~CHELSEA POV~
{Playlist Suggestions: “Seamless” by Chris Gray
The rest of my shift passed in a blur of drinks and forced smiles. By closing time, my feet were screaming and my shoulder had gone from sharp pain to a dull, persistent ache.
I was wiping down tables when I heard familiar laughter from the kitchen.
Chase's laughter.
I dropped my rag and hurried toward the back, panic flaring. What was my brother doing here at midnight?
I pushed through the kitchen doors and stopped short.
Chase sat on a stool near the prep station, gesturing animatedly with his hands while someone in chef's whites listened intently.
The someone turned when I entered, and I recognized Alex—one of the newer kitchen staff.
Quiet, serious, with kind eyes and gentle hands that moved strictly when he cook
