“No hard feelings,” Anton adds. “Besides, you gave me the fire I needed. Every kitchen needs a little heat, oui?” … The evening rush is in full swing, and I’m feeling that exhilarating mix of adrenaline and contentment that comes from seeing the restaurant function like a well-oiled machine. The
Abby The restaurant door clicks shut behind Karl, sealing off the outside world and its nosy journalists. Karl brushes off his hands as if he’s just dealt with a minor annoyance, but his eyes meet mine, full of concern. “You okay, Abby?” he asks, walking over to where I’m standing. “I’m fine,”
“Here we are,” I announce, gesturing at the controlled chaos around me. Mr. Thompson steps in, his eyes moving critically from the prep stations to the line cooks and finally to Anton, who is still engrossed in his soup. His gaze lingers on the French chef for a few moments, hesitating, before lan
Abby The restaurant is closed for the evening, and it’s about time that I gather my team for an impromptu meeting. “Listen up, everyone. I know it’s been a long day, but we need to talk about something important.” My eyes scan over the faces of my staff: Anton, the homeless chef who turns out
The meeting disperses, and my staff go their separate ways. Karl lingers, shuffling his feet in a way that makes me think he has something on his mind. “Abby, do you have a moment?” “Sure, what’s up?” “If you’re worried about the article, I can help you find a good journalist. Someone who can
Abby It’s a short walk to Chloe’s apartment, but it seems to drag on forever as my mind whirls with possibilities. What will I say to Chloe? Will she even want to speak to me? What if this truly is the end of our friendship? When I finally reach her door, my hand hesitates in the air, hovering o
“You both need to listen to me,” I begin, and instantly, Chloe’s eyes flash. “No one is going to listen to you,” Chloe hisses. “You need to leave.” “Let her talk, Chloe,” Leah interjects, her voice softer than I expected. Shooting Leah a thankful look, I take a deep breath and steel myself. “G
Abby The atmosphere shifts as our arms untangle. We’re all a little teary-eyed, but none of us say it. Instead, Chloe reaches for a tissue from the box on her coffee table, and holds it out for me. “Well, I didn’t expect this tonight,” Leah says, sniffling. “Yeah, me neither,” Chloe says, dabb