Hadrian climbs onto his rock and freezes, clearly invested.
I shake my head, phone warm in my hand, irritation and amusement tangling in a way I absolutely do not approve of.
Me
You’re arguing via text.
Tom
You started it.
Me
I absolutelydid not.
I lean back against the sofa and exhale, the day finally catching up with me now that it’s slowing down.
Me
You still in the middle of service chaos or have you escaped for the night?
Tom
Escaped. Angie can close down. Time to relax for me. There’s a very specific silence after service that feels like survival rather than peace.
Me
That sounds earned.
Tom
It is. I’ve also eaten something that didn’t involve standing over a bin, which feels indulgent.
Me
High living.
Tom
I try to keep mystandards low.
Me
So what does a chef do when he’s not cooking or negotiating with customers about garlic levels?
Tom
I go home and let my housemate remind me that the world does not, in fact, revolve around my kitchen.
Me
Housemate?
Tom
Yes. Rupert.
Me
