Green Eyed Daydream #Wattys2016

Chapter 37

Tyler's POV

"Hey, boss," Calvin greets me as I enter the kitchen at Slate.

"Hey, Cal, is Tiffany here?" I ask.

"Yeah, I think she's getting something from the freezer," he informs me, and continues chopping onions with lightning speed.

Daniel appears carrying a crate of wine. "Hey, hey, hey, Mr. Bi-coastal."

"How's it going?" I ask, patting him on the back.

He sets the wine down on the counter. "Got a new tattoo," he tells me and rolls up his shirt sleeve to reveal an image of salt and pepper shakers on his bicep.

"Wow, hardcore. That ought to slay the ladies," I tease him.

"Well, not all of us can rely solely on our looks," he bites back. "Oh, and congrats on closing the deal with Carrie. I thought I saw a new notch on your belt. She's a piece, eh?"

I feel my temper flare. "I'm just going to say this once," I tell him in low controlled voice. "Don't ever talk about her like that. She's not a piece, she's my girl, and you better watch your fucking mouth," I warn.

Daniel looks askance at me, like I'm being unreasonably sensitive, but I don't give a shit. He breaks eye contact with me, and puts his hands up defensively. "Okay, okay, damn."

I have to remind myself to give Tiffany a not so subtle warning to stop discussing my personal life with the kitchen staff, namely Daniel and Calvin..they sure know how to run their mouths.

My sister comes up behind me, and punches me in the arm. "Hey Ty, whatcha doing?"

"Let's go talk in the office," I tell her, and we walk up the stairs.

We sit at my desk, and I listen to Tiffany gush about Alex, and how well they're getting on playing house. I am truly happy for her. She is such a syrupy romantic, and I'm glad she found someone who is a good match for her passionate nature.

When she enquires about me and Carrie, I'm not as open with the details, and warn her to keep what I share with her private, but I do let her know that I'm definitely starting to develop some surprisingly strong feelings for Carrie.

"Ty, that's so great. Do you think she might be the one?" Tiffany asks me, her eyes practically tearing.

"First of all, there's no 'one', there are people you make it work with. And so far, Carrie and I get along really well."

Tiffany groans at me. "Ugh, you're too practical...where's the romance? Just let yourself fall, Ty! Don't be so caught up in 'what ifs', and let it happen. It is the best feeling in the world."

I observe Tiffany, and can't help but smile. She really did inherit our mother's sanguine temperament.

"We'll see where it goes," I say, evasively. Tiffany sticks her tongue out at me, and I toss a scrunched up piece of paper at her, which she dodges masterfully. She's had years of practice after all.

A knock at the door disrupts our juvenile exchange. It's Shelly.

"Hey guys, sorry to interrupt," she says, pulling at her miniskirt. "Tyler, there's a guy here to see you."

"Who is it?" I ask, mentally going over my meetings schedule and coming up empty.

"I don't know. He didn't say. He's like, blond, and wearing a grey suit."

"Ok, put him in my booth, and I'll be down in a few."

I go downstairs to the restaurant floor, and immediately spot my visitor.