AndI didn’t.
I’dgiven it all today. Now I just needed to prove to Ezra that I would give it allevery day.
Smilingto soften what I was about to say, I swallowed the remaining fear and embracedthis thing I wanted so badly. “I like to believe I could handle any kitchengiven the chance. I’ve spent the last five years atLilou,some of that time as sous chef. I’ve worked under two of the best chefs in theindustry.” I wasn’t even trying to butter Killian up. It was the truth. “I’velearned from them, I’ve grown under their guidance and expertise, and I feelready to take the next step to executive chef. I want that to be at Saritabecause I get her. I get her vibe. I feel the connection in our souls. I know Iwould be a great asset to her kitchen. But more than that, I know I would begood for her. I want her to grow. I looked at her stats over the last two yearsand they’re not impressive. There’s no reason she shouldn’t be getting awardsand accolades. There’s no reason she shouldn’t have one of the best menus inthe country. I believe I have the ability to give her those things. Mybackground is in Latin cooking. I fell into Lilou on a fluke. And while I’veloved working there, I have more potential than that kitchen.” I caughtKillian’s direct gaze and remembered the advice he’d given me. “That said, Ithink Sarita is already doing a lot of things well. I don’t want to step inhere and change everything. I just want the opportunity to expand and maturewhat you’re already doing here.”
Ezranodded, accepting my answer. I couldn’t be sure, but I thought his shouldersmight have relaxed some and the look in his eyes had softened. He went on toask me about work habits and hours, how I felt about putting in the time andenergy it took to be executive chef. And then he asked me how I thought I wouldfare working alongside him.
Clearingmy throat, I gave him the nicest answer I was capable of giving him. “To behonest, I’ve watched Killian and Wyatt work with you and I’ve seen them bothfrustrated with their inability to independently create. If you micromanageeverything I do, I think I’ll end up just like them. But I hope that you wouldtrust your hiring process and me. Sarita has all my best intentions. I onlywant great things for her. I’d love to be as autonomous as possible. Let mefind the menus that work the best. Let me have complete creative control. Andlet me show you I know what I’m doing.”
Herubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. “Good god, you sound just likeWyatt.”
Ismiled at my feet. Killian saved me from responding by saying, “She has apoint. Stop nit-picking your chefs into insanity.”
Ezraturned a glare on him that was clearly meant to shut him up. “Your opinionisn’t necessary on that particular subject.”
“Justsayin’,” Killian muttered. “We all leave for a reason.”
Ezraignored him. “Thank you for your time, Kaya. I’m going to review my notes,discuss the meal with my associates and when the interview process iscompleted, I’ll let you know what I decide.”
Mymouth went dry and I resisted the urge to chew on my lip ring. “Thank you. Andthanks for this opportunity. I appreciate it.”
Iturned and walked to the kitchen. Keeping my pace even until I was out ofsight, I held my chin up and managed to keep it from wobbling. As soon as thedoor swung shut behind me, I collapsed against the counter and let out a shakybreath.
“Heysuperstar!” Molly called across the kitchen from where she stood with Vera.
Ilooked up and resisted the urge to beg her to make Ezra give me the job.Instead, I smiled, even if it was trembling, and said, “Congratulations, Molls!Engaged!”
Wemet each other in the middle of the kitchen and hugged. It was short a shorthug though, because I needed to grab her hand and check out her gigantic ring.
“Apearl?”
“Mychoice,” she explained. “I’m not a fan of diamonds.”
“It’sgorgeous. I’m so happy for you.”
“I’mso happy foryou!” she countered.“There are so many rumors flying around about you right now, I don’t which oneto grill you on first.”
“Wyatt!”Vera shouted. “She’s banging Wyatt!”
“Ohmy God.” If my cheeks hadn’t already been the color of raspberries, they wouldhave quickly blazed with embarrassment. “That’s not true.”
Mollypulled back, confused. “You’re saving yourselves for marriage?”
“No,I mean… Yes? I mean, fine. We’re banging. But that’s not all we’re doing. We’realso dating. In like an actual relationship. With real commitment.”
Mollyturned back to Vera, her long dark hair whipping me in the face. “Did you hearthat, Vere? They’re in an actual relationship with real commitment andeverything.”
“Youguys are the worst.” I laughed. “And the meanest! I’m a wreck right now. It’sunfair to pick on someone so emotionally fragile.”
“There’sthat too!” Molly squealed. “You’re taking overSarita?That’s so exciting!”
“Er,no. Again, your facts are wrong. I feel like you would have made a terrible PI,Molly.”
“You’venever seen me Facebook stalk someone,” she countered seriously. “I can findanybody on the internet. I mean, anybody.”
“It’strue,” Vera corroborated. “And also freakishly scary.”
“WhatI mean is that, I’m interviewing, but who knows who Ezra will pick. That man isan enigma.”
