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“Probably not, but it is nice to finally see the two of you out of hiding. How long’s it been? Close to two years now?”

Beth Ann and Zach glanced at each other’s worried faces.

“We’re sorry, Katherine,” Beth Ann finally spoke up for the both of them. “We were afraid to tell you. We didn’t want to make you sad.”

“You two being happy wouldn’t make me sad. You’re my friends, and friends should be happy for each other.”

After the last of the lunch crowd left, Katherine flipped theOpensign toClosedand locked the door. Then she made herself a cup of tea and asked Beth Ann and Zach to join her in one of the booths before sending Lucy and Lyla to the back to wash dishes.

“If this is about Zach and me—”

“Just hear me out,” Katherine interrupted. But poor Zach looked even more nervous than before.

“Beth Ann should stay. I’ll go,” he blurted out. “The Copperwall wouldn’t make it without her.”

“The Copperwall wouldn’t make it withouteitherof you,” Katherine said. “That’s why I plan to give both of you raises.”

As Zach breathed a sigh of relief, Beth Ann giggled nervously. “Really? I thought you were about to fire us.”

“Not a chance,” Katherine said with a reassuring smile. “I’ve actually been thinking about giving you raises for a while now. You guys have absolutely earned them. And I’m sorry I waited so long to do it. However, along with more pay, I’d also like to make you an offer I hope you can’t refuse.”

Beth Ann stopped smiling. “What does that mean?”

“It means that I’d like the two of you to run The Copperwall.”

“You’re leaving?” Zach blurt out.

“No, but I’ve been mulling over the idea of spending less time here. Since I know I can trust you, and you’re both so good at what you do, I wondered if you’d be interested in handling more of the day-to-day responsibilities. Of course, with a significant pay increase.”

Zach looked pleased at the prospect of running the kitchen while Beth Ann looked concerned.

“I don’t know if I can do it. Extra responsibilities here and there are one thing, but to do what you do six days a week, along with twelve-to-sixteen-hour workdays, I don’t think I could pull it off.”

“I agree,” Katherine added as Beth Ann’s expression changed from unsure to a scowl. “Don’t you dare. That’snotwhat I meant. You’re great at what you do, and I know you’ll continue to be. But I also know it’s easy to drive yourself into the ground trying to keep up with this place. And that’s not what I’m asking for.”

“Then what are you asking for? What’s your plan?”

“My plan is to hire more people, let you guys lead the kitchen and dining room staff, and I’ll come in a couple days a week.”

“How many people are you hiring?”

“Enough to eventually expand business hours,” Katherine said, then turned to Zach. “If your friend is still looking for work as a line cook, I want you to call him today and offer him the job.”

“Really? Without an interview?”

“Why not? He’s got a solid work history, and it seems like he’s up for the challenge. The question is, are you willing to train him?”

“Absolutely!”

“Wait a minute,” Beth Ann interrupted. “We’re really doing this? Just like that?”

“I don’t see why not. We’ve all been at this long enough to know what it takes. And right now, before summer starts, seems like the right time to adapt to a new schedule and train enough new staff to ease the burden. I figure if we have the right people in place, maybe one day, you two can also take some time off forthings like vacation, or a honeymoon, or maybe even maternity leave.”

As their surprised faces colored a deep crimson, Katherine figured it probably felt a little forbidden for Zach and Beth Ann to talk with her about their future since they’d been hiding their relationship for so long.

“Look, what I’m trying to say is that I want The Copperwall to run like a real business with enough staff to allow all of us a life outside of here for whatever reason.”

“What will you do when you’re not here?” Zach asked.