His Fresh Start ✔ (Book Three)

Chapter 7

"I'm dead, boss." Marco flopped down on a chair and wiped the sweat off his forehead with the sleeve of his white shirt.

"Having so much work is a blessing and a curse," I said, taking off my apron. "Thank you for making sure everything ran smoothly today while I wasn't here. You can take tomorrow off."

Marco wiggled his eyebrows. "No, I can't. Didn't you have an afternoon date?"

"Shit. It's true. Monday, then."

"Well, I'm not going to say no this time. Anything else?"

I shook my head. "Go home. I'll close."

Claude walked into the bistro at the same time Marco opened the door to leave.

"Hello and goodbye," said my assistant, receiving a slap on the back from one of my and Jean's best friends.

"Always cheerful, that one." Claude nodded in Marco's direction before turning to me.

"I saw you today. What made you return the visit so fast?" I smiled at the man.

"The fact that you are so smitten with Louise that you forgot something at my restaurant."

I raised my eyebrows, but just then, Claude took my wallet out of his pocket.

"Damn it, thank you," I said, taking it from his hand. "You're right; I've been more than distracted lately."

My friend sat on one of the chairs and released a deep sigh. "Distracted is good; it keeps demons at bay."

"Sure does," I muttered. "So, what did you think of Lou?"

"She's the right girl for you, Thierry. Strong, independent, not afraid to voice her opinion. Her daughter also seemed nice. I'm more curious about the guy, though."

"Aiden?"

Claude nodded. "Hell if I didn't experience a dejà-vu when you introduced him to me."

"We might be a bit similar."

Claude snorted. "A bit? The guy has trauma written across his forehead, just like you did when you started working with Jean."

"He says he doesn't get on well with his father, but it's not the same, Claude."

My remark earned me an eye-roll from Claude. "He's Daniel's son, and that guy has been my customer for a while now. He never brought the kid with him, though. I would watch him closely, if I were you."

I frowned. "What are you hinting at?"

"Alcohol makes customers talk, Thierry. Daniel Kennedy is bad news, and his kid seems as innocent as they come. We might not save the world, but it won't hurt to help one guy if the need arises."

"Well, I guess we'll see more of each other now. I'd hate for you to be right, but I think I'll pay more attention just in case," I replied.

Claude grinned. "Good boy. Now, back to the number five."

"Not this again." I rolled my eyes. "It's not a big deal."