Page 34 of The Chef

And especially not get seriously involved with another girl again. I seriously can’t afford to be hurt like that again. Memories of that Paris hotel room haunt my dreams every night.

So, yeah, Sandy is right to say I’m heartbroken, anyone would be by the way Cleo treated me.

And I’ve sworn myself off fancying girls again.

Well, that was until Bay Dover waltzed into my life and threw a glass of water over me.

12

PRESENT DAY

BAY

It’s my second day working as a waitress at Rockpool and things aren’t going well.

Not at all.

My problems began when Cliff saw me enter to start my shift, and it only intensifies when a particular group of customers walks through the front door.

One particular customer.

But when I began my shift, I didn’t know what was to come today. I came into the restaurant with a smile on my face, ready to start my second day and all prepared to deal with anything Cliff decides to throw at me. I resolved, last night, to put his weird aggressive displays behind me and to give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his attitude. He probably is going through a shitty time with whatever happened with his ex, so I might as well be cheery and agreeable and see if he falls into line. See if my positivity rubs off on him.

But clearly, it doesn’t.

The moment I walked into the restaurant Cliff ignores me. He ignores me throughout the entire shift. As I enter the restaurant, I give him a bright hello and he grunts in reply. It only goes worse from there. Beyond that initial grunt, he acts like I’m not here.

This is worse than dealing with Davy or any one of his teenage male friends.

Cliff doesn’t even seem to acknowledge my existence at all, not even when I put orders through the till system or deliver drinks to tables. He gives me the cold shoulder. Literally.

I’m so tempted to make a scene of it, to tell him off or confront him about it. But I don’t do that. I don’t give him the pleasure of losing my cool. I go into the kitchen and say hello to Dominika, trying my best to suppress my anger at the gorgeous man at the bar who’s completely ignoring me.

I instead resolve to stay calm. Collected. Not stir the pot. Pretend everything’s okay.

That’s sure to annoy him more than if I blow my temper.

I know he wants me to lose my cool, but I’m not going to give him the satisfaction. The muscular hunk will have to stay moping around behind the bar. I won’t fight him or his attitude.

Not today.

But it still pisses me off. His behavior still makes me boil inside.

Why can’t he just be nice?

That’s simple, right? Be nice. That’s all I’m asking. It’s not much I want, just some basic courtesy.

But he’ll still deny me that.

He’s so bitter.

Such a sulky man for being so handsome.

Just soak it up, dude.

Take it on your chin, mate.

I don’t need his negative energy.