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That statement resonates through me so hard it makes my breath hitch. Rationally, I know that’s true, but it’s hard to accept after a few years of being told you’re “uppity” and “too big for your boots.”
“It is alright that I call you Avery, isn’t it?” he asks, concerned. “I assumed it would be since you have that arrangement with Wesley and Phillip, but I realize now that I shouldn’t have made that assumption.
“Generally, I prefer to be on a first name basis with my students, but If that’s not something you’re comfortable with, we can?—”
“It’s not that,” I say, finally finding my voice. “I was just surprised by how direct you were. Most people tend to beat around the bush instead of getting straight to it.”
“I do tend to be fairly blunt.” He rests his chin on his hand thoughtfully. “I’ve never really seen the point in dancing around a sentiment when I can just get straight to it. Hopefully, that won’t put a damper on our working relationship.”
“I prefer people to be direct, honestly.” I laugh. “That’s probably why I ended up having the best friend that I have. She feels the same way as you do.”
He gives me a small smile. “She sounds like my kind of woman.”
Just like that, I’m seeing green.
Seriously, Avery? Get your shit together. He’s your teacher, not your boyfriend.
“Let’s get back to business, shall we?” he asks after a minute of awkward silence. “From what I’ve read in your file, you’ve got a little boy waiting on you at home. I don’t want to keep you from him longer than I have to.”
“I appreciate that.”
“We talked a bit about your goals with Wesley and Phillip for this session, so all I need to complete the puzzle is what you want from me. So, what do you want?”
Whatever you want to give me.
Not the time, Avery. Focus.
“I want to be the best. Top of my field, if I can manage it, and I think knowing the ins and outs of how businesses work will give me a more solid perspective of exactly how the culinary and back of house stuff functions. If I know that, I’ll have a better grasp of how I fit in the grand scheme of things. That and it’ll give me a leg up over other candidates for the positions I’m looking for.”
“You don’t want to start your own company?” he asks, raising his brows.
I shrug. “Maybe one day, but starting your own business is a pretty large gamble and it’s not something I’m willing to attempt when my son is this little. I love when I get to meet with clients. The day to day of working in the kitchen and being part of a team is something I’ve always loved. I want to know the big picture, but I’d be perfectly content being the ruler of my tiny pastry kingdom at a venue or company with a less, uh, temperamental chef.”
“Ah, so I take it your current head chef is a bit of a drama queen, then?” His voice is neutral, but the twitch at the corners of his mouth gives him away.
“You could say that, yes.”
“Okay.” He nods. “I think what will work best for you will be our business management certificate. It’s an accelerated program—four months instead of six, but I think you’re up for it. What do you think?”
“In a traditional setting, I think I’d be more wary of it, but with one-on-one work instead of a giant class, I think it’s more than doable.”
“You just summed up the whole foundation of AGA without even realizing it.” He smiles. “We haven’t been around for a decade yet, but we already have an exceptional reputation because of that one-on-one style.”
“We?” I cock my head. “Are you on the board or something?”
“No. Absolutely not,” he says quickly. “I have too much on my plate as it is to be running this place too. I was just one of the first three teachers they hired on. They weren’t even established yet before they reached out to see if I’d be interested, and I really liked the idea. I’ve learned a lot hopping around from business to business. Figured it was time to help mold the next generation.”
“Who were the other two?”
“I’m sure you can guess. We usually come as a package deal.” At my confused look, he says, “Wesley and Phillip, of course.”
“I didn’t realize you were that close.”
“Like brothers, really. We met at a Pi Kappa Alpha fundraising event. Phillip and I were alumni and Wesley was an active member. We’ve been inseparable since.”
“What was the fundraiser?” I ask.
“We were doing a charity war with Alpha Delta Pi—our sisters. They chose a women’s shelter and we picked the busiest local soup kitchen.
