Page 46 of Whiskey Neat

“Indy is fire.”

“Don’t I know it. They’re all pretty hot though.”

“True.” He glances over his shoulder to catch Ridley watching him. Ridley startles, looking away quickly. “What’s his name again?”

“Ridley. He’s hilarious. Are you still with Trent?”

Wren nods, but his smile fades. “At least for now. It’s been a little bumpy lately. He got a promotion last year that he has to travel for. He’s only home four days a month.”

“Holy shit, dude. That must be tough.”

“It is.” He glances down the hall before continuing. “I’m not sure he’s being faithful, but I don’t have proof. It’s just a vibe because of how he’s acting.”

“Sorry to hear that. I know firsthand how much being cheated on sucks.”

He runs a hand through his messy ginger-red locks. “One of these days, I guess I’ll cut my losses, but we’ve been together so long, it’s a lot to think about.”

I rub his arm. “You’ll figure it out. Do you live far from here?”

“Nah. About fifteen minutes. Do you think I have a shot?”

“Hell yeah. Your food alone was way better and more creative than Teddy’s.”

“His mac and cheese was good.”

“It was fine. You seem more prepared and had a broader vision, whereas Teddy kind of kept it to bar food. Which is okay, honestly. I don’t think the guys knew exactly what they wanted until they were presented with it.”

“I hope they liked it. I need a change of pace. I’m tired of being treated like a peon when I’ve worked my ass off to get to sous chef in just four years.”

“I’ll put in a good word for you, but I think your food represents you well.”

“Thanks, man.”

A minute later, Teddy, Kit, and Indy return. Teddy says goodbye to all of us and gathers his dishes while Kit and Indy lead Wren to the back.

“How did it go?” Lowen asks Teddy.

“I appreciate the opportunity, but it’s not gonna work out,” Teddy explains.

“Oh?”

“I got showed up big time.” He chuckles. “No hard feelings, and I learned what I should work on in my next interview.” He shakes Lowen’s hand. “I hope the place is a huge hit. I’ll be here for sure.”

“Thank you,” Lowen says.

We watch him walk out and Lowen sits with me. “That was interesting. He came in with his chest puffed and left with his tail between his legs.”

“I guess he’s self-aware. Wren came to win.”

“He did. Even the salad was delicious.”

“It was.”

“You know him?”

“We worked together a while back before he quit to finish culinary school. He’s a good guy. I think he’d fit in with everyone.”

“If we can keep Ridley from tripping over his tongue.”

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