LOGINShare
Epilogue
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Please, a fish without a fishy taste
Isabella The ringing of a bell on the counter caught my attention, and I walked over, picking up the new order that had been handed to me by one of the waiters. I returned to the center counter of the kitchen I was running in a restaurant in Miami's upscale area." Attention, marching. Table seventeen, One scallop, One lobster, Two lobsters with Champagne sauce " I read the order aloud." Yes, chef " the response was unanimous.With a small smile I picked up a plate that had just been left on the counter waiting for my approval, I finished it with the orange sauce, wiping off any residue before putting it in the bowl, ringing the bell afterwards.This was my routine for the last two years, when I became Chef at Le Petit Cuisine, a restaurant in Miami.I loved my job but I couldn't say it was an easy life. I spent about ten hours on my feet in a hot and stuffy environment, often gave up my days off and barely had a social life, all that routine was exhausting me on a mentally dangero
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Did you say minus fifteen degrees?
IsabellaI checked the time one more time to make sure I wouldn't be late. I needed to leave the house in twenty minutes if I didn't want to miss my flight to Fairbanks, where Gwen and Zachary had been living in Alaska for the past few years.Three years ago, when my friends decided to leave Missoula, where we lived at the time, I seriously considered asking for a sanity check, but hearing how well they, especially Danny, had adjusted to their new life, I felt they had made the right decision.I always spoke to them and Danny by video call, but it wasn't the same as having them by my side. The last time I saw them was almost two years ago, when they decided to come to Miami when they found out about my move, and although they always invited me to visit them, this was the first time I could get time off for it.I closed the last suitcase, being sure that I didn't have enough cold clothes to endure the winter in Alaska, I would have to buy some pieces there. With my bags in hand, I went
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Are you afraid of Santa Claus?
Isabella" Thank you.In a few minutes we were both on the road, I didn't want to waste any time trying to get to know him better, so as soon as we left the airport area, I brought up the subject." So, Gustaf... Have you known the Monaghan's for a long time?" 'I met them as soon as they moved in,' he gave me a quick glance." 'Well, I could say I've heard a lot about you, but I'd be lying. My friends never mentioned your name, and I think that was an unforgivable mistake." I gave him my best smile." 'I've heard a lot about you." Really? I find that hard to believe." 'Isabella Dempsey, Izzy to you, twenty"eight years old, chef in a fancy French restaurant and makes the best quail in the world,' he began, 'ahh, and is the best aunt in the universe after buying little Danny a drum set for his last birthday.Wow, they talk about me that much? How come they never told me about him?" All right, that's me, but it doesn't change the fact that I don't know anything about you." Ask your
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella What's the first step, chef?
Isabella "I'm not going to make it," I stammered, looking at the to"do list Gwen had left with me before leaving for the airport. I was in the kitchen of the guesthouse, eating breakfast while the sky remained dark outside, even though it was already past eight o'clock.Stefan, Gustaf's cousin, had taken Danny to have a sleepover with his son, who was the same age as my nephew, so he would feel his parents' absence less. Zachary was quite sad when he left, and I hoped that he wouldI hoped that he would be able to settle his family affairs without too much damage, although I knew that was virtually impossible with everyone involved." Does she really want me to cut down a tree? " I continued reading the list." Are you talking to a piece of paper? " I was startled by Gustaf's voice coming from the entrance.I turned in his direction, watching the man walk nonchalantly through the kitchen, opening the cupboards and fridge." "No, I'm talking to myself," I corrected him, awkwardly a
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A picture on Santa's lap?
IsabellaIt's okay, Isabella, you still have three weeks to stay here, you don't need to attack the guy like that from one moment to the next, no matter how tempting it is, because in those three days we will be quite busy.With that thought in mind I went to Gustaf in the lobby, he was carrying all the boxes away from the fireplace, separating some.I kept silent, leaning against a wooden column, watching the way the muscles in his arms stood out with the effort, even though he was wearing a long"sleeved t"shirt." 'Are you going to help me or just watch me? " he asked as he bent down to pick up another box, giving me a privileged view.I could have felt embarrassed about being caught spying, but I didn't really care." 'I'm tempted to keep looking,' I teased him, getting a laugh in return."These boxes here are from the fireplace decoration, I thought I'd decorate everything, and in the end, just put the armchairs in place," he pointed as I approached.I bent down, opening one of th
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Everyone needs a fresh start
IsabellaWhen Gustaf and I finally got back to the inn it was well past lunchtime, I made a quick sandwich for both of us before going back to decorating the fireplace." And how did you meet my friends? " I asked the boy as I sorted out the socks to hang on the mantelpiece." 'It was a little over two months since I had arrived in Alaska, I was occupying my cousin's couch, since I couldn't get a house to rent " Gustaf started narrating, taking one of the socks from my hand.I felt a shiver run through my body as his skin brushed against mine, chiding me for that reaction. I need to start controlling myself around him!" One day, I was coming back from a house I had been to visit and I saw this skinny girl with a boy literally strapped to her back helping a boy carry a big box into the house " I couldn't help but smile as I remembered how dependent Gwen was on Sling in Danny's first year.That seemed like a century ago. I had memories of when she and Zachary told me they were going to
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella chicken with mashed potatoes
Isabella" Hey, shouldn't you pay attention to the best aunt in the world? " I called out to my nephew, who came running towards me.Gustaf stood up, turning his attention to our previous work while I gave my attention to Danny.I missed that little boy so much and the thought that I would only have a few weeks by his side before I went back to Miami made my heart squeeze." So, I guess now you two are going to let me work alone? " Gustaf complained as I walked with Danny on my lap, and he told me all the details of his night.My nephews and I exchanged a complicit look." What do you think, Danny? Shall we let him sort it all out by himself? " I asked the boy, who then looked at his uncle with a thoughtful expression." Yes!" I think he's doing a good job too," I smiled at Gustaf.I walked back with the boy on my lap, already getting tired because of his weight, when I felt Gustaf's presence behind me, to confirm my suspicion, Danny brought both hands to his mouth, stifling a mischi
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A luxury lunch box
Isabella By the time I finished it was past the time Gustaf had told me Danny should go to sleep and I felt exhausted.Getting ready for another battle, I went to the living room where the boy was jumping on the couch." AUNTIE, NO! " What? " I was startled by his sudden reaction." Come quick, you'll get burned! " he waved for me to get on the sofa.My first instinct was to follow his instruction, climbing on the couch." What are you talking about, Danny? " The lava is very hot, it will burn you " He jumped on the other sofa." Lava? " 'Yes, the floor is covered in lava, don't you see? Lava. My mind took a few seconds to process what was happening." "Danny, it's past your bedtime, you can play tomorrow," I pondered." Now! " he laughed, running away from me.How do you get a hyperactive child to sleep? They shouldn't have left me alone with him, I don't know what to do!" A deal, if I catch you, you go to bed without complaining " I decided to try." No stepping on the floor!
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Epilogue
IsabelleThe ringing of the doorbell caught my attention, I rushed over, reading the order before putting it in the queue, and unlike any other time in my life, I didn't mark the order. "Anything for me, Zazie? "Gustaf asked from the other side of the kitchen we'd set up together a few months ago."No, it seems that everyone has opted for quail today "I replied, returning to the edge of the stove, concentrating on finishing the dishes I was preparing.We were in the middle of August, it had been a little over two months since Gustaf and I had managed to open our bistro together and we hadn't imagined such a movement in such a short space of time."I'm finishing my orders and I'll help you," he said, finishing a plate of salmon.Putting our financial resources together, it wasn't difficult to set up the restaurant, the physical part at least. Because when it came to the menu, we argued a lot until we managed to perfectly blend all my love of classic cuisine with the local cuisine and
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A rolling pin?
IsabelleI leaned my head against the seat of the cab, breathing a sigh of relief that I was finally in Fairbanks. I couldn't believe the mess that had taken over my life in the last few days, as soon as I left the restaurant I felt lost, I didn't know what to do or what to do next, the only person I could count on in that city was my sous chef, and in a way he was involved in everything. I was alone.That's when I saw the ticket Gustaf had given me, and it wasn't hard to make that decision, especially when I started receiving countless messages telling me that someone had filmed the whole mess and the video had gone viral. I needed my family, it was the only place I knew I'd find support and I also wanted to keep a close eye on Gwen's new pregnancy.At least that was the lie I told myself when I convinced myself that this was the best way to go, but it was still Gustaf's address that I gave to the taxi driver. I loved my friends, and I would certainly talk to them next, but at tha
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Can you close the door?
Gustaf"Speaking of her, have you seen the video? "I recovered quickly, ignoring my mother's questioning look at me."I think everyone saw the video," Gwen sighed.My family exchanged confused glances until my uncle decided to speak up."What are you talking about?"You remember Izzy, right, Dad? "Stefan turned to his father."Ahh the girl who stole your cousin's heart? "Brianna said in a suggestive tone, making me a little uncomfortable in front of my family's gaze.Not that I wanted to hide Izzy from them or anything, I just preferred to say that I was with someone when I had our relationship sorted out, and I hadn't heard from her for days."Do you have a girlfriend? "Greta looked at me."Not exactly," I forced a smile."Anyway, she went viral in a video yesterday "Gwen tried to change the subject."What kind of video? "Blenda wanted to know.But before I could answer, Danny, who was joking with Declan, spoke up."Aunt Izzy set the woman on fire. "He said good-naturedly."What? N
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A pleasant surprise
GustafGwen got a parking space and then parked, turning to me and looking into my eyes."Izzy knows you're a wonderful guy, Gustaf. And she appreciates that. But there's a lot going on inside her. And you may hate me for stopping you today, but I can't let her feel the blame for your relapse.I felt like the worst person in the universe at that moment for even considering drinking. I had promised her that I would wait for her and accept her as she was. How could I be so weak?I looked away, feeling like a failure. If it hadn't been for my friend's intervention, my regret would have been far greater. A notification arrived on her cell phone, making her frown as she stared at the screen."Everything okay?"Yes, the flight went ahead, the group we came to pick up has already landed "she stammered "Gustaf, I have something urgent to sort out and I thought there would be time, would you mind meeting them?Group? I thought it was just one man. But I soon realized that she had only used t
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella I won't leave your side
Gustaf I staggered through the streets near the inn without knowing exactly where to go, my mind seemed clouded and bewildered, that torment hadn't left me since I left the cabin a few minutes before.I had even considered taking the car and going to Fairbanks in search of my comfort, but I dismissed the possibility of driving afterwards, settling for going to the grocery store to see what I could get there.A week was all I had to endure to complete two years of sobriety, and I felt terrible for not being able to endure it, but I needed that relief. But before I could reach my destination, a mini van pulled up next to me, lowering its window."Gustaf, I'm so glad I found you "Gwen greeted me smiling, seemingly oblivious to everything that was going on in my mind "I need to pick up a guest from the airport, and Zach is busy, can you come with me? I blinked, stunned, and for a moment thought about denying her request. But it wouldn't be safe for her to pick up a guest on her own, Za
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Here's your well-done steak
IsabelleWe left the restaurant and stopped a few meters ahead on the sidewalk, I leaned against the wall watching the blue sky. It was almost 5:30 in the afternoon and the sun was close to setting, making me think that by that time everyone would be in absolute darkness in Alaska."You didn't tell me about your trip," Hugo commented."It was incredible, that place surprised me in so many ways. I didn't expect to like it so much," I admitted, still looking at the sky."I never thought I'd go to Alaska, for me it's nothing but ice, I like the heat.I couldn't help laughing at his comment, which was so similar to my own opinion when I left a month ago. "I've seen the Aurora Borealis," I said, "and I've been husky sledding."That sounds interesting, what's the Aurora like? I remembered the day we spent at the hot spring, and all the explanation Gustaf had given me about the auroras afterwards. That thought made me smile again, because I knew we could do it again at some point and I hop
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella nerves on edge
Isabelle"Izzy, I'm serious, are you okay? "Gwen's voice sounded on the other end of the line.She had called me while I was packing up the groceries I had bought at the market.It had been a few days since I had returned to Miami, and although I wouldn't admit it to anyone, I felt miserable. From the moment I landed in Miami, that loneliness that seemed to haunt me became evident. There was no one for me in that city, not even a single soul to feel my absence.Even Cora seemed to have coped well with my distance, ever since I returned to work I could see how much she had been praising Hugo and his leadership while I was away."I'm fine, I want to know how you've been eating, you had a lot of trouble eating during Danny's pregnancy "I tried to change the subject."I'm fine, and I'm not the subject here, Izzy. Can you stop trying to run away? I've been trying to talk to you properly for days," she complained.It was true, since I'd arrived last week, Gwen had called me every day, she w
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A tough talk
GustafSilence dominated much of our journey back, the light atmosphere of before gave way to a dark cloud that seemed to grow with every minute we didn't talk about what would happen from then on, and it was only when I parked the car back at the hostel that Izzy decided to speak up."I know I've been avoiding the subject all day, but I didn't want to risk ruining our moment together "she sighed, getting out of the car.That sentence bothered me, even though I'd spent the day doing the same thing for the same reason, it just went to show how well-founded my insecurity was."So this conversation is going to ruin our moment? "I forced a smile, starting to walk towards the cabin."Maybe.Maybe.I put my hands in my jacket pockets, walking in silence beside her, waiting for her to make another statement and put an end to all the hope I had been harboring that day. But as I reached the door of the hut, I realized that wasn't going to happen."You don't have to accept the ticket if you don
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella I'm definitely in love
Gustaf"Are you warm enough? "I asked as I parked the car at the husky farm where I had booked the tour."Yes, I've learned how not to freeze to death, and today I wore a few extra layers "Izzy smiled at me.Her smile had caught my eye from the first moment I saw her at the airport, but now, after the days we'd spent side by side and getting to know her more deeply, her smiles had taken on a new meaning for me, and I loved it when her smile was one of pure happiness and excitement, like at that moment.Izzy straightened her gloves, reaching for the cap in her lap, and I leaned over, taking it from her hand."I think you need help with this," I teased her, arranging the cap on her head so that my face was inches from hers.Izzy kept her gaze fixed on mine as I tidied up the thick scarf Gwen had given her as a present the day before, checking that she was ready to go out, then stole a brief kiss."Are you ready? "I asked with my lips still pressed to hers."No, but I'm looking forward t
