Amanda's Guide to Love by Alix Nichols Page B

the
shift.”
    “Unless you’re on your coffee
break,” Manon added helpfully.
    Jeanne nodded. “Right. What else?
You can’t taste the guests’ wine, even when they’re offering.”
    “The same applies to the food,
naturally,” Manon said.
    “Naturally.” Amanda pulled out her
notebook and began to scribble, mumbling loudly enough for the other two women
to hear. “Note to self . . . Stop swiping . . . customers’
fries . . . or else, guillotine.”
    “She does this to me all the time.”
Amar slumped next to Jeanne and turned to Amanda. “I never know if you’re
actually trying to learn something or just laughing at me.”
    Jeanne patted his hand. “She’s
doing both, honey.”
    “You think so?” Amar gave his boss
a hopeful look.
    “I know .”
    “Well, you’re wrong.” Amanda waved
her little notebook. “I use this for purely educational purposes. And for
taking orders.”
    “As you should.” Amar nodded in
approval. “We all do—even Jeanne for complicated ones.” He paused before
adding, a note of admiration in his voice, “Only Manon never writes anything
down. She has a phenomenal memory.”
    Amanda opened her mouth to say that
so did Kes, but shut it without uttering a sound.
    “Thank you.” Manon smiled at Amar
and blushed a little.
    Amar swallowed, his gaze shifting
between Manon’s eyes and mouth. Then he blinked and looked down. “It’s the
truth.”
    “What’s the deal with you two?”
Amanda asked.
    Manon coughed. “What do you mean?”
    “Are you guys seeing each other in
secret because dating a coworker is against one of Jeanne’s many rules?”
    “We aren’t seeing each other,”
Manon and Amar said in unison.
    Manon’s cheeks were now flaming
red, and Amar looked like he wished he could disappear.
    “Leave them alone,” Jeanne said to
Amanda. “And, FYI, I don’t have a no-dating rule. I’m happily engaged.”
    Amanda frowned. “How are those two
facts connected?”
    “I want everyone around me to find
their happiness, too.” She surveyed her three employees. “Especially the people
I care about.”
    “How are the wedding preparations
coming along?” Manon asked.
    Jeanne faked pulling her hair out.
“Thank God Mat’s mom is giving us a hand.” She wrinkled her brow. “No,
actually, it’s us giving her a hand.”
    “Isn’t she a professional event
organizer?” Amar asked.
    “She’s a PR consultant, so yes, she
does organize lots of events.” Jeanne smiled. “She showed me the invitations
this morning. They’re funky—you’ll see.”
    Amar’s eyebrows rose. “Am I invited
to your wedding?”
    “Of course you are!” Jeanne
narrowed her eyes. “I hope you guys have marked the date on your calendars
because it’ll be here soon.”
    “Who else is coming?” Amanda asked,
trying to sound nonchalant.
    “Our families and friends, some
close colleagues of Mat’s. Let’s see . . . Daniela—you know, my
next door neighbor who stops by with her kid sometimes?”
    “Yes, I know Daniela,” Amanda said
impatiently, “but what I really want to know is whether Lena and Rob
confirmed they were coming.”
    “They did.” Jeanne touched Amanda’s
arm. “Honey, Rob is Mat’s best man and Lena is my bridesmaid.”
    “You can’t expect Lena and me to be
your bridesmaids at the same wedding.”
    “I have no intention of getting
married a second time, so yes, that’s what I expect.” Jeanne sighed. “I hope
one day you’ll get over your animosity, and we can revive the old gang—”
    Amanda’s gaze grew hard. “Not
everyone shares your nostalgia, Jeanne.”
    “Even so. Your history with Rob is
ancient now,” Jeanne said. “Besides, you’ve told me you’re over him.”
    “I am.”
    “So, then? There’s no issue.”
Jeanne stared into Amanda’s eyes. “I’m warning you, Amanda, as your friend and
current boss—I’d be very, very upset if you didn’t show.”
    “And I’d be very, very upset
if I didn’t get an