Chapter 2

For the next two days, I went to the restaurant as usual, managing everything there as though nothing had happened.

I only stepped away now and then to make a few calls and sign a few papers.

As if to freeze me out on purpose, Bernice didn't come by the restaurant those two days.

My brother, who normally couldn't stay away from the place, didn't show either.

But he sent me the occasional text.

"Althea, are you really not coming home?"

"Mom's right. You've just been spoiled rotten."

"If you've got the nerve, then never come back at all."

I didn't answer a single one. I just quietly saw to what I needed to do.

On the third day, right after I signed the last contract, Bernice suddenly walked in.

She had on a new dress, her hair set in big waves, a brand-new bag on her arm, arrogance radiating off every inch of her.

My brother and my mother trailed close behind her, not looking at me.

And behind them came a whole crowd, over a hundred people.

Most of them were relatives, plus Bernice's coworkers and friends.

The moment they were through the door, the whole pack of them started grabbing tables and sitting down as they pleased.

Bernice swaggered up to the front counter and ordered me around.

"Althea, it's my birthday today, and I'm booking out the whole place."

"Bring the most expensive liquor and the best dishes to every single table."

"Australian lobster, abalone, king crab, luxury seafood stew, all of it. And for drinks, top-shelf liquor, nothing cheap."

I lifted my head, watching her strut and preen, and confirmed it with her calmly.

"You're sure you want all these drinks and dishes at every table?"

"Once the order's placed, there are no refunds or exchanges."

Bernice slammed her hand on the counter and shouted at the top of her voice.

"Obviously!"

"When I tell you to serve it, you serve it. Where's all this crap coming from?"

"You asking for another beating?"

Seeing that, her coworkers and friends rushed to flatter her.

"That's our Bernice for you. Even her birthday's got some swagger!"

Among the relatives, some looked excited, others plainly worried.

"Bernice, isn't this too much money? All this fine liquor and food, that's going to cost a fortune."

Bernice just waved a hand, unconcerned.

"This? It's nothing."

"It's just one meal. Eat as much as you want."

"Everything spent here today is on me."

Then she turned her head, eyes vicious, and pushed me along.

"What are you standing there for? Go bring the food already!"

"Waste any more of my time and I'll hit you, you think I won't?"

I looked at that smug, self-satisfied face of hers.

Then I glanced at the restaurant transfer contract I'd just signed, and gave a faint smile.

"All right."