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When Beth went on a break, he moved over to check on Michele. “How is it going?”
Michele jumped. “Good. I’ll move faster.”
“You’re moving just fine. Why did you say that?” he asked.
Michele looked around as if to check and see if anyone was watching or could hear. “Beth said you’re here watching me and the flow because everything was slowed down on Friday night. I’m sorry about that. I’ll do better.”
He let out a sigh. Michele was probably in her early forties he was guessing. She was quiet and had a lot of experience as a line cook. She interviewed well and liked where she was at. Some people he knew didn’t strive for more, but if they did their job well and were happy, he only cared about that.
“That isn’t why I’m here,” he said. “And I’m sorry that was the message that was conveyed to you. Yes, the service was slowed down, but I don’t believe it was your fault.”
“I’m the one that had to keep making things over,” Michele said.
She was working while she talked to him. Not many cooked that quickly and though she was nervous, she was checking things over a few times.
“Not necessary, by the sounds of it,” he said. He saw Beth come back in. “Let Zeke or Hadley know if this continues.”
“I just want to do my job,” Michele said.
Michele reminded him of Hadley so much from months ago. Though Hadley was a different person now.
He knew he couldn’t save everyone, but he was damn well going to try.
Two more hours went by; he only had an hour before he was set to leave. He turned when the door opened in the back and saw Hadley standing there.
“Hey,” he said. “What are you doing here?”
She nodded her head for him to come out. “Beth,” he said. “Come back here and take over for a few minutes.”
Hadley had slipped out before Beth noticed her, but he’d seen the rise of her eyebrows over his tone.
“Everything okay here?”
“Yes,” he said. “Why?”
“I haven’t heard that tone before from you in the kitchen. I’ve heard rumors you could be that way but never experienced it.”
He sighed. “Sometimes it’s called for. I’m on my last bit of patience right now and trying to figure things out while I work. Why are you here?”
“As the manager now, all the staff have my cell number. I got a few texts that there was some drama in the back again.”
“There is no drama,” he said. “Who said that?”
“It doesn’t matter who. I just wanted to see what was going on. I wasn’t going to see you again for a few days and I’ve got to work tomorrow. Maybe it’s something I should be aware of?”
“Or you are worried someone got fired?” he asked. Which was on the top of his list right now.
“I’d like to know if that did happen,” she said. “You were sharp with Beth just now. I’m assuming things aren’t going well.”
“I don’t like people who gossip and lie. Or exaggerate to make others feel like shit,” he said.
“Do I want to know what she lied about?” she asked.
“It’s not important. Trust me, after today she won’t be flirting with me anymore either. I’m sure I’m enemy number one and will be on the top of the list to badmouth.”
“She’d be stupid to do that,” she said. “You know it.”
“I don’t know what goes through anyone’s mind. I know how hard it is to get staff and maybe she is banking on that. But I’m not someone to keep anyone on to cause drama in my kitchen. Regardless. I’d rather be short staffed.”
