When Rivals Collide

, and the Morrison house w

repairing the damage caused by a fire tha

ached the kitchen door before being contained. Despit

were away attending to b

earn enough to pay off overdue rent and

elt like ages, they felt a s

arted like

set up, and the aroma of freshl

ess was in full swing when a you

la had ever laid eyes on-tall, impeccably groomed, with

," he said, his deep voice

eo. Welcome to Isabella's Food Truck! You can place your order from

is tone respectful but fi

usiness devel

ord with you, p

a responded, exiting the food

for him to t

present a company that specializes in helping small-sc

la couldn't help bu

ted, his jeans dark and simple, paired with a crisp shir

hair gave him a clean yet ef

sity piqued, and her initial att

to start a food truck, and how's it been going so

ffered a w

e began. "It started as something I did for my fa

ncially. I needed a way to support my family, and that

fted elsewhere. His eyes scanned her-her confident demean

o himself with a smirk. I bet

shes, anyway? Silly girl, so full of

me?" Isabella's voice snapp

Of course I am, ma'am. Your story is truly inspiring,

ess and ensure the quality of service. It's important to my c

you like me to offer you something from the truck? It's the least

with a charming smile, stepping back. "

ied, her tone friend

heo said, waving at her p

ella couldn't shake the odd feeling he left behind, a

abella's mother asked, a hint of concern

id he's from a local business development organization.

her arms. "Isn't it a bit too soon fo

ut it feels like a really good opportunity. The business has been doing

's true. I just hope this doesn't turn into something negative

reet hurried over to Isabella's food

who just left," she began. "I saw the logo

their attention. They've done wonders fo

ded, raising an eyebrow. "I h

n in the city," the woman

," Isabella said, a small

armly, giving her a light pat on the shoul

d with a huge smile as sh

ing beside the chair where Theo had sat. C

he faint yet captivating scent of his cologne hit her

aid, her eyes lingering on the neatl

ered, biting her lip as a strange mix of