I burst out laughing, the tension cracking like an eggshell.
"Firing you?” I roar. “Antonio, no. Nothing could be further from the truth." I motion to the bar stools. "Sit. Coffee?"
He perches, wary but relieved.
I pour us both mugs—strong, black, the way we take it after long nights.
"Antonio, I've been thinking,” I say, placing my hand on his arm for a moment to reassure him, maybe even relax him just a touch. I’ve been pondering your offer, your future. And mine."
He nods, gripping the mug. "Yeah?"
"I want to step away from the day-to-day here,” I say. “Let you run it solo." His eyes widen and I push on. "We'll draw up a contract. Fair terms. You buy in over time, build equity as funds allow. Long-term? The place is yours, full ownership. That’s if you can make it work, which I’d bet my last dollar you could."
I lay it out: mentorship ongoing, my name stays for branding if he wants, but control shifts to him. He’ll have freedom to innovate, make it his vision.
"You've earned this,” I say. “You're ready. You need to do this. But don’t feel like you have to say yes. If New York is the move, then you’ll have my blessing too."
He's stunned, mug halfway to his lips.
"Chef... Olivier... you're serious?" Delight breaks through the shock, a grin splitting his face. "This is... incredible. Butwhy? Is it Danny?"
I smile, leaning on the bar.
"It is,” I say. “He's... changed things. Made me see there's more than this kitchen. I want to build something with him, wherever that leads."
The coast. A new chapter. A new restaurant even.
Antonio nods, understanding dawning. "He's lucky. Got himself a hell of a Daddy."
The word hangs—Daddy.
I meet Antonio’s eyes, a knowing spark there. My suspicions confirmed.
"And you'll find yours too, one day," I say, a feeling of platonic love between us.
A shared moment stretches, an unspoken acknowledgment. He's a Little, like Danny. Professional walls kept it hidden, but now? There’s relief in the air, like exhaling a long-held breath.
No judgment, just kinship.
"Thanks," Antonio says softly. "Foreverything. And that’s a bigyesto your offer, by the way!"
We clink mugs, sealing it informally.
There will be details to iron out—lawyers, timelines—but we are in agreement.
"Now," I say, standing. It’s time I find my boy and share the good news. Or at least I hope that’s how he sees it…"
Antonio laughs, clapping my back as I grab my coat.
Outside, the drizzle's lifted, sun breaking through.
Heart light, I head to the site.
My future is calling me, but my heart skips a beat as I realize that it’s going to take Danny’s approval for this to happen…
Okay, this is it.
No big deal. It’s no big deal.
