The hum of Daffodils felt like a living thing. A pulse that quickened with every clink of glass and murmur of voices.The restaurant buzzed with energy. The soft glow from the overhead lights cast warm shadows over the restaurant’s elegant decor. The scent of freshly prepared dishes lingered in the air. Soft jazz threaded through the air, mixing with the murmur of satisfied guests. The night was late, but there was no slowing down. Caia glided across the floor. Her sleek black suit tailored to perfection. Every inch of her composed and flawless, well, at least on the outside. Her hair was pulled back neatly. Her pale skin gleamed under the dim lighting.
Why do I keep doing this? Caia thought for the hundredth time that evening as she moved through the crowded floor. Her eyes scanned every corner, catching details that would go unnoticed by most. A server was faltering with a wine bottle at table four. Table five was growing impatient, and table seven’s server was stumbling through the menu.
The kitchen was likely a powder keg by now. Rowan, the head chef, was probably stressing out again. Business as usual, she thought, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. Everything’s under control. Just breathe. But the weight of the night pressed on her shoulders.
“Do I detect a storm cloud hovering over your head? You’re going to crack one of those perfect little vampire fangs if you keep grinding your teeth like that.” The familiar voice pulled her out of her thoughts.Caia didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Joe, of course. He sidled up beside her. Flashing a grin that was equal parts charming and infuriating. A cocky grin she knew so well. His tousled hair and devil-may-care smirk were a stark contrast to her controlled exterior. They’d always been opposites like that. He had that ability, to break into her mental spiral without warning.
“Because, darling, if you start brooding, you’re going to scare the customers.”
Caia resisted the urge to laugh. “Brooding? Hardly. I just like to make sure this place doesn’t fall apart while you’re busy pretending to work.”
Joe put a hand over his heart in mock offense. His grin widening. “Pretending to work? I’ve been charming guests, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and delivering the kind of service that makes this place unforgettable. Unlike some people. I know how to lighten the mood.”
She let out a quiet snort but couldn’t stop the smirk tugging at her lips. “Lightening the mood, sure. But maybe also lighten the wine stock while you're at it? Table four looks like they’re one bad pour away from walking out.”
He handed her the guest list with a casual flick of his wrist, leaning in slightly to get a better look at her face. “Ah, ever the vigilant owner. It’s a wonder you don’t just chain yourself to the hostess stand,” Joe teased, shifting closer as he followed her gaze to table four.“ Micromanage much? Ever think about, I don’t know, enjoying your own restaurant for once?” he teased, his voice laced with a playful edge.
She didn’t bite, at least not literally. Instead, Caia shot him a look, lips twitching in the faintest hint of a smile. “Maybe I’ll relax when you start seating people in the right spots. Let me know when that happens.”
“Ouch,” Joe said, clutching his chest dramatically. “That hurts, Caia. Deeply. Especially considering I’ve been keeping this place running like a well-oiled machine all night.”
“If by well-oiled machine, you mean a mess with occasional moments of brilliance, then sure,” Caia replied dryly, scanning the tables again.
“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. I’ve got just the right amount of charm to keep them entertained.”
Caia shot him a look, sharp, but not unkind. He was always like this. Always teasing. Always trying to make her relax. He’s been like that since the first grade. And even now, as vampires, some things hadn’t changed. She knew Joe could handle it, but letting him get too comfortable was dangerous. He had a tendency to get creative when left to his own devices.
Joe interrupted her thoughts again. “So, serious question. When’s the last time you actually sat down? You know, like a normal person?”
Caia’s eyes flickered to him, narrowing slightly. “I don’t need to sit down. I have things to do.”
“Right. Things,” Joe said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Like hovering over the staff, giving Rowan heart palpitations, and staring daggers at me whenever I’m too charming.”
Caia’s lips twitched again. That almost smile threatening to surface. Why is it always so hard to stay serious around him? “Maybe if you were a little less charming, I wouldn’t have to.”
“You wound me, Caia. Deeply,” he replied, though his grin never faltered. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “But seriously, Rowan’s stressing in the kitchen. He's about one burnt dish away from losing it in there. You might want to go save him before he burns the place down. Not literally, I hope.”
She sighed, glancing toward the kitchen. Of course Rowan was stressed. Rowan was a talented chef, no doubt about it. He had a habit of letting the pressure get to him. And, of course, he always wanted to impress her. She admired his dedication, even if it was misplaced. He didn’t need to prove anything to her. She could already imagine him furiously flipping lamb chops while barking orders.
“I’ll handle Rowan,”she said, brushing past Joe. “Try not to scare off the customers while I’m gone.”
“Don’t worry about me, darling,” Joe called after her, his voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. “I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to this place.”
Caia didn’t dignify that with a response, though, privately, she knew there was truth in it. Joe had been her constant, then and now. She wasn’t sure she could do this without him. Though she’d never admit it. Not out loud, anyway.
—--------------------------
The kitchen was a whirl of steam and sizzle when Caia stepped inside. Controlled chaos, as always. Rowan stood at the center of the chaos, commanding his team with precision. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a thin sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. He was in his element. If not a little too far into the weeds. Despite the stress, he still managed to look like he’d stepped out of some culinary magazine shoot. He was good at that, looking effortlessly charming, even under fire.
“Rowan,” Caia called over the noise as she stepped in front of the expo line.
He turned to her, his usual confident expression softening just a bit. “Caia. Good timing.”Rowan greeted her the moment he saw her. His voice was low, strained but steady. “We’re backed up. Table eight’s lamb is running late, and I’m down two sous-chefs.”
Caia’s presence immediately calms the storm around him. “I’ll take care of table eight. Focus on keeping things moving.”
Rowan nodded, his eyes lingered on her for a beat longer than necessary as he shot her a grateful look. “I appreciate it. You know I want everything to be perfect when you’re here.”
“You don’t have to prove anything, Rowan. Just focus on the food.”
He offered a tight smile. “Right. Got it.”
She offered a brief nod. Rowan may not have Joe’s charm, or their shared history, but he had heart. And he was damn good in the kitchen.
She grabbed the lamb dish herself. Walking back into the dining room with practiced ease. Gliding between the tables with a grace that only came from years of practice.The low hum of the restaurant welcomed her back. She moved through the crowd. Every detail caught her attention. The flicker of candlelight. The low hum of conversations. The subtle shifts in mood. By the time she reached table eight, she’d already calculated how to smooth things over.
As she reached table eight, she slipped into her role effortlessly. Setting the plates down with a smooth motion.“Thank you for your patience,” she said, her voice smooth as silk as she set the plates down. “I promise this will be worth the wait. If there’s anything else you need tonight, please let me know.”
The customers, charmed by her presence and the perfection of the dish, smiled up at her.“It’s already been amazing. We’ve heard such great things about this place. It’s a pleasure to finally be here.”
Caia gave a polite nod, “I’m glad to hear that. Enjoy your meal.” Her voice held soft, and controlled. She was already moving on mentally, already checking off the next task on her mental list when Joe appeared again. Because of course he did. He walked at her side again. Somehow managing to look completely unbothered by the chaos around them.
“Look at you, all business as usual. One of these days, I swear I’m going to make you sit down and have an actual drink. You know, enjoy yourself?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, his grin wide.
Caia gave him a sideways glance. “And who exactly is going to keep this place from falling apart when I do?”
“You know, you could let me handle some of this,” he said, falling into step beside her, his tone casual. “I mean, you don’t always have to be the one saving the day. That’s what I’m here for, right?”
Caia gave him a sideways glance. “I’m not saving the day. I’m doing my job. Your job is to make sure table four doesn’t ask for their bill before dessert.”
Joe waved a hand dismissively. “Handled. Like clockwork.”
“Really?” She raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second.
He smirked.
She let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh. Though there was the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “If I left it to you, I’d come back to find half the staff running for the door.”
“I’d like to think I’m more inspiring than that,” Joe quipped, his tone dripping with faux sincerity. “You did move back for me. Admit it. You missed me.”
Caia gave him a pointed look. “I moved back because I inherited a restaurant. You were just a bonus.”
“A fantastic bonus, though,” Joe shot back, his grin widening.
She shook her head but couldn’t help the smirk tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet, here I am. Every night. Right by your side. Almost like you need me,” he teased, his grin infectious. “And you love me for it,” Joe said, his tone light and teasing still. There was a flicker of truth in his eyes. They’d known each other for too long for her to deny it.
She didn’t answer him, but the ghost of a smile lingered as she glanced around the restaurant one last time. She did need him, in ways she hadn’t anticipated when she moved back to Harper Rock. Admitting that was another thing entirely.
Her silence said more than words could. Joe, sensing her quiet contemplation, bumped her shoulder lightly. “You know, one of these days, I’m going to get you to smile. Like, really smile.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” she muttered, though there was the faintest ghost of a smile on her lips as she turned away.
“Too late,” he called after her. “I’ve been holding it since first grade.”
And for just a moment, Caia let herself laugh. Quiet, almost too soft to hear, but it was there.
Maybe tomorrow really would be different. But for tonight, this was enough.
Why do I keep doing this? Caia thought for the hundredth time that evening as she moved through the crowded floor. Her eyes scanned every corner, catching details that would go unnoticed by most. A server was faltering with a wine bottle at table four. Table five was growing impatient, and table seven’s server was stumbling through the menu.
The kitchen was likely a powder keg by now. Rowan, the head chef, was probably stressing out again. Business as usual, she thought, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. Everything’s under control. Just breathe. But the weight of the night pressed on her shoulders.
“Do I detect a storm cloud hovering over your head? You’re going to crack one of those perfect little vampire fangs if you keep grinding your teeth like that.” The familiar voice pulled her out of her thoughts.Caia didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Joe, of course. He sidled up beside her. Flashing a grin that was equal parts charming and infuriating. A cocky grin she knew so well. His tousled hair and devil-may-care smirk were a stark contrast to her controlled exterior. They’d always been opposites like that. He had that ability, to break into her mental spiral without warning.
“Because, darling, if you start brooding, you’re going to scare the customers.”
Caia resisted the urge to laugh. “Brooding? Hardly. I just like to make sure this place doesn’t fall apart while you’re busy pretending to work.”
Joe put a hand over his heart in mock offense. His grin widening. “Pretending to work? I’ve been charming guests, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and delivering the kind of service that makes this place unforgettable. Unlike some people. I know how to lighten the mood.”
She let out a quiet snort but couldn’t stop the smirk tugging at her lips. “Lightening the mood, sure. But maybe also lighten the wine stock while you're at it? Table four looks like they’re one bad pour away from walking out.”
He handed her the guest list with a casual flick of his wrist, leaning in slightly to get a better look at her face. “Ah, ever the vigilant owner. It’s a wonder you don’t just chain yourself to the hostess stand,” Joe teased, shifting closer as he followed her gaze to table four.“ Micromanage much? Ever think about, I don’t know, enjoying your own restaurant for once?” he teased, his voice laced with a playful edge.
She didn’t bite, at least not literally. Instead, Caia shot him a look, lips twitching in the faintest hint of a smile. “Maybe I’ll relax when you start seating people in the right spots. Let me know when that happens.”
“Ouch,” Joe said, clutching his chest dramatically. “That hurts, Caia. Deeply. Especially considering I’ve been keeping this place running like a well-oiled machine all night.”
“If by well-oiled machine, you mean a mess with occasional moments of brilliance, then sure,” Caia replied dryly, scanning the tables again.
“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. I’ve got just the right amount of charm to keep them entertained.”
Caia shot him a look, sharp, but not unkind. He was always like this. Always teasing. Always trying to make her relax. He’s been like that since the first grade. And even now, as vampires, some things hadn’t changed. She knew Joe could handle it, but letting him get too comfortable was dangerous. He had a tendency to get creative when left to his own devices.
Joe interrupted her thoughts again. “So, serious question. When’s the last time you actually sat down? You know, like a normal person?”
Caia’s eyes flickered to him, narrowing slightly. “I don’t need to sit down. I have things to do.”
“Right. Things,” Joe said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Like hovering over the staff, giving Rowan heart palpitations, and staring daggers at me whenever I’m too charming.”
Caia’s lips twitched again. That almost smile threatening to surface. Why is it always so hard to stay serious around him? “Maybe if you were a little less charming, I wouldn’t have to.”
“You wound me, Caia. Deeply,” he replied, though his grin never faltered. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “But seriously, Rowan’s stressing in the kitchen. He's about one burnt dish away from losing it in there. You might want to go save him before he burns the place down. Not literally, I hope.”
She sighed, glancing toward the kitchen. Of course Rowan was stressed. Rowan was a talented chef, no doubt about it. He had a habit of letting the pressure get to him. And, of course, he always wanted to impress her. She admired his dedication, even if it was misplaced. He didn’t need to prove anything to her. She could already imagine him furiously flipping lamb chops while barking orders.
“I’ll handle Rowan,”she said, brushing past Joe. “Try not to scare off the customers while I’m gone.”
“Don’t worry about me, darling,” Joe called after her, his voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. “I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to this place.”
Caia didn’t dignify that with a response, though, privately, she knew there was truth in it. Joe had been her constant, then and now. She wasn’t sure she could do this without him. Though she’d never admit it. Not out loud, anyway.
—--------------------------
The kitchen was a whirl of steam and sizzle when Caia stepped inside. Controlled chaos, as always. Rowan stood at the center of the chaos, commanding his team with precision. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a thin sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. He was in his element. If not a little too far into the weeds. Despite the stress, he still managed to look like he’d stepped out of some culinary magazine shoot. He was good at that, looking effortlessly charming, even under fire.
“Rowan,” Caia called over the noise as she stepped in front of the expo line.
He turned to her, his usual confident expression softening just a bit. “Caia. Good timing.”Rowan greeted her the moment he saw her. His voice was low, strained but steady. “We’re backed up. Table eight’s lamb is running late, and I’m down two sous-chefs.”
Caia’s presence immediately calms the storm around him. “I’ll take care of table eight. Focus on keeping things moving.”
Rowan nodded, his eyes lingered on her for a beat longer than necessary as he shot her a grateful look. “I appreciate it. You know I want everything to be perfect when you’re here.”
“You don’t have to prove anything, Rowan. Just focus on the food.”
He offered a tight smile. “Right. Got it.”
She offered a brief nod. Rowan may not have Joe’s charm, or their shared history, but he had heart. And he was damn good in the kitchen.
She grabbed the lamb dish herself. Walking back into the dining room with practiced ease. Gliding between the tables with a grace that only came from years of practice.The low hum of the restaurant welcomed her back. She moved through the crowd. Every detail caught her attention. The flicker of candlelight. The low hum of conversations. The subtle shifts in mood. By the time she reached table eight, she’d already calculated how to smooth things over.
As she reached table eight, she slipped into her role effortlessly. Setting the plates down with a smooth motion.“Thank you for your patience,” she said, her voice smooth as silk as she set the plates down. “I promise this will be worth the wait. If there’s anything else you need tonight, please let me know.”
The customers, charmed by her presence and the perfection of the dish, smiled up at her.“It’s already been amazing. We’ve heard such great things about this place. It’s a pleasure to finally be here.”
Caia gave a polite nod, “I’m glad to hear that. Enjoy your meal.” Her voice held soft, and controlled. She was already moving on mentally, already checking off the next task on her mental list when Joe appeared again. Because of course he did. He walked at her side again. Somehow managing to look completely unbothered by the chaos around them.
“Look at you, all business as usual. One of these days, I swear I’m going to make you sit down and have an actual drink. You know, enjoy yourself?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, his grin wide.
Caia gave him a sideways glance. “And who exactly is going to keep this place from falling apart when I do?”
“You know, you could let me handle some of this,” he said, falling into step beside her, his tone casual. “I mean, you don’t always have to be the one saving the day. That’s what I’m here for, right?”
Caia gave him a sideways glance. “I’m not saving the day. I’m doing my job. Your job is to make sure table four doesn’t ask for their bill before dessert.”
Joe waved a hand dismissively. “Handled. Like clockwork.”
“Really?” She raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second.
He smirked.
She let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh. Though there was the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “If I left it to you, I’d come back to find half the staff running for the door.”
“I’d like to think I’m more inspiring than that,” Joe quipped, his tone dripping with faux sincerity. “You did move back for me. Admit it. You missed me.”
Caia gave him a pointed look. “I moved back because I inherited a restaurant. You were just a bonus.”
“A fantastic bonus, though,” Joe shot back, his grin widening.
She shook her head but couldn’t help the smirk tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet, here I am. Every night. Right by your side. Almost like you need me,” he teased, his grin infectious. “And you love me for it,” Joe said, his tone light and teasing still. There was a flicker of truth in his eyes. They’d known each other for too long for her to deny it.
She didn’t answer him, but the ghost of a smile lingered as she glanced around the restaurant one last time. She did need him, in ways she hadn’t anticipated when she moved back to Harper Rock. Admitting that was another thing entirely.
Her silence said more than words could. Joe, sensing her quiet contemplation, bumped her shoulder lightly. “You know, one of these days, I’m going to get you to smile. Like, really smile.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” she muttered, though there was the faintest ghost of a smile on her lips as she turned away.
“Too late,” he called after her. “I’ve been holding it since first grade.”
And for just a moment, Caia let herself laugh. Quiet, almost too soft to hear, but it was there.
Maybe tomorrow really would be different. But for tonight, this was enough.