Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77824 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Her eyelashes lift, and when she sees the sign in cursive letters above the windows, her hands fly up to cover her mouth.
“Oh my God. I love it!”
I feel the happiness burst from her like a living force, and I imprint this moment to memory so I’ll never forget it.
She makes an excited peeping sound that’s fucking cute and rushes into the restaurant. I trail behind her, my eyes glued to her face as I watch her look at the bamboo on the walls and the lanterns hanging from the ceiling in the seating area.
“It’s so beautiful,” she murmurs in total awe.
We walk to the kitchen, where Skylar pauses to stare at the space where she’ll create her masterpieces. She chose all the appliances and décor but hasn’t had a chance to see the final result yet.
All the chefs and kitchen staff stop what they’re doing, and turn to look at her. With a slight bow of their heads, they unanimously say, “Chef.”
Skylar steps forward to greet the staff she chose for her kitchen.
She’ll be the Chef de Cuisine.
The queen of her own empire.
My queen.
When she starts to talk about the menu with her staff and inspect the freezer and equipment, I turn around and walk to the office where Viviana is hard at work.
“Hey,” she says when she notices me. “Everything is almost ready. I’m just waiting for the tablecloths to arrive. I’ve advertised the opening and every table’s been reserved. It’s going to be a busy night.”
“That’s good to hear,” I say as I take a seat across from the desk. “Skylar’s getting to know the kitchen staff.”
“She’s here?” Viviana asks while climbing to her feet. “Introduce me!”
Letting out a chuckle, I stand up again and follow Elio’s wife to the kitchen. The woman’s managerial skills are unmatched, and I know she’ll be able to run the two restaurants.
Entering the kitchen, I say, “Skylar, give me a minute.”
She excuses herself, and when she sees Viviana, her smile widens as she says, “God, I’ve wanted to meet you for the longest time.”
The women shake hands, then Viviana admits, “I was heartbroken when I heard you were in a car accident. I wanted to steal you so you could help La Torrisi get a Michelin Star.” Viviana sucks in a breath, looking a little awestruck. “Luckily for me, fate brought us together.”
“Fuck fate. She’s here because of me,” I mutter, which makes the two women laugh.
Viviana continues as if I didn’t interrupt her. “I want you to know you don’t have to worry about the business side of things. Just focus on the kitchen.”
“Thank you, Viviana. I’m looking forward to working side-by-side with you.”
“I better get back to work. We’ll talk soon,” Viviana says before returning to the office.
I take Skylar’s hand and pull her closer. When she looks up at me and I see her blue eyes sparkle with life, my heart overflows with love for her.
“Happy?” I ask.
She nods and stands on her tiptoes to press a kiss to my mouth. “Incredibly happy.”
Chapter 42
Skylar
Renzo and I are peeking around the wall at the full restaurant.
“Oh my God. Half the critics in New York are out there,” I whisper, my stomach a tight ball of nerves.
“They better not dare say anything bad,” Renzo mutters. “Or there will be bodies floating in the Hudson.”
I slap his chest and scowl at him. “You’ll do no such thing!”
Turning around, I head back to the busy kitchen.
Renzo grabs my arm, and I’m yanked backward. He grips hold of my jaw and plants a hard kiss to my mouth.
“Good luck, amo. You’ve got this.”
Shooting him a thankful smile, I pull free and rush to my station so I can continue cooking.
“I need spring onions,” I call out.
“Yes, Chef!”
A few seconds later, a bowl of finely chopped spring onions is placed on my counter. I quickly add it to brew, and while it boils, I check on the spicy brisket soup.
The orders come fast and non-stop, and I get lost in my work.
Two hours into my opening night, Viviana walks toward me and says, “A customer would like to meet you, Chef Davies.”
I glance at Chef Ji and say, “Keep an eye on everything.”
“Yes, Chef.”
I follow Viviana to the table where a woman is seated. A polite smile forms on her face when she sees me.
Standing up, she offers her hand, and as I shake it, she says, “I’m glad to see you’ve opened your own restaurant after the accident. I was worried we wouldn’t get to taste your food again.”
Not knowing who she is, I ask, “Again? I’m sorry, have we met?”
She shakes her head. “I’m Klara. I was the inspector who recommended Dame for their Michelin Star.”
Holy shit.
The blood drains from my face, but she quickly adds, “Relax. I’m only here to enjoy your food. I’m no longer with the organization.”