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*** Karis' POV***

Mondays are brutal. I had no expectations of anything less. If things could go wrong, they choose the first day of the week in which to do so. This Monday is par for the fucking course.

I did not sleep well. I wouldn't call what I did restful. I am unsure if it even qualifies as sleep. My dreams were full of struggles and what seemed to be premonitions. I am not looking forward to the adventures planned for tonight in dreamland.

All day, people were trying to place rush orders. I can handle a few. Realistically, I can only handle a few extra orders. These clients know how hard I work to satisfy their demands. I feel like they take advantage of my perfectionist mentality. Maybe I am just checked out. I don't even know.

Dillon is at an appointment with his fiancée. They had a specialist look at their ultrasound. Dillon promised it wasn't a big deal. I swear he takes everything in stride. I would be terrified. Dillon just rolls with the punches. 

Stephanie is a step away from being let go. I try to employ the unemployable. Stephanie just makes it so damn hard. Her grandma has died twice this year. Suddenly, the woman is in ICU after a roller blading accident. Miracles happen every day I guess. So Stephanie is up at the hospital making sure Granny Shirley is okay. I am positive that woman's name was Sally the first time and Cheryl the last. Either way, I have only one point. I am overwhelmed and understaffed, again. 

Looking through the long list of orders, I try to prioritize. If I was talking to Vance, I would request the emergency brigade. I miss Rex and Finn. I wouldn't classify what I am feeling for Vance as missing him. It is so much more than that. I honestly feel as though everything is crashing down around me. I find myself in a type of mourning over Vance. It is my fault. I just have to try to do this my way. If I allow Vance to come in, he will pick-up the role of my knight in shining armor.

How can I become stable if I am unable to fix this on my own?

My mood shifts immediately as the weight of my situation begins to bear down more aggressively. The sound of a pan slamming on the counter knocks me back to reality. If I go down a road of tangents involving Christopher or Vance, I will not be able to concentrate enough to be productive. I cannot afford to fuck up these orders. My reputation is on the line. At least I have my reputation in tact. My customers depend on me. I do not want to let them down.

"I'm here." The sound of the door opening is echoed by Dillon breathing heavily. I watch as the young man puts his hands on his knees. He heaves a few breaths before straightening up with a large smile.

"I told you not to rush." I let a small laugh accompany my chastisement.

"And I told you that I would not let you down." Dillon ties on an apron. After checking our order sheet, Dillon grabs some ingredients from the cooler. Setting the groceries on the prep table, Dillon starts on a dish.

"How did it go?" I am not worried at this point. Dillon is radiating happiness. I imagine everything is better than fine.

"Perfect. It was a false alarm. Our little girl is healthy and growing." Dillon smiles larger as he confirms my suspicions.

"Wonderful. I guess we can book the baby shower." I slide the calendar over to Dillon. I am catering this event on the house. It is my gift to my best employee.

"My cousin John will be here in an hour. He volunteered to deliver for us. You have me for the rest of the day in the kitchen. This will give me a chance to show off my skills." Dillon presents me with the meat tray he has quickly assembled. I am impressed. Dillon is definitely an asset.

"I appreciate you taking the initiative. I can absolutely use your skills in this kitchen today. We got three more emergency orders while you were out this morning. I hope you have a reserve of energy, we are going to need it." I move the first cake layer away from myself as I pull the second layer towards me to apply the icing.

"I saw the funeral and the library assembly. What is the third?" Dillon passes me a questioning glance.

"Somebody dropped the ball down at O'Neils. They did not book the order for the Mayor's re-election party. We got that order even though I emphasized the very large fee for our inconvenience. Since you are coming through in the clutch, I will split the profits with you. We can consider it commission." I turn out the second cake layer, happy to begin on the third. The conversation is definitely helping to motivate me. Dillon's ambitious demeanor is also creating a beautiful atmosphere in our busy kitchen.

"Karis, I know that you are being kind. This is my job. I appreciate the offer but, I wouldn't want to take advantage. You gave me a raise last month. At this point, I feel as though you are over-compensating me for my time." Dillon dismisses my offer.

"Non-sense, if it were not for you, we would not have a profit to split. Smile, work and accept the monetary compensation for the amazing job you are doing." I close my mouth, instead turning on my playlist to indicate that I will hear no more of the disagreeing. Dillon is getting paid for his service. That is the end of the story.

"Stephanie bailed again?" Dillon looks up at me with eyes that are filled with irritation. I get it. I am appalled by her lack of work ethic.

"If I had someone to replace her, I would." My teeth grind together at the idea of Stephanie constantly leaving us in tight situations. Why is it so difficult to find reliable help? Thank God for Dillon.

"You know, Lisa can fill in for Stephanie. Eventually, she will have to take maternity leave but, that would buy some time if you just want to be finished with Steph's bullshit." Dillon gives me a perfect opportunity to let my lackey employee go.

"Have you talked about this with Lisa?" I have to ask. I know that Dillon is often a people pleaser. Believe me, I understand the innate desire to lighten other's burdens. I have learned that you can't save them all, though. I do not want Dillon or Lisa in a position that will put any strain on them.

"It was Lisa's idea. She is bored. The doctor said that she was just as capable as any other human. Incubating a child does not make you disabled. Lisa would love to help. Honestly, the money would help out a lot as well." Dillon turns out two more dishes as our conversation spurs on for what seems like hours. I look down at my own creation, happy that the cake is gorgeous. I have somehow managed to be productive.

"Sure, thank you." I will call Stephanie in a bit. I will give her the last paycheck a day early. I do hope she can get her shit together one day. I hate to know that she will be this irresponsible in the future.

I feel bad that I will be firing Stephanie. However, I gave the girl every opportunity to fix the situation. We have had meetings. I even implemented a warning system specifically designed because of Stephanie's short-comings. This has been a long time coming. I can find a replacement for her on a more permanent basis. For now, I absolutely adore Lisa. I surely would love to see more of the little angel.

"Well John is here. He just texted. We should go ahead and send him on these two deliveries. By the time that he returns, we can send him out on one or two more. His friend Edwardo is with him, that should help John be more efficient." Dillon boxes up the orders with care. I help load the food onto a dolly, making sure that they are stacked to create the best stability.

I smile when I see two cute twenty-somethings come up to the back door. Both boys look well kept with bright smiles. I speak with them for a moment, giving them directions that will help the deliveries go smoothly. Dillon closes the back of the van, making sure that everything is set before he thumps his palm against the metal. I see John throw out a thumbs up. I shoot a silent prayer that nothing topples and the ride goes well.

"Since we got that done, I think we should take a few extra jobs. Lisa is on the way up. She will call the customers to let them know that good news. We can finish the pre-arranged orders before beginning on anything that was a rush call-in." It is an eye-opening experience to see Dillon taking charge. I may not have given the kid enough credit. He seems to really have found a niche in this place.

"Thank you, Dillon."  I agree willingly. My ass is being saved by these four young adults. I may just offer John and Edwardo jobs if I can keep up this consistency. I have been meaning to expand my business. This could be the perfect opportunity.

"Um, Karis?" Dillon looks over at me with a glint of worry. My eyes follow his as Dillon drags his focus to the center of the page. Dillon's finger points to an order that seemingly got caught in a haze of doodling. I am already suspicious that Stephanie has something to do with this.

Squinting my eyes to clarify the writing that is disguised as wallpaper to flowers, I let out a deep groan. Thank God I am not going to be dealing with that liability of a front counter receptionist any longer. Once the words make sense, I read off the details of the order. The sheer volume is enough to set anyone into a panic. The number beneath it is what makes me feel completely disheveled.

"That's his mom, huh?" Dillon taps his fingers against the thick paper inside of my agenda. I nod my head with a slow exaggeration. I am not ready for this. I would never have accepted an order that involved Christopher. I just would not have. Stephanie had to have felt malicious intent when taking this. She knows how my relationship ended. 

"It's their annual party. It is a staple in that family. I cannot believe they are not using the local company. The Birch Brothers have held that slot for over a decade." My hands start moving without my permission. I notice I am moving mechanically through the kitchen, collecting ingredients for the massive meal I have apparently agreed to cater. The joy is real, insert eye roll.

"We have four hours. Are we going to make it?" Dillon follows behind me, filling the miniature grocery cart with an abundance of ingredients. I pull the trays off of the shelf in the pantry. One thing I will not be doing is failing on this order. Whether I intended to supply my ex-husband's family with a service, I have some how obligated myself to do so. I read carefully, almost blushing as I notice that all of the dishes are my personal best. I can say that I used to have a wonderful relationship with my ex-mother-in-law. The only kink we seemed to have in our family ties was her son. Stand alone, Mrs. Marcy was one of my favorite people, even if she birthed a child who lacked the responsibility to be a valuable partner.

"Just keep up the pace. No sweat. Make the chicken dip and sausage balls. I will get busy on the macaroni and cheese. You know there is no recipe for that in the book." I cockily laugh. I can't make a recipe for something I have never made the same way twice. I swear I couldn't recall a single signature ingredient if my life depended on it. I always tweak the damn thing beyond recognition.

"I wouldn't dream of attempting your mac-n-cheese. I have watched literal governor's have a mouthgasm at your hand." Dillon winks at me. I may be blushing because my cheeks are suddenly flaming. However, Dillon doesn't know that his innocent comment sends me to a memory of me and Vance.