders. “I’m just hoping to christen the place properly, and I think this menu might do that. A few greatest hits, you know? You guys approve?”

“Wholeheartedly,” Madison said. “And we can do a pairing with each dish and feature the chardonnay, of course, since it’s the vintage’s big day. I’m thinking with the mozzarella?”

“Great minds,” Gabriella said, closing her notebook. “And my culinary kids will have bites going from the truck during pickup times for the wine. Chelsea’s been advised not to speak to guests about her teenage love life. I can’t promise she won’t forget that rule.”

Joey couldn’t have looked more pleased. “I don’t know what we did before you. This is so exciting I almost need to dance with this happy glass of sangria.” She swayed as if listening to bluesy music.

“Without me? Oh, you’d probably be wandering the vines, aimlessly scavenging for morsels.”

“I’d probably have found very few, which is why I’m keeping you for all time. We’ll never starve again.”

As Gabriella left the meeting and returned to Jolene, she stared proudly at Tangled standing in the distance, just itching for customers. Next week, she’d be out of the truck and back in the kitchen where she belonged, with her staff there with her. She had a handful of servers well into training with the front-of-house manager, as she stood there. Her life was about to change, and she couldn’t have been more ready. She wanted so desperately to share it all with one person in particular. Gabriella’s heart ached at the very real fear that wouldn’t happen.

Chapter Nineteen

Today was the day, and God, it sure felt like it. Everything seemed to sparkle. Even the toothpaste looked extra chipper as if acknowledging the importance of the hours ahead. Gabriella woke early and laid out her outfit for the release, a floral sundress with a modest-heeled sandal. That was for later. First she put on work clothes including her chef’s coat to start early preparation with her team for tonight’s dinner, which would take place promptly at six p.m., following the afternoon’s outdoor festivities. They were lucky the sun had played along and decided to attend. Taking a deep breath and enjoying their first time all together in Tangled’s pristine kitchen, Gabriella took the reins to address her team, three chefs who would work on a rotating basis, all of whom were present for the big dinner tonight, to make sure everything was prepared to perfection for their VIPs.

“Opening a restaurant for the first time is a dream come true for me, and I’m happy that each one of you will be here for the journey. We have so many nights ahead of us to learn from each other and grow as a team here at Tangled. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get started on service alongside each of you.” Heads nodded. Kevin, her friend from back east, grinned at her with pride. “We have some hungry diners coming our way in just a few hours, so let’s roll up our sleeves and prep the hell out of this food.”

“Yes, Chef,” all three said nearly in unison. Already working together, it seemed.

She laughed. “Let’s do this.”

Normally, as proprietor and executive chef, she’d leave the prep work to her kitchen, and would do so in the future. Today was different. Gabriella’s role would be a combination of expediting plates and jumping in where needed, right there on the line with the rest of her staff. She wanted to be present for every part of Tangled’s big debut, and if that meant slicing vegetables, she was more than happy to slice the hell out of onions.

In no time at all, it was time for the party. When she arrived in her sundress for the release celebration on the lawn in front of the tasting room, having made the Superwoman-quick change in three minutes flat, there was still a spring in her step and a smile on her face. She was immediately handed a glass of the guest of honor, the new chardonnay. Loretta sent her a wink along with it. Did she know that Gabriella knew about her and Bobby? The saucy little minx. She must!

“All ready to dazzle tonight?” Joey asked, beaming. She was their hostess today and looked beautiful in a sleeveless emerald dress to her knees, her blond hair pulled back on the sides, flowing