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After the vow renewal ceremony, we mingled with our family while waiting for dinner to be ready. Theo took charge of coordinating the catering and flew Fallon in, only trusting her to handle the food for Everly’s special day.
Everly is inside changing into something more comfortable, and I’m with Harrison on the back deck, enjoying a plate full of appetizers while waiting for the main course.
“Have you met Fallon yet?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No, but I’d like to. My secretary interviewed her last week, and says she’ll be a good fit as my private chef.”
“That’s great news.”
Fallon steps out of my parents’ house carrying a charcuterie board, overflowing with artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and crackers. When she looks our way, I wave her over.
Harrison has his phone out and is busy typing when she approaches.
“Is everything okay?” she asks.
“Yeah, the food is fantastic. You really outdid yourself.”
“Thank you.”
“I wanted to officially introduce you to my brother, Harrison.”
He looks up when he hears his name, and his mouth turns into a thin line when he sees Fallon. “It’syou,”he states coldly.
Fallon’s eyes narrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Cash, you forgot to mention your brother’s charming ego.”
Harrison scoffs. “Is sarcasm part of our standard approach with all of your potential clients? No wonder you had to move to another continent to start your new business.”
My eyes widen in surprise. Despite his serious demeanor, he isn’t usually this cutting or openly critical of anyone.
“At least I’m not the one suffering from a case of superiority complex,” she quips.
My eyes dart between them, feeling the tension thick in the air. I’m confused since Harrison said he hadn’t been introduced to Fallon yet.
“I take it you two have met before?”
“Yes,” they say in unison, their heated stares remaining locked on each other.
Fallon breaks the silence first, clearing her throat. “Tell your assistant thank you for the interview, but you’ll have to find another private chef,Mr. Stafford. I don’t work for boorish narcissists,” she states flatly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work.” She marches across the deck, her hands clenched at her side.
“What the hell was that?” I ask Harrison.
“Nothing,” he mutters.
I raise a brow. “That was definitely something.”
“It’s nothing for you to worry about. You heard her. She doesn’t want to work for me, so case closed.”
“Uh, Harrison. I’m not so sure you’ll have a choice in the matter.”
He furrows his brow. “Why not?”
I nod toward the back door where our mom has cornered Fallon, shooting glances our way every few seconds with a mischievous smile on her face. “Because I think Mom is already scheming how to get you two down the aisle next,” I taunt.
He rubs his temples. “Jesus Christ, she’s relentless,” he mutters. “She’s wasting her time. Even if Fallon was the last woman on earth, I’d never date her, let alone marry her.”
“Let’s dial down the hostility, shall we? How did you two meet?”
Before he can respond, his phone rings.