Last Olive Bistro ✓

Chapter 36: Greetings and Goodbyes

"Are you nervous?" Jacob asked. I clasped my hands on my lap, pressing them down to steady from their obvious rattling.

"Terribly," I replied, but with a laugh only trying to reassure myself.

His hand rubbed my shoulder and he said, "Don't be. I'm right here."

His promise was fine, but it didn't help. Him being there was part of the issue, although that was unavoidable—I didn't know how the others would react, especially Tony.

You have to quit caring what other people think.

I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. And again. And one more time until my turbulent heart beat eased. I smoothed the fabric of my new gray slacks, then ran my fingers along the waistband to smooth my tucked-in silk blouse. It was the first time I wore real, adult work clothes (with some help from the fashion guru beside me).

"If it helps any, you look like you've been in business your whole life," he said.

I sighed and forced a smile. "Let's go."

We exited the Bentley and made our way across the street to the Last Olive Bistro. We temporarily closed the restaurant that day to meet with the staff and announce the new ownership—us.

Tony was the first to see me and Jacob enter from his post behind the bar. He did a double-take, likely at me since I never dressed so well at work, but I could see his eyes burning into Jacob.

"Good morning, Tony," I said, facing the main issue head on. It caught him off guard, slamming his register shut.

"G'morning, Chloe, and... ?" he greeted, extending his hand out to Jacob, pretending like he didn't know him.

"Jacob Lewitt." The men shared a firm handshake and a friendly nod.

"We're here to talk to everyone," I told him.

He set a bar rag beneath the counter and asked, "Do you want me to get everyone?"

Before anyone could act, Payton appeared from the kitchen and her eyes grew three sizes. "They're here!" She rushed over to me and wrapped me in an unexpected hug. I didn't know whatever it was she did to incite such a greeting, but I realized there must have been rumors spread.

The others appeared from the kitchen and everyone gathered in the dining room, taking whichever seat was nearest to them. Jacob nudged me forward, encouraging me to make the announcement. Though we had planned it that way, he must have picked up on my bout of stage fright once everyone was in view and waiting.

"Good morning everyone," I said, and they all smiled back, eager to hear which of the circulating rumors was true. "First, I want to thank you all for being patient and especially for keeping the restaurant going the past couple of days without any management."

In my side view, I could see Tony leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and a towel slung over his shoulder. I couldn't clearly see his facial expression, but in my mind he was still eyeing Jacob; there was no doubt he was stewing in suspicion.

"That's because there's been a transition of management, and ownership." I gestured towards Jacob. "Jacob and I now own the Last Olive Bistro."

The staff erupted into cheers and applause, as if they'd just been rescued from a deserted island. The chefs breathed out in relief and shared hopeful glances with each other.

"As you've probably noticed, Angela is no longer the General Manager. That position has yet to be filled, but we're looking at options. As for all of your jobs, they are safe."