Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 103033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Also, my Daddies knew I was very keen on making new friends, so I didn’t think they would set me up for something major today just like that. I had nothing to worry about. And all the things to look forward to!
Not wanting to be late, I hopped up and gave Dean and Santiago a couple quick kisses, and then I said I was gonna go upstairs. I didn’t know if they were heading in right away or waiting for Master Walker—Master McKenna? I’d have to find out how he preferred to be addressed. As instructed, once I reached the desk, I told the host I was here for Mr. McKenna’s class on the third floor, and he crossed off my name before I ran up.
Macklin’s restaurant was definitely popular. So it was kind of surprising that he didn’t utilize the space on the top floor. Other than the rooftop terrace always reserved for private parties—and munches—there was a closed-off dining area, which I guessed had been attic space back when people had lived here.
Once I reached the third floor, I had to catch my breath a little, but as soon as I spotted Cam and Tate by the service elevator, a bundle of nerves and joy pushed me forward. Like, I was so motivated to finally join the community for real that breathing could wait.
“Hi, Cam and Tate.” I hurried over to them and instantly worried I’d interrupted an important conversation. “Crap, sorry, maybe I interrupt—”
“No, no, it’s fine. We were just talking about Master Lucian,” Tate replied with a reassuring smile.
Cam’s own smile was wry. “His blood pressure is high, and he’s trying to hide it. So there’s a minor war going on at home. KC and me against Master and Noa.”
“Oh,” I mouthed. “What’s the war about?”
“Master and Noa are downplaying everything, and KC and I are frustrated because they’re living in denial,” Cam answered. “KC and I wanna make changes to his diet—meanwhile, they think it’s hilarious when Noa sneaks Master takeout at work.” He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t mind it before, but now with the doctor’s exams…”
“But he’s been under a lot of pressure too, hasn’t he?” Tate wondered. “I’ve read that stress is an insanely big factor. It’s not just food.”
I nodded, agreeing with Tate. More often than not, it was a combination of things.
“If he cuts down on a little bit of everything that might cause high blood pressure, maybe he can still enjoy takeout from time to time,” I suggested.
Cam pinched his bottom lip, thinking, and—
“Hey! Tate and the brats! Let’s go. We’re starting now.”
I spun around, spotting Macklin heading toward the closed-off section behind the stairs.
I turned back to Cam real quick and gave his arm a brief squeeze. “Maybe we can think of something after the class.”
“Count me in,” Tate said. “Lee’s working late anyway, so I suggest wine and snacks at the bar.”
Oh—I hadn’t thought… I mean, I’d sort of thought we could make plans to meet up or… Oh, whatever—I liked Tate’s idea better anyway! I was sure I could convince Dean and Santiago to let me stay a while longer.
The three of us went after Macklin, with Cam muttering that he wasn’t a damn brat, and Tate nudged me and smirked slyly as he said, “I want all the deets on your new triad too, hon. I hear you bagged both Santiago and Master Dean.”
Gosh—bagged? I flushed, highly unsure I’d use that word.
Tate chuckled. “It’s always the quiet ones…”
I had no response to that, and I wasn’t sure it mattered. Tate pulled aside a curtain, and then we entered an open space I’d never seen before. Oh, I liked it! Macklin had preserved the old wooden floor, but the walls had new wallpaper and painted crown molding. Dark, dark, dark gray wallpaper with some stylish, old-fashioned design just a shade or two lighter. Maybe he had plans to open this up for more dining. But right now, it was clear he was planning for more classes.
Eight stations were prepared, with a longer counter up front where I presumed Macklin and Archie would demonstrate from. And I was glad I’d snuck a peek at the attendance list online—otherwise, I would’ve been more nervous. Not to mention surprised to see so many people here. Fourteen subs had signed up, and other than Macklin, Archie, Cam, Tate, and Shay, I recognized Gretchen, Lane—and he was standing with a girl I’d seen him interact with online, but I didn’t know her. Santiago did, however.
Sandra, Darnell, and Mateo were here as well. More people I’d watched online like the lurker I’d been. A few others from the bondage crowd as well.
“Welcome to our first cooking class, everyone,” Macklin said, rounding the station he’d share with Archie. “You’re here because you love pasta—and because you’re good subbies who wanna serve your Owners first-class meals. Archie and I will help you with that.” He folded up the sleeves of his black button-down. “Before we start, you can come up here and wash your hands. It’ll be a while before we get sinks installed. You can also pair up.”