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Chapter 12

Ruben

My nervousness found its way out through my fingers. I tapped the tips of my fingers on the tablecloth.

“That’s all settled,” said Connie. “You have your assignments for the weekend. Everyone should have the opportunity to show themselves in the best light.”

I reached for a teaspoon and rolled it in my hands.

“Jacques won’t bite. Only if you ask nicely.”

Jacques. I didn’t know if Connie was really that close to the hottest star chef in the northern hemisphere, but she gave us that impression.

That’s why I had come here. To gain experience. To work on my network.

But despite the stress caused by the celebrity chef’s visit, Shane’s words kept coming to the forefront of my mind. How do we do it when we take someone home to fuck? I hadn’t answered him for two days. However, this problem had to be solved sooner rather than later.

Since then, I had entered our cabin on edge every time. Always worried that I would find Shane fucking someone. But either he wasn’t there at all, or he was sprawled on his bed. Or he was showering—alone. But I feared that this luck would not last long. There was still hope that Shane’s respective bed partners had a clear arrangement with their roommates and that the tête-à-têtes took place there.

Angrily, I pushed the spoon away.

“Is that okay, Ruben?” Connie’s voice cut through my thoughts, and I was catapulted back to the table with my colleagues.

“Um. Yes?!”

She studied at me with a raised eyebrow. “Please wait a moment until we’re done here.”

I swallowed hard. Damn. “Sure.”

She adjourned the meeting, and the chefs either scattered to their respective homes or workplaces.

Like a naughty schoolboy, I trudged over to Connie, who was already waiting for me.

“Ruben. You’ve been here for a month now, and I would’ve thought that you would step up your game now that we’re expecting our guest. You’re a great cook and a good employee. But for the past few days, you’ve been unfocused. I can’t put it any other way. You’re doing what needs to be done, so far, so good. But we need outstanding performance here. And I know you can deliver it. I saw that in your first few weeks here. What’s going on?”

I sucked in my lower lip and thought hard. “It’s just . . . I’ve had a roommate for a few days now and . . . ” Did I really want to beg my boss to help me solve my accommodation problem?

“Okay. But shouldn’t you be settled in after a few days? Is there a problem with him?”

“Ah!” I glanced at her helplessly.

“Ruben, I expect professionalism here. If something as minor as a new roommate throws you off balance this much, I honestly don’t know what to say.”

Neither do I. My childish behavior was jeopardizing my reputation.

“If this is all too much for you, I’ll reassign you. And you can take the weekend off. I’m not sure if Loren is ready yet, but it’s worth a try if you know you’re not focused.”

“No!” I blurted out. “No! No way. I’ve got myself under control and it’s no problem.” At least I wouldn’t let it be a problem. Shane wanted to fuck some people, and I would concentrate on my work.

Connie eyed me with a slightly doubtful expression. “All right. I’m counting on you.”

“You can!” I assured her vehemently. My head nodded as if it were a ridiculous bobblehead, but I had to use every means at my disposal to emphasize my seriousness.

“Get some rest. By tomorrow, I want a thousand percent from you!”

“Absolutely!” I confirmed again. But Connie was already on her way to the kitchen.

Heavily, I made my way to our cabin. I dragged my feet as if lead weights were attached to them.