Page 29 of The Chef

Double shit.

Sandy.

My cousin.

She’s leaning against her car that’s parked right next to mine, her arms crossed, glaring at me as I approach.

“Hello, Cliff,” she says, her blonde hair gently swaying in the cool night air.

“Hi, Sandy.”

“Nice night,” she replies.

“What are you doing here, and so late?” I ask. “Don’t you have school tomorrow?”

“My students can wait,” she replies. “First, I have to deal with you.”

“Right, so you’re annoyed about your food order? I can refund you if you like.”

Sandy doesn’t react to my little joke.

“I’m talking about that waitress,” she says.

Fuck. Of course.

Even though she isn’t here, Bay Dover can still find ways to fuck me over.

I definitely need to fire her ass.

“What waitress?”

Sandy is unamused. Her frown deepens. She’s not a good person to tease. I should know, I’ve been on the back end of her lectures more times than I can count. She’s good at those, probably comes from her training as a teacher. She thinks she knows how to handle difficult boys like me.

Well, I’m not your usual naughty schoolkid, Sandy. I can bite too.

“You know who I’m talking about,” she replies sternly. “I was watching her today, she’s a good girl.”

“Really? That’s your expert opinion, is it?”

“She’s too good for you, Cliff.”

“She should be thanking me for a job, not screwing up my restaurant orders.”

“Listen to me, Cliff.”

I sigh and thrust my hands into my pockets, meeting my cousin’s glare. “Alright, I’m listening. Say what you have to say.”

“Take this seriously.”

There’s a pause, and I realize she’s waiting for me to answer her.

She’s really using her teaching skills now, isn’t she? She’s really pulling out her stern teacher voice.

“Okay, I will take this seriously.”

“Don’t screw her around, okay? Don’t hurt her.”

“I won’t.”