Catering to the CEO Read Free Page A

moved around the kitchen multi-tasking and was definitely at home in this particular room; cooking had always been a joy for her and it was fortunate that she could turn it in to a successful career. 
    “Why would future clients have to know?” Katie asked, joining the conversation after getting Ella settled. 
    “If he decides to be spiteful, he’ll let it be known to all of the local businesses that I would not do what he asked and then sued.  I’m telling you, he’s just that kind of person.”  Cassie knew without a doubt that Adam Lawrence did not let anyone get the better of him and if he failed to get a new caterer, she could kiss her business reputation good-bye.
    Conversation veered away from her and her miserable day and went on to make the rounds of all of the Jacobs siblings. With everyone laughing and smiling, Stephen thought now was a good time to talk about what was new in his life.  “I sure am glad that y’all came over tonight.  It seems we don’t get to do this often enough.”  All four of his children turned to look at him and smile.  “The thing is, I’ve invited someone over tonight for you to meet and I hope that you’ll like her.”
    “Her?” all four voices said at once.
    Stephen had to smile.  Their shocked tone matched the confusion on their faces.  “Yes, her.  Her name is Beverly, she likes to be called Bev, and we’ve been dating for a couple of months now.”
    “A couple of months ?” Matt asked incredulously.  “How come you never mentioned this to any of us before?”
    Stephen knew there’d be questions; he was just glad they decided to ask before Bev arrived.  “Well, when Bev and I first met, Katie was in her ninth month and if you remember correctly, she was having a rough time.”  They all nodded.  “Then Ella arrived and we were all caught up in celebrating and getting them both settled.  Well, it wasn’t the time to introduce any of you to somebody new.  That was Katie’s time.  She deserved to be the center of attention.”
    Turning to look at his youngest daughter, he noticed her blue eyes shining with unshed tears.  “I didn’t want to take anything away from you, peanut.  Besides that, I had no idea if this relationship with Bev was going to go anywhere.  After all, I’ve been out of the dating world for quite some time.”
    “I guess it’s going somewhere, then,” Lauren stated, not looking up from slicing up a cucumber lest her father see the pain in her eyes.
    “It is.  This whole thing took the both of us by surprise but after almost four months we figured it was time for everyone to meet.  So I invited her tonight for a casual get together.  She has only one son and he is coming with her and if it’s any comfort to you, he is learning about this today, as well.”
    “I guess that’s something,” Lauren mumbled.  Cassie elbowed her in the rib.
    “Geez,” she whispered, “lighten up.  This is new territory for all of us.”  With that, chatter returned to the kitchen and the dinner preparations were wrapping up.  Cassie was putting the spinach and feta stuffed chicken in to the oven and then pulled the Tzatziki from the refrigerator along with the fresh vegetables and hummus for the appetizer.  She was placing a basket of toasted pita chips next to it when the doorbell rang.
    “That must be them!” Katie said, giddy with excitement.  “Can you believe it?  Dad has a girlfriend!”  This caused the girls to giggle a bit, even Lauren, while Matt stood back, arms crossed over his chest, ready to observe the whole scene before he made any decision on whether or not he was happy about this new development in his family. 
    Cringing, Cassie could only hope that her siblings lightened up quick or this night could be a disaster.  Remembering the tray of olives that she had forgotten to take out of the refrigerator, her back was to the door when everyone walked in.  “Everyone, this is Bev.”   He gestured to