Page 41 of The Chef

That explains it.

“Okay, but you need all hands on deck,” Dominika protests. “You need chefs in the kitchen and waiters out front. I can’t go, especially not now.”

“Don’t worry about the restaurant,” Cliff replies forcefully. “The important thing is for you to get home and to take care of your family the same way you’ve taken care of me.”

The restaurant is on the precipice of failing, and Dominika needs to return home.

This restaurant is the only job I can get at the moment.

I can’t lose it.

This is my chance.

I need to do something.

I lean forward and knock on the open door. They both go silent as I poke my head around the corner. They both stare back at me as I open my mouth to speak.

“Sorry,” I say, giving a faint smile. “I couldn’t help but overhear.”

“Bay?” Cliff asks, surprised. “We thought you’d gone.”

I turn my attention to Dominika. Tears stream down her face. I can tell she needs a good hug, so I cross into the room and wrap my arms around her. She buries her face into my shoulder, and I whisper into her ear. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

I feel her head nodding. “Thank you,” she sighs.

“You okay?”

“Yep.”

“It’s sad news.”

“Yep.”

I let her go and dig deep into my bag for a tissue, handing it over to her. Dominika dries her eyes and smiles at me. I smile back.

I love her.

I turn to Cliff. He’s been standing still the whole time, not knowing what to do. I guess displays of emotion and affection like this are something he’s not used to.

“I can help,” I say. “I can help run Rockpool.”

“What?” Cliff stares at me blankly.

“I can help keep this business afloat, I need this place as much as you guys. I need this job.”

“This is good,” Dominika says.

“But you’re a waitress,” Cliff replies, and I can feel Dominika squeezing my hand, encouraging me. She wants me to do this.

This is my chance.

“Yeah, I am a waitress, but I also know I can cook well. I can be your chef whilst Dominika’s away. I can cook for you, and maybe help you look into changing the menu.”

“Changing the menu?”

“Yeah,” I reply. “I think I can help give it a bit of a spin.”

If he’s going to be cocky at me, then I’m gonna be cocky back.