Page 94 of The Chef

I promised.

And I’ll deliver.

That’s what led me out of that living room, out of Fisher’s house, into my car, and straight to the restaurant with the cheers of my brother and his kids still ringing in my ears.

I arrive at Rockpool to hear animated voices coming from the manager’s office. It’s like that time before when I heard Dominika talk about her father’s passing, and, just like that one time, I sneak up to the doorway and put my ear up to the door, listening intently.

The voices are loud.

It’s Cliff. I easily recognize his strong cadence.

And then there’s someone with a silk voice. Sultry.

Cleo Dash.

She’s here. At Rockpool.

They must still be talking about this deal she’s offering him for the restaurant.

Oh, no.

I know it’s rude, but I have to listen to this. Curiosity’s got the better of me.

I strain to hear them through the closed door.

“I just want to show you what I think our wedding will be like.” It’s Cleo.

Our wedding?

So, she wants to get married to Cliff. Do what he tried to do months ago. She wants him, even if she rejected him only weeks ago.

Just then I promised my family I’ll fight for what I have and now I will. I looked into Pearl’s eyes back at the house and told her I am going to go back to the restaurant and get what is mine. My relationship. Cliff and I’s relationship. And I’m not going to let my niece down.

This is my fight.

Love can blind you to what’s in front of you, but love is blinding me no more.

“I’ve changed my mind, Cleo. I’ve decided to keep the restaurant.”

Cliff.

Yes, he still believes in this. In us. My heart leaps in my chest.

I still have hope.

“Bay and I have faith it’ll work out.”

Faith.

That’s what I told him he needed, just a bit of faith and hope.

“I’d rather have this place collapse a thousand times over than go through a single wedding to you.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

The words are coming thick and fast.