Page 6

Chapter Six

NEW DIETITIAN

~~Juniper~~

I survey my clean kitchen with a mixture of relief and disdain. The disdain stems from the fact that Chef John destroyed every ounce of supplies. I’ll need to do some major shopping before I can fix the first meal, and the guys are expecting something this afternoon when they get done with practice. I have very little time to achieve this miracle. I rack my brain for a main dish that will satisfy their palates and increase their carb intake. These guys burn off a ton of energy skating, and they replenish that energy via food intake.

I’m not a nutritionist or a trained chef, and I’m completely in the dark when it comes to expectations. Of course, Chef John didn’t leave any recipes or records of what he’s prepared in the past. I find a pad of paper that’s escaped the destruction and began to jot down all the items needing replaced. Right now, my biggest issue is today’s meal.

“Junie, how’re things going?” Lauren Parker, co-owner of the team and director of player personnel, stands in the doorway surveying the kitchen. “I heard the chef left you quite a mess, and I apologize that you were left to clean it up. If we’d realized it, we’d have hired that done.”

“It’s okay. The guys pitched in and helped. It didn’t take long with all those hands.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Was any of the food salvageable?”

I shake my head, and Lauren sighs.

“See Ethan’s assistant, Mina. She’ll set you up with a credit card. In the meantime, we’ve arranged to have today’s meal catered to buy you some time to get up to speed.”

“I really appreciate that. Thank you.” I blow out a sigh of relief. Yet, even with the reprieve, I have a lot of work to do. Lauren’s kindness is unexpected. I choke back a sob, horrified I’m allowing my emotions to get the best of me. I don’t want to look unprofessional in her eyes.

“I realize you’re coming into this cold. Our new team dietitian will meet with you later this afternoon. She’ll be a great resource and has insights into what the guys like to eat, especially on game day, but she’s learning the ropes just like you. She’s only been on the job a few weeks.”

I nod, embarrassed I didn’t realize the team had a dietitian, but I’m not telling Lauren that. I don’t want her to think I’m completely clueless.

“Chef John’s assistant quit, so you’ll need to hire an assistant chef. Mina can help with that also. Your kitchen helper, Milo, is still on staff.”

“Thank you. I’m grateful for this opportunity, but I’ll understand if you’d prefer to find someone more qualified.”

“Do we need to?” She studies me carefully, and I get the impression she’s issuing a challenge.

“No, I can handle it.” I scramble to defend myself.

“I know you can. Let’s see how this works out for both you and the team. Mina has a check prepared with your bonus along with that team credit card for purchases. She’ll explain the purchase process. Can I help you with anything else?”

“No, I’m good. Thank you, again. Thank you.”

She smiles and winks. “You’ll do just fine, and I’m looking forward to that bread of yours. I’ve heard high praise from some of the WAGs.”

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”

“You won’t.” On that note she leaves me to figure out what to do next. I continue my assessment and list making, relieved of the pressure of cooking something today.

“It is true.”

I know that voice, and I don’t bother to turn around. Celeste deserves nothing from me, especially not friendliness. I ignore her and continue my inventory. I’ll need new pots and pans, as the former chef destroyed several of them. I have my work cut out for me. The guys will expect breakfast before morning skate tomorrow.

“Ignoring me won’t make me go away.”

“I can hope, can’t I?”

“You’re a sore loser.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I whip around, my patience completely obliterated by the smugness in her voice. “I didn’t lose a damn thing.” I have no fucking idea what she’s talking about.

“Levi. He dumped you. It’s only a matter of time before he’s mine.”

“You’re welcome to him. Enjoy. But if you’re expecting him to commit long term, that’s not in him. So good luck.”

“It’s not in him when it comes to you because you’re too old and dull for someone as energetic and youthful as Levi.”

“What are you doing here?” I’ve had enough of her bullshit. As far as Levi’s concerned, he can do whatever he pleases, but I doubt he’ll do her, at least not for long. She’s difficult and high maintenance. What guy wants that day in and day out?

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Celeste is giddy with smug superiority, and I’m instantly on alert. Something’s going on, and I’m not going to like it.

“Know what?” I eye her suspiciously.

“I’m the Sockeyes’ new dietitian.”

“You’re what?” This must be some kind of cruel joke, or she’s just plain lying. I never pictured Celeste as having an actual career other than stalking hockey players. But then again, I know nothing about her, nor have I ever cared to find out.

Celeste’s cackle of laughter doesn’t disguise an underlying sinister intent. “You didn’t know, did you?”

“No, I didn’t.” The weight of Levi’s betrayal courses through me. Why hadn’t he told me? He definitely knew. The coward. I’m shocked the team would hire someone like her, but most likely management isn’t aware of her questionable reputation among the WAGs and the players. Rose wouldn’t be privy to her petty actions in the WAGs suite or elsewhere. Celeste is a predator and has no business working for this hockey team. Despite how I feel toward her, I don’t have a choice but to make the best of it and work with the woman, as painful as it may be.

I maneuver the subject from Levi to my kitchen assistant. “I understand I have a kitchen helper. Milo, I believe. But he’s not here today. Do you know anything about that?”

“Oh, yes, I gave him the day off.”

“You gave my employee the day off without consulting me?”

Celeste smirks but doesn’t offer an explanation. “He’ll be in tomorrow. You’ll also need an assistant chef. I can recommend a highly experienced cook. In fact, she’s far more experienced than you. If it were my choice, your roles would be reversed.”

“I’ll hire my own help, thank you.”

“We’ll see.” Her smirk tells it all, and I’m not liking what it’s saying. “I’m a professional, Juniper. I expect to be treated as one and my expertise respected. You wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for your connections with the team.”

“I’m aware of that. Neither would you.”

“My connections with the team didn’t get me this job. I have the credentials. You do not.”

“I’m prepared to make this work, and I would appreciate your cooperation and assistance as we put aside our differences and work for the good of the team.”

“Of course.” She lifts her chin in a show of defiance in direct opposition to her words. “I’ve taken the liberty of preparing a list of foods for the boys based on their Chef John favorites.” She hands over a pile of papers. I take them from her and scan the first page. I’m alarmed at how fancy these meals are. I can cook, but I’m not a chef.

“Do you have the recipes?”

“Oh, hell no. Chef John’s recipes were closely guarded secrets. No one knows the details except…”

“Except who?”

“My friend. She filled in as his assistant on several occasions.”

Well, crap.

A triumphant smirk crosses her face. She has me where she wants me, and she knows it. I’m fascinated by how a facial expression can turn a strikingly beautiful woman into an ugly caricature of herself. When her inner self shows through, it masks her overall appearance. At least, that’s how I see it.

When she’s not scowling, Celeste has the kind of beauty that makes male heads turn and females jealous. I know I’m attractive, but around her I feel old and inferior, like a cheap imitation compared to the real thing.

“I have work to do.” I turn my back on her and return to my inventory. It’s a tedious, boring job, but it beats conversing with that woman any day of the week.

“I’ll send Maddie your way. And one last thing. Levi is mine. Keep your distance, or I’ll make sure you’re sorry.”

I grunt in response. Seconds later the swinging door whooshes as Celeste exits. I’m livid. The nerve of that woman to threaten me. How the fuck dare she? I want to throw something or scream out loud. I can’t do either. Because of my lack of experience, I’ll need to work closely with Celeste, and she knows it. Then to have the gall to threaten me regarding Levi. I don’t care what she does with him.

Fuming, I force myself back to the inventory, which is almost as frustrating as Celeste. My list is growing exponentially, but I’m determined. I have no choice. Everything must be in place in time for breakfast.

“Juniper?”

I groan, heave a put-upon sigh and turn. “Hello.” My tone is as cold as ice on the rink several steps away.

“Celly told you I’d be stopping by, didn’t she?” Maddie tosses back her mane of black hair that hangs down to her waist. It’s straight as a board and looks like the pelt of a black panther, which is somewhat appropriate. And Celly? What the fuck?

“Yes.” My brief response is abrupt and unwelcoming. I’m being a bitch, and I know it, but Celly and her girlfriends have been nothing but awful to me and many of the WAGs. They don’t deserve my friendliness.

“Here’s my résumé.”

I take it from her hand and study it. Her credentials—if they check out—are impressive. In fact, she could easily argue that our positions should be switched. Fear slices through me. I’ll be damned if I allow Celeste and her gang of mean girls to push me out of this job. I’ll keep it or lose it on my own merits.

“When would you like me to start?” She lifts her chin defiantly and sneers, as if she knows she’s in the driver’s seat.

I swallow my pride and respond, forcing my sweetest smile. Maddie frowns. I’ll give Maddie credit. She’s not buying what I’m selling.

“Tomorrow morning. Five a.m. sharp.” I expect her to balk at the early hour, but I’m sadly disappointed.

“I’ll be here.” She starts for the door, stops, and turns around. “Oh, I almost forgot. Celeste wanted me to give this to you.” She hands me a sheet of paper. I study it. “She took the liberty of designing tomorrow’s menu.”

“Tell her thank you. I’m surprised she didn’t present this to me herself.” I’m torn between being furious at Celeste for doing my job and being grateful that she did my job.

Maddie shrugs, as if to say she’d prefer not to answer. “I’m familiar with most of these dishes. Chef John guarded his recipes like the Secret Service guards the president, but I know how to make the dishes we did most frequently, and I’ve taken the liberty of assembling a grocery list.”

“Thank you.” I’m flabbergasted yet suspicious. These two women have something devious planned, and I’m the target. My best guess is moving Maddie into the chef position once they prove I’m incompetent. I don’t trust them, but I don’t have a choice considering the time crunch I’m under.

Maddie flounces from the room as I sit down to study the menu and the grocery list. Hours later, I rub my eyes wearily. I still have hours of work to do, including shopping and prep work.

The door swings open, and I glance up, bracing myself for round two with either Maddie or Celeste. Instead, Levi saunters into the kitchen as if he owns the place. There was a time when his confidence impressed me. Now I found his attitude annoying and cocky.

“What do you need?”

His ice-blue eyes bore into mine, and his delectable mouth quirks into an arrogant smile. “Nice to see you, too. And you’re welcome for all the help I gave you earlier.

“I’m sorry. I just had a couple unpleasant conversations. I shouldn’t take them out on you, but I do have one beef to pick with you.”

“Just one?” He flashes one of his irresistible smiles, but I don’t take the bait.

“Why didn’t you tell me that Celeste was hired by the team a few weeks ago?”

“I didn’t think it was important.” His smirk falters, and he looks down. His longish dark hair falls in his eyes, and he pushes it off his forehead. I’d once found the gesture adorable, now not so much.

“She’s threatened me to stay away from you. I didn’t realize you two were an item.” My words hit the mark. His scowl deepens, while those blue eyes narrow with annoyance.

“We aren’t. She has no claim on me.”

“Whatever. Do you need anything else?” I manage to speak in a more professional manner. He raises his head and meets my gaze. Unspoken words pass between us, and I’m uncomfortable with the possible messages being conveyed by both of us. I miss him. I think he misses me. But the damage is truly done.

“Nah, I was hoping for some of your homemade bread.”

“Not today.”

“Okay, then.” He hesitates as if wanting to say more but doesn’t.

“Goodbye.” I lower my head to study my list. He stands there for an excruciatingly long five seconds before leaving.

I sit back and stare at the ceiling before squeezing my eyes shut. Seeing Levi hasn’t improved my mood any, especially after visits from Celeste and Maddie. With a heavy sigh, I go back to work.

An hour later I glance at my watch. I don’t know where the time has gone. I gather up my things, turn off the lights, and head for my car. It’s now dark and raining, and I’m exhausted. I have an early morning and need all the rest I can get.

What have I gotten myself into? I’d thought cooking for a hockey team would be the extent of my worries, but I’m wrong. Seeing Levi and Celeste every day while working alongside Celeste’s bestie may well be intolerable, but it’s not as if I have other job offers.

Somehow, I’ll find the strength to resist Levi, tolerate Celeste, and work with Maddie. Not an easy feat for anyone, especially someone like me who tends to say what she thinks and isn’t known for tact.

I’ll have to dig deep in order to get through this period of uncertainty and conflict, but I’m made of strong stuff. After all, I survived Chris. I can survive those three. They won’t beat me down.