Love in the Kitchen

Chapter 19

The next day
Chelsee's POV
When I was walking in to the office from my meeting Lilly stood up quickly and came from around her desk. "They checked in this morning and have reservations for lunch during your committee meeting luncheon." I looked at her surprised. That was a lot of information to take in. "They'll be there about 5 minutes before you."
"Ok, thank you Lilly for being so prepared." I said with a laugh. "I've gotta get my notes and then I'll head down there." She looked at her watch.
"Oh goodness I didn't realize what time it was. Well good luck and call me if you need me." She gave me a stern look and I nodded.
"Everything will be fine I'm sure. But, I'll keep that in mind." I watched her as she went to sit back at her desk and started back on what she was working on. I shook my head and headed into my office. I grabbed my notes and a pen then headed out. "I'll see you after the interviews. I'll probably just head straight after my luncheon." She nodded and gave me a thumbs up.
"Good luck." I nodded and then went to the elevator. I took a deep breath as the doors closed. Am I ready for this? There's no way they won't see me. So I'll have to go speak with them shortly. The doors dinged open and I walked out and headed over to the restaurant. I headed over to where the committee started to gather slowly.
"Hello everyone." They all said their hellos and I looked around. "Do we have everyone?" They nodded and I motioned for them to go on through to the conference room. "Please head on through. Sarah will lead the way." They started to follow Sarah into the dining hall and I slowly followed behind.
"You look radiant today Chelsee." Mr. Stanly said as he walked passed me. I smiled and he gave me a wink.
"Thank you." He gave me a slight nod and walked a head of me. I followed them all and stopped when I heard my name.
"Chelsee?" I turned and saw Maddison and Clayton sat at one of the tables next to the window. They waved at me as I smiled back to them.
"Mr. Stanly I'll be there shortly."
"I'll keep the old farts busy." I laughed at him as he herded everyone into the conference room. I headed over where they were and my heart felt like it was going to burst through my chest because it was beating so hard.
"Oh Chelsee its so nice to see you." Maddison stood up from her chair and you could see the visible baby bump. She gave me a hug as I came over to her.
"It's good to see you as well. Skylar told me she saw you two the other day." I watched as they looked between the two of them. "Clayton how are you?" He leaned forward and hugged me.
"I'm doing pretty well. We hear everything has been pretty crazy here with the resort and the new rink." I watched as they took in my appearance. There's no way they couldn't notice my weight loss. It was very noticeable. So I'm sure they'll be passing on the word to Clint.
"Yeah it's been pretty wild. But I see you guys have some excitement happening soon." I said pointing to her stomach. She gave me a giant smile.
"Yep a little boy in 3 months. Listen can you stay for lunch? We'd love to catch up." She asked hopefully.
"Unfortunately I have a luncheon right now with my committee and then I have interviews over at the rink." That sparked an idea for me. "Actually, Clayton I know you're on vacation but, we're interviewing new coaches today. My head guy over at the rink wanted me to be a part of it but, I just don't feel qualified enough."
"Are you kidding. I'd love to help you out with that. We'll wait here. Your luncheon can't be to long can it." I shook my head.
"It shouldn't but, you don't need to wait here if you guys finish. Go have a look out at the tree farm. It's gorgeous right now." They both nodded. "I better go before it gets to crazy in there." They smiled as I waved to them. Well that will be interesting.

Clint's POV
I had just got back to my apartment from New York when I got a text from Clayton.
'Just so you know. She looks like hell.'
My stomach dropped when I saw it. He told me that he and Maddison were going to Chelsee's Hotel for the weekend. I wasn't to happy about it. I knew what they were up to.
'What do you mean?' I texted back and took my bags to my room. As I sat my bags down my phone buzzed again.
'She's lost a shit ton of weight man.' Skylar had told Maddison that she was worried about Chelsee in confidence but of course she told me. I didn't think much of it because, Skylar was constantly worried about Chelsee. Just like Chelsee was worried about the kids. I quickly texted back.
'Get a picture for me. I need to see.' What could be going on? What's happening? I sat on the edge of my bed and waited for his reply.
'I'll try and get one. I'm in the car with her right now.' I immediately became jealous of him.
'What do you mean you're in the car with her?' He texted back instantly.
'Relax, she asked if I'd help with something at the new rink.' What could he be helping her with?
'You better call me when you're done then.'
'yes sir' came immediately after. I fell back onto my bed. Oh Chelsee, what's happening to you?
When I saw Skylar in New York I nearly choked on my water. I couldn't believe Chelsee would let her move that far away. She told us all about school and what she was going into. We made sure to leave her a really nice tip. I mean I made sure cause I've turned into Chelsee now when it comes to tipping. I immediately worry about the home life of every waiter or waitress, then leave them a nice tip. I know Chelsee wouldn't let her go with out here and make sure she's taken care of. But, I wanted to help her any way I could.
She told us all about Declan being watched by some scouts from Boston University and a few others. My heart hurt for Chelsee as she spoke. Both kids living so far away from her probably will kill her. She also told me about Chloee and a bit about Chelsee. She made sure not to say to much in front of me. I could tell she was guarding all that information.
While in my thoughts my phone went off. The message said there was a photo attached. I took a deep breath before I opened it. I clicked on the message and a photo of Chelsee appeared. My heart sank when I saw her. My curvy and bright eyed woman was no longer there. Her eyes had dark circles under them from the obvious lack of sleep. Don't get me wrong she's still gorgeous, but she looks unhealthy. Also the weight she lost. She looks sickly.
'see what I mean' before thinking I text him back.
'I'll be there tomorrow.' I tossed my phone on the bed and went to dump out all my clothes from my bags and went into my closet to pack new ones. I dialed the airport and asked if they had any flights going out. I got one early in the morning and got everything prepared. Chelsee I hope you're ready for me. Cause I'm coming whether you like it or not.