With a resigned sigh, Eden asks, “Any requests?”
“Something that you enjoy.”
Alexander takes a step back to lean against the prep counter as he sips at his coffee, observing in silence. Eden wastes no time and gets started, pulling out her leather knife roll from her backpack.
She has a preference for Japanese knives from Shun. They’re lightweight and their slim pakkawood handles are comfortable to hold in her small hands. She’s had these knives for a few years now, having found them for cheap at the local thrift store for nearly half of their actual value. Eden’s grateful these knives found their way to her. They would have been wasted on anyone else.
She gathers the ingredients she needs from the walk-in and begins her prep, finely chopping stalks of green onion while she sautées minced chicken thighs in pad Thai sauce in a nonstick pan. Rich aromas fill the air, the hiss and sizzle of food over low heat music to hear ears.
Alexander grimaces. “You know this is a French cuisine restaurant, right?”
Eden grins, but keeps her eyes on the food in front of her. “I know. I just wanted to get back at you for scoffing at Asian fusion.”
She thinks she hears him groan under his breath, “Ugh.”
“What do you have against it? Oh, wait. Let me guess. You’re a haute cuisine purist.”
“Damn straight.”
Alexander’s phone dings a few times as she cooks, alerting him of a new text message. After briefly glancing at the screen, he shoves the phone back into his pocket. All of the messages go ignored.
“Don’t you need to get that?” she asks as she mixes in some freshly beaten eggs.
“Nope,” he replies before downing the rest of his caffeine. “So, what happened last night?”
“What?”
“What did you do? To turn everything around.”
Eden shrugs. “I told them to calm down. Said some encouraging things. People respond well to positive reinforcement, you know.”
He visibly shifts his weight from foot to foot, but makes no comment. Eden chances a glance at him. He looks confused, like the concept of being nice to another living, breathing human being has never crossed his mind.
Eden plates everything up, bite-sized morsels perfect for sharing.
Alexander eyes the dish skeptically. “What the hell is it?”
“Pad Thai tacos,” she says, beaming brightly.
He stares at her for a long while before sighing. “Christ.”
“You said I could make something that I enjoy. I happen to enjoy these. You can’t blame me if you’re not going to be specific.”
“Fair.”
“Just try one. You’ll like it, I promise.”
Alexander takes a bite and chews. He says nothing, leaving Eden in anticipation.
“Well?” she prompts, hope rising in her chest. “Pretty good, right?”
“It’s edible.”
Eden deflates a little. That wasn’t quite what she was expecting to hear. But then again, this isn’t Shang she’s talking to. Eden has to remind herself that the man standing before her, judging her food... They’re two entirely different people.
Shang was encouraging, patient, and kind.
Alexander is—well—kind of a dick, to be honest.
