Page 70 of No Holds Barred

“I told Katherine to cook six of her best dishes.”

“These are my best!” Katherine jumped in.

“Can you cook any others?” Angelica asked, her voice carrying through the room because she was met with silence.

And then even more silence.

Not only had Angelica managed to ask the one question that Hope wanted to know, but there was no response. Katherinedidn’t try to defend herself or to explain. She just stared at them, eyes wide, pupils dilated, and lips parted in absolute fear.

She’d just been called out.

“All right,” Hope said, putting her hands together. “So, where did you train?”

Katherine shook her head.

“Nowhere?” Hope furrowed her brow.

“I… I’m self-taught.”

“Wow.” Hope shook her head, tensing. “I mean, wow.” She was honestly speechless. What Katherine had cooked was amazing food and damn good technique for someone who was self-taught. But it also explained the limited menu and why she’d still cooked those same six dishes. “Okay. First, I’m impressed.”

“Are you?” Katherine squeaked out.

“Yes. But also apprehensive. You don’t know how to cook anything else, do you?”

Katherine shook her head.

“All right. I need… a minute.” Hope looked wildly around the room.

“Hang on.” Angelica reached for Hope’s wrist to keep her there, letting go after a second. She faced Mel and Jess. “Were you aware of the lack of training?”

“No,” Jess said, crossing her arms. “Katherine told us she had years of experience.”

“I do!” Katherine’s voice rose in defense.

“You told us you went to culinary school.” Jess gave her a hard look, betrayal in her gaze.

“I… couldn’t ever afford it.” Katherine bit her lip. “Please don’t fire me.”

“I don’t know that we can keep you on. Certainly not for what we pay you, if you don’t have the training.” Jess shook her head as she took a step back. “I’m sorry, but I can’t justify?—”

“Don’t make any decisions yet.” Angelica put her hand up to stop everyone from talking.

Hope’s entire focus settled on her, and she stayed right in this moment. This wasn’t what she’d expect from Angelica, ever.

“Hope and I are going to discuss, and Jess and Mel, I suggest you do the same.” Angelica looked at Katherine. “And I need you to be fully honest about what your skillset is, how you got to this point in your life, and where you want to go from here.”

Hope knew that Angelica meant more than whether or not Katherine wanted to quit, but she was also positive that Katherine didn’t hear that in the question. She almost jumped in to say something, but Angelica was already dismissing everyone.

“Katherine, will you clean up and continue with prep for tonight?” Hope couldn’t tear her gaze away from Angelica. “And where are we talking?”

“I could use some fresh air. How about you?” Angelica pursed her lips, eyebrows raised, eyes wide, and she looked like she had a secret she wanted to tell.

“Sure. Outside it is. I’ll follow you.”

That was a bad choice. Because Angelica chose to walk toward the front door of the hotel instead of taking the knee scooter with her, and that meant that Hope got the best view of her ass.

Once they were outside, with Rex there along with Sy and the camera, Hope had to keep herself together. Rex had already noticed far too much.