"Hey, Sel." Elizabeth found a new habit, waiting for Selene until she closed the bar and was ready to leave the restaurant. The young bartender, however, wondered if their sudden friendship was actually real or more motivated by Carter's absence. Not a literal absence, though. The chef was cooped up in his office, hardly making appearances among the guests or even his own kitchen.

Their talk with Liz wasn't fruitful, thought Selene. The manager was also very keen to seek her ...