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He waves his hand and says, “Not the apron, dude.” He walks toward the closet that holds Chef Thomas and Gina’s chef jackets and aprons. He brings out a white apron and hands it to me.
“This is the one you’re wearing tonight.”
“What…” I furrow my brow and scratch my jaw.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Chef Thomas wants to mentor you. You’ll be his assistant.” Dave shakes the apron in front of me. “Here, Jaden. Put this on. Chef Thomas will be here in a few minutes. I asked him to let me tell you the news.”
“But what about the bar?” I ask as I slip the apron on. All I want to do is call Blaire and share this news with her. My body fills with mini explosions of excitement, knowing I’m going to be mentored by Chef Thomas. A dream come true. I blow out a breath and smooth the apron with my hands, then look at Dave.
“Man. Don’t worry about the bar. We’ve got it covered. Besides, the kitchen is where you belong.” Dave holds his fist out.
I raise my fist and bump his. He reaches for me, and bear hugs me.
“So proud of you, kid. You’re going to be great.” He squeezes me hard, then lets his arms drop and steps back.
I nod and look down at the white apron, then back to Dave.
“Thanks. I… Jesus, I…” My words catch on the lump in my throat. I shake my head, then say to Dave, “I never expected to be this emotional about going from a barback to interning with Chef Thomas. That wasn’t even on my radar. We never talked about me assisting him. I’d helped Gina a few times and learned a ton from her, but this? I…” Blowing out my breath, I drag my hand through my hair.
“Jaden, this is the next step for you. And a great opportunity to learn from a great chef.” Dave pats my shoulder as we walk out to the bar. I sit on a stool, and he stands behind the bar.
“Do you know Chef Thomas’ history here?” he asks.
I smile and nod.
“Funny thing about that.” I tap my fingers on the bar.
“Why?” Dave leans against the counter, his thick arms folded over her body.
“Blaire gave a lecture this morning about our futures, and she mentioned Chef Thomas and how he started here.”
“Blaire? You’re on a first name basis with your teacher?” Dave winks.
I laugh and nod my head.
“Sort of.” I smile.
He unfolds his arms and offers his fist again. I bump his with mine, then slide off the stool and stand.
“Is there anything I can do to help you before Chef Thomas gets here?”
“Nah, I’ve got this. Go into the kitchen and relax. I guess I’ll be calling you Junior now.” Dave lets out a laugh.
Puzzled, I squint. Then it hits me. As Chef Thomas’ assistant, I’m now a Junior Chef and no longer the barback at The Oasis.
“I guess so.” I turn and walk toward the double doors leading to the kitchen.
27
BLAIRE
“Bye baby girl. Have the best time with Daddy.” I hug and kiss Britney, then pass her to Preston. He buckles her into her car seat, then turns back to me.
“So, Blaire. What are your plans for spring break? Any hot dates on your calendar?” He nudges me and smiles.
“No, Preston. No hot dates for me. I’m going to relax. Maybe see if Rae wants to go shopping or drive over to the beach for a few nights. I don’t know if Grace is with her or Trevor for the week.”
