“And you shouldn’tsleepwith the hostesses either,” I promptly reply. “It’s unethical. Unprofessional.”
“Whatever.”
“No, not whatever!” I raise my voice slightly. Matty gives me a surprised, almost startled look. “I’m the head chef here, Matty. You’re my sous chef. While we’re in this kitchen, you answer to me. Either exhibit the appropriate respect or hand in your resignation. I don’t have the time or the energy for any of this mean-girl bullshit, not when we have such a wonderful and complex menu to put together for tonight. Am I making myself clear?”
“Whoa.”
“Am I?” I insist.
Matty finally concedes and nods once. “Yes, Chef.”
As the hours roll by,our working counters get more crowded.
Most of the appetizers are ready and plated, looking like red and bright green gemstones on white porcelain. Matty is in charge of cooking the steaks, which we’ll then slice and add to the main course just before the plates go out. In the meantime, the first and third courses are rolling, each of us adding bits and pieces to separate plates on both sides of the counter island in the middle.
Once in a while, Matty steals a glance at me as I work hard tofocus on the food, instead of my earlier encounter with Kaleb and Alex. God, that was so awkward.
“Can I stand corrected?” Matty asks at one point.
I’m halfway through piping the hummus mousse atop perfect circles of graham crackers on another platter, a bowl of caramelized onions waiting to join the rest of the ensemble. “With what?”
“With what I said about your aptitude in the kitchen.”
“Which part?” He gives me a confused look. “The part where you said The Kane hires pretty much anybody these days. The part where you said that my culinary experience clearly wasn’t enough to warrant a head chef’s hat? Or the part where you said you doubt I’ll be able to pull off a reinvented cheesecake that doesn’t taste like something out of a Walmart fridge?”
Matty lowers his gaze for a moment and takes a deep breath, then comes around the island and adds bits of caramelized onion on top of the hummus mousse. “All three and pretty much everything else.”
“Thank you, I guess?”
“I’m serious. I let my mouth run off for all the wrong reasons. I thought they’d give me the hat after Chef Matisse left, and I wasn’t even willing to consider your actual talents for this. But I’ve been working with you for the past few days, and… well, I stand corrected.”
I pause and give him a confused look. “Where’s this coming from?”
“I’m just being honest. I appreciate your skills and expertise.”
“Again, thank you. I just want us to give these folks the best experience. It’ll speak volumes on both of our resumes.”
“Right with you there,” Matty agrees.
Silence falls over the kitchen, with the exception of oil sizzling in one of the deep fryers as Matty throws the sculpted potato wedges in for a golden-brown finish. I drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad bowl, then add the crushed peppers and habanero chili flakes, creating a pretty contrast with the fresh green arugula and baby spinach leaves. For the final touch, I add a splash of fig syrup, then toss the whole thing together before Matty transfers it into the appropriate, Japanese ceramic bowls.
At least, if nothing else, I’ll have peace in my kitchen.
7
RAINA
Delighted by the reception of my reinvented cheesecake at the end of dinner, I leave Matty and the rest of our kitchen staff to wrap it up. I need some time to myself, alone in my room, sinking in the hot tub until all of my troubling thoughts melt away.
But as soon as I open the door, I’m reminded that tonight is far from over.
“What the…”
A box is on my bed, tied with a delicate red ribbon. I approach it like there’s an explosive device under the lid, and pressure plates in the floor might set it off. I pull the ribbon loose and hold my breath.
Something tells me I already know what’s in here.
Upon lifting the lid, however, I hear my own sharp exhale of wonder and excitement as I stare at a most beautiful set of red and black lace lingerie I’ve ever seen. It’s also the naughtiest, judging by the crotchless design of the panties and thenipple holes in the strapless bra, their hems embroidered with black thread and tiny pearls.
