Page 28 of The Unwilling Bride
First, he compliments me on what I made. Now he’s apologizing. And for something which isn’t really his fault. I manage to get my shock under control and shrug. “It happens.”
“Not in my kitchen.” He tightens his jaw. “I should have let Garrett go a long time ago. I kept him on, wanting to give him another chance. It’s not easy being where he is. He’s tried to rise through the ranks in the kitchen and hasn’t succeeded. But that’s no excuse for his behavior.”
I look at him with new eyes. He understands more than he lets on.
“You didn’t have to fire him,” I say slowly.
A nerve pops at his temple. “He made an inappropriate pass at you. At my sous chef. He doesn’t get to stay.”
His words are possessive. A quiver of pleasure spirals up my spine. Of course, if there were anyone else in my position, he’d have done the same thing.
And to be frank, I’m glad that guy is gone. I feel a lot more relaxed and confident working in the kitchen now. So, I accept what he did and nod. “Thanks, again.”
He nods curtly.
He turns and heads off, then stops halfway to the door.
“Oh, and Richie?” He turns to look at me. “If you bring the same level of precision you did to the vinaigrette to the rest of the dishes, you might even have a future in this kitchen.”
I curl my fingers into fists at my side and open my mouth in a soundless scream.
What a sanctimonious, pompous git.
9
Harper
Chef bosshole: Starting tomorrow, get into work by 6 a.m.
What? Why? That’s a full hour earlier than usual. I stare at my phone in horror.
Chef bosshole: Morning deliveries. You’ll inspect the vegetables before the rest of the team arrives. Consider it part of your training.
I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. Nope not gonna lose my temper yet. This is another test, and I’m determined to pass it.
Still, I can’t resist replying:
Me: Anything else,Chef?
He must have gotten the sarcasm in my text, for I get a flurry of messages.
Chef bosshole: Don’t forget to check all pantry proteins. Label. Rotate. No shortcuts.
Chef bosshole: Also, you’re running the family meal from now on.
He’s referring to the meal the team has before we start dinner service. He’s adding to my list of responsibilities like I’m sitting around doing nothing all day. I set my jaw.
Chef bosshole: I’ll be grading every plate.
Like you don’t already do that, arsehole. I groan.
Chef bosshole: Bring your A-game or don’t bother showing up.
Me: I can't wait
Argh. His messages verge on obnoxious. But I know by now, that’s just James’ style. He’s so focused on everything being perfect for those who dine at his restaurant, he doesn’t care if he’s pissing off people on his team to get there.
I’d be more upset if his high expectations were only for me and that they didn’t apply to everyone else in the kitchen.
