Riverside: Kitchen Promises Part 2

I walked to my office feeling great. I loved that Molly was working just floors below me. Not that she needed to be watched, but if anything happened to her, I wouldnt be far away.

Your messages, Mr. Stagliano. My a.s.sistant walked in and set a handful of notes down on my desk.

Thank you, Carla.

As I scanned through them, I saw an interesting one catch my eye. Stanley Webber. What did he want? I only spoke to him if it pertained to Liam, and usually, Violet would text or call me if it were important.

It was weird knowing Mollys secret about Stanley. I knew she didnt want to tell him or anyone else for that matter, but a part of me felt like she should. Perhaps it was because Stanley was a good man, and maybe I thought he deserved to know, but it was Mollys decision, and Id never force her to do anything she didnt want to do. Stanley was good to Liam, so for now, thats all that mattered.

I decided to ignore it for now and catch up on my emails. Things have been crazy busy lately, the holidays approaching soon and the restaurant expanding. Id have to hire another chef to cover the expansion and another to cover Molly when she goes on maternity leave. If I had my way, she would stay home and never go back to work at all. But I knew it was important to her, so I never pushed the subject too much.

I worked on my computer through the morning, catching up on financial statements and doc.u.ments when an eager knock startled me. Yes? I called out.

Mr. Stagliano, theres a Mr. Webber here. He says its urgent. Her eyes were fierce letting me know she was uncomfortable with him just showing up. She had worked for me for many years now, so I was accustomed to her facial expressions.

Sure, let him in. I waved in my direction. I stacked the paperwork on my desk and put it in one neat pile. I watched as she escorted him in and offered a beverage. He denied and thanked her kindly. She closed the door quietly as Stanley walked toward my desk. Come, sit down, I ordered, motioning to the chair.

I apologize for just showing up, Drake, but I wanted to catch you before you left for lunch. He sat down across from me.

Is everything okay? Is Liam alright? I asked.

Oh yes, hes fine. Nothing like that. Im actually here on business.

What is it? I crossed my arms, looking intently at him.

Im hoping youd be willing to help me out with something.

Go on. I nodded.

I have a new business partner, and I want to host a welcome event into my company. I was hoping to be able to do it here at the Riverside, keep it low profile until his partners.h.i.+p is announced.

Im sure we could work something out. You dont want to use one of your hotels? I asked curiously.

Well, the ones in the city I have are all booked for holiday events coming up, and I wanted to do this in a few weeks, if possible.

It seemed odd to me, but Stanley was a nice enough guy, so I decided to go along with it.

Im sure we can plan something on short notice. What kind of things are you looking to do? I grabbed a notepad and pen to write some notes down. Id have my a.s.sistant book the hall and get everything ready.

Something on the casual side, but nice. More like a meet and greet.

Do you want the caterers?

Yeah, I was thinking a sit down event; well eat, and have a couple speeches, just something to welcome him into my company. Mostly businessmen will be there networking. I nodded as I wrote it all down. It sounded simple enough. It was always good to network with other financial experts and hotel owners. Stanley was very professional on the outside, but Ive gotten to know his soft side around Liam.

Great, I think Ive got it all. Ill give this to my a.s.sistant and see when she can squeeze it in. I smiled, setting the pen down. We both stood up and shook hands. Ill be in touch.

Thanks, Drake. Appreciate it. He nodded back at me and turned to leave. I ripped the sheet off the pad and called for my a.s.sistant.

How are you going to pull that off in only a few weeks? Molly asked, rinsing potatoes in the sink. I had just finished telling her about my meeting with Stanley. She hadnt said too much about him since she confessed the truth about him, but I guess there really wasnt much for her to say about him. She didnt know him. She didnt want to get to know him, and whenever he was with Violet dropping Liam off, she would be sweet, but guarded. I always felt it was her way of keeping her distance, not wanting to get too close.

Its small, nothing too big. Plus, I think Stanley wants to enjoy the evening rather than always feeling like hes at work.

Thats nice of you, she said in a surprised tone.

Arent I always? I answered with an amused grin. I stood behind her, nuzzling my face in the nape of her neck.

Well, its better than Violet showing up at your officeagain. She tensed. I blew air over her ear and nipped it with my mouth. Her body relaxed and s.h.i.+vered underneath me, making me grin at how easily her body reacts to me.

Stop it. Im trying to make dinner. She giggled, pus.h.i.+ng her neck down.

Yes, please stop it. I dont want to throw up before I even get a chance to eat, Michael interrupted, making a gagging sound.

Oh, like youre any better? Molly fired back. I swear, I walk in on you and Trey one more time"

Hey, he interrupted, putting his hands up in surrender. No one told you to walk in. Ever hear of knocking?

Ever hear of shut the h.e.l.l up? She made a face at him and swatted him with the wood spoon in her hand.

Alright, you two. Play nice, I interjected. I backed away to let them bicker it out. Michaels boyfriend, Trey, had been coming over a lot more recently. Michael finally decided to settle down and date. Molly liked him, but lately she was a little edgy about it. Personally, I think it was because she was jealous of all the time Michael spent with him instead of her. And add that to the pregnancy hormones, you had one emotional recipe for disaster.

On top of planning Stanleys event, I wanted to surprise Molly with an engagement party soon. She hadnt mentioned a lot about the wedding with focusing on the babies and work, so I thought Id do all the organizing of getting a party together. Weve been engaged five months now, so I figured we needed to do it soon.

Christmas was coming up, so I thought a holiday engagement party would be the route to go. I had a party planner already on top of it. I didnt want Molly to stress about it"and I knew she would"so I didnt plan to tell her until the night of. Risky, yes. But in my experience, it was better to ask for forgiveness than to get permission. So a party was in the works.

I set the table and called for Stella to come down. Michael and Molly were still teasing each other in the kitchen, so I sat at the table with Stella.

So how was your day, sweetie? I asked, pouring her a cup of milk. She shrugged, not looking up from the table. Whats wrong?

First grade is hard, she pouted.

Im sorry, sweetie. Anything I can help with?

Can I bring gum to school? She looked up bright-eyed.

Gum? I dont think youre supposed to have gum in school, are you?

Its not for chewing, she informed.

Confused, I asked, Okaywhats it for?

Its a secret.

You can trust me, I promise. I crossed my arms on the table, leaned my head on top, and gave a wink.

I want to give it to someone. She smiled, almost blus.h.i.+ng.

Who? I asked curiously, leaning back up to take a drink of my water.

My boyfriend, she answered bluntly. Shocked, water spat out of my mouth and nose. She laughed as I covered my face.

Your what? Molly interjected, dropping a pan in the middle of the table. Did you just say boyfriend? She placed a hand on her hip, raising her eyebrows.

And the fun begins, Michael muttered, taking a seat across from me. He chuckled as he saw Mollys scowl.

You, young lady, Molly said, pointing a finger at Stella, are not allowed to date nor have boyfriends until youre thirty, you hear me?

Stella giggled.

Thirty? Girl, please, Michael snorted. He reached across the table and grabbed a scoop of ca.s.serole.

Shes gonna need a tracking device. I chuckled.

You better get a chast.i.ty belt on her, Michael continued.

Oh my G.o.d! Stop it, you two! Molly snapped back. I mean it. There will be no talk of boyfriends!

I couldnt help but laugh. It was innocent teasing, but I could tell it was really starting to bother her. On top of already being emotional, she was having a hard time letting go. Stella was her first baby and had been the center of her attention for five years, and now here Stella was already acting grown up.

Okay, no more teasing, I promised. I put my hand over my heart and crossed it so she knew I meant it.

So Michael began. I could tell he was trying to come up with a better topic. Have you guys given any thought on the wedding? I mean, are you going to set a date sometime soon? Id really like to get planning. He stabbed a piece of chicken with his fork and popped it in his mouth.

Youre planning it, huh? I asked amused.

Well, you want it to kick a.s.s, right? Michael raised an eyebrow, grinning.

Im not really sure, Michael, Molly interrupted. With the babies, it just makes more sense to wait, dont you think? She turned to look at me. I hadnt really wanted to wait that long, but I could definitely see her point.

Whatever you want, baby. We could wait until after the babies are here.

She smiled and took a sip of her water. I mean, unless you just want to elope, she teased. Honestly, I could care less what route we took. Of course, I wanted it to be special for us, but I just wanted to make her mine. I wanted to call her my wife. I wanted to stamp my initials in her to keep any wandering eyes off her.

Hey, Elvis could marry us Vegas-style, for all I care. I smiled back at her. I grabbed her hand in mine and brought it to my lips.

Oh gross, Michael groaned, ruining our moment. I will not allow you two to get married by Elvis. Absolutely not. h.e.l.l will freeze over before that happens.

And why is that, Michael? Molly snapped. If I want Elvis to marry me, I will.

Unless Elvis himself resurrects from his grave, I cant let you do it. I watched as Molly rolled her eyes and stabbed another piece of chicken.

h.e.l.l! Stella screamed, jerking all of our attention toward her.

Excuse you, young lady? Molly narrowed her eyes.

Michael said it first. Her body lowers in the chair.

Molly slowly turned her attention toward Michael. Nice going.

Michael busted out laughing as Molly cringed. I teach her all my best qualities, remember? Sh.e.l.l have a great sense of fas.h.i.+on, and a foul mouth. Get used to it, babe.

You are no help, she growled.

The rest of our evening was spent listening to Michael test Mollys limits. Apparently, Michael had a death wish. I just sat there, shaking my head as Michael dug his own grave. But I knew they had a relations.h.i.+p I would never understand. Whatever works for them -----<>-----.

3.

Molly Drake left early for work the following morning, leaving me alone for a few hours before I had to go into work. I enjoyed working the later s.h.i.+ft, giving me enough time to get through my nausea and morning sickness. Not only that, it gave me some peace and quiet time.

d.a.m.n, you swallow a watermelon? Michael walked into my room, raising an eyebrow as his eyes roamed my belly.

Apparently, quiet time is over.

Two actually.

I dont envy you, thats for sure. Just the thought of how those babies are getting out makes my b.a.l.l.s hurt. He made a pained face, which made me laugh.

Thats exactly why men could never go through labor. Youre all a bunch of babies.

Oh, is that so? You think women are the only ones that could stand the pain? he retorted. He sat on the bed next to me, causing the bed to dip.

I moved closer to him and twisted his nipple. Ow, oh my G.o.d! he squealed.

Case in point.

Thats not fair. Thats sensitive, he whined, rubbing over his chest.

And my vag isnt? Please, men could never handle it.

He rolled his eyes, not willing to argue with my raging hormones.

Youre lucky I love you. He grinned.

Or what?

Or I wouldnt" He grabbed my hips and started tickling me uncontrollably.