Chapter 30: Culinary Creations

Juliana POV

From that day forward, I was in the manager's good grace. Whenever I pleased, I could enter the kitchen and provide a hand to Chef Pierre. I'd earned this position and wasn't going to squander it away. Though he was prideful initially, after proving myself, the chef grew to appreciate my presence.

My tasting spoon was on the ready, and I used it wisely, assisting Pierre with spice balance, and even adding my own touch to improve recipes. He was more willing to take my suggestions into account, though it wasn’t one hundred percent of the time approved.

As time passed, the kitchen’s former atmosphere of exclusion and condescension metamorphosed into the welcoming arms of an old friend. Behind the stainless-steel line and plethora of pots, my feeling of belonging gradually increased. The kitchen had a rhythm; I was becoming at ease with the instruments, and it showed.

Our guests often had four or more course meals. Most enjoyed a light appetizer like my scallops