Page 55 of The Chef

“Ew, you can’t just be friends with a girl.”

“Yes, you can.”

“Is she your friend, or is she your girlfriend?”

I stand there, in the middle of Cliff’s living room, watching him flounder his way through my nephew’s incessant interrogation. I cross my arms and smile, very much enjoying this spectacle.

It’s good to see Cliff Finn humbled, especially by a child.

The man thinks he’s so high and mighty. He’s an international playboy with a billionaire family, yet he’s being overcome by a young boy’s questioning.

I like seeing him like this.

He’s cute.

“Okay, Davy,” I say, rescuing Cliff. “Time to go outside. Play with your sister. Mr. Finn and I have work to do.”

Davy runs to Pearl and Cliff lets out a sigh of obvious relief.

“You helped me out there.”

I laugh. “Okay, friend.”

Cliff shakes his head and gestures to the kitchen.

“Let’s get started, shall we?”

We first make a soup together, something I learned about in another restaurant I worked at. It was a best-seller there, and I think it’ll go well with Rockpool. As I make it, Cliff brings out the restaurant’s menu and we slowly go through it. Checking each item. I offer my own thoughts on each one, something Cliff is open to.

I didn’t expect him to be so amicable today.

He’s growing on me. I can see he’s becoming more accepting of me. He’s really starting to respect me.

And I think he likes me.

I must’ve changed his mind over that fine steak I cooked him yesterday.

He has to admit I’m a good chef, that I can go the distance. He can’t deny my skills any longer.

I glance up at his eyes as we scan through the menu. He looks back at me.

“I think we’ve onto a good start here,” I say.

“I think so too,” he replies.

Our hands are resting on the menu, touching.

Our bodies are close. Mere inches apart.

“So, you admit I’m actually alright?”

“Yeah,” Cliff replies with a smirk. “You’re okay.”

“Shut up.” I playfully punch him on the shoulder.

“You are more than okay, Bay. You’re pretty good at this.”

“Thanks for giving me the chance.”