Page 137 of Culinary Chaos

“We redid the early release and tests on the first three episodes now that we’ve re-edited them for some extra flair, andthey weren’t a hit either. It’s very unlikely that we’ll get renewed for a second season.” Josef stared at Hope curiously.

“That sucks,” Hope mumbled, gripping onto her wine glass tightly. She didn’t know what else to say, honestly.

“Ange needs to change her attitude, otherwise no other production crew is going to want to work with her.”

“You know, I think everyone thinks Ange is the problem when it comes to filming and production, but I think it’s you, and you’re just damn good at puffing your chest up and shifting the blame onto her. And since she’s a woman in a male-dominated industry she just takes it, and worse yet, others just believe it without questioning.” Hope looked at Rex. “And you’ve been just as bad.” She handed him her wine glass and stepped away.

“Hope? Where are you going?”

“Anywhere but here.” She walked away.

She’d said her piece, and she just walked away from it all. Nothing she said was going to change anything, at least not with Josef. Rex might actually listen to her, and she knew that she was going to cause a much bigger argument when they got home, but she couldn’t stand to listen to Josef berate Angelica any longer. Not when she wasn’t even there to defend herself.

Hope walked the entire room looking for her.

But one thing was obvious.

Angelica had left the party.

Chapter

Forty-Four

“Ineed to talk with Josef a minute,” Angelica said, nodding in Josef’s direction. “Thanks for the conversation.” She bowed her head slightly and walked away.

She didn’t exactly want to talk to Josef, but she needed to escape whatever awkwardness was happening between Rex and Hope. It was so uncomfortable, and Angelica had no desire to be there for it.

“Welcome to the party,” Angelica said, drinking her beer as soon as she stepped next to Josef.

“Some party.” He looked around judgmentally.

“People seem to be enjoying themselves, and that was the purpose. I think Kyle put together a video for tonight.” She waved toward the projector that had been set up in the corner of the room by his request. “He’s set to do it in about thirty minutes.”

“That’ll be good.” Josef knocked back another drink.

This wrap party was so unlike the ones at each of the hotels. This was solely for them, and the feel was different. Angelica could see the friendships that had been created in the last fewmonths and how they’d blossomed. It was amazing to witness, and yet, she was one of the few that didn’t seem to have those.

“We got notes back from the second test group.” Josef snagged another drink from a waiter.

“And?” Angelica sipped her beer, letting the flavor linger on her tongue.

“It’s not looking good. We won’t get renewed.”

She’d feared that would be the answer, but she hadn’t wanted to fully give up hope either. She didn’t have anything to say to that either because she knew he would blame her and her lack of following his direction. She finished her second beer of the evening and held the bottle tightly in her fingers.

“I told you that you should amp up the tension more.”

There it was. Exactly where Angelica had thought it’d land. “I’m not willing to sacrifice someone’s well-being to make a show. And you shouldn’t be either.”

“Because you like her.” He shifted a look at her, one that was so accusatory. “I see the way you two look at each other, Ange, and anyone with eyes can see there’s more going on between you.”

“There’s nothing going on.” Angelica pursed her lips. “How many times do I need to tell you that?”

“Until it’s true.” Josef rolled his eyes now. “I know you have a type, and she fits right into it. Young, innocent, anemployee.”

Angelica breathed slowly, keeping herself as calm as possible because she didn’t want to ruin a good night for everyone else. “Seems you won’t have to worry about it anymore, will you?” She stared at him hard, firm, and she wasn’t going to give a damn inch on this one. She stared so long that she could see Josef wiggling in discomfort from it, which made her smirk.

“I wish you wouldn’t be so emotional about it.”