Page 21 of Training Maisy

“Well, I’m really surprised and kind of pissed you didn’t tell me you were a famous chef,” Chloe said, pouting a little.

“Well, I’m not really a famous chef, and we can call it even for you not telling me about your brother.”

“Okay,” Chloe grudgingly agreed.

“Okay, so I brought three samples,” Maisy said, lifting the lid on the cooler, happy to see that the ice pack she had placed inside had done the job of keeping the treats cold. She brought out her knife and carved pieces of the first sample, serving them on foil for Chloe and Ralph. Then she watched nervously as they lifted their pieces to their mouths. Then she felt half-relieved as she watched Chloe’s eyes close in something akin to ecstasy.

“Wow, this is amazing. You’re saying you can bake something like this, and I’m just finding out now?”

Maisy smiled, but then looked at Ralph who, although he wasn’t vocal on his thoughts about the cake, was clearly pleased by it from the look in his eyes.

“Already knew it was going to be amazing, but still surprised how good it is. Incidentally, you had the job the moment you stepped into my kitchen . . . I just wanted to have a piece of your cake.”

Maisy smiled at his comment, mostly with relief and because she was really starting to like him. He reminded her a little of Russell, the person she had worked under right after she got out of culinary school.

“Well, you can have the rest then.” Maisy pushed the cooler to him. “I also have a three-ingredient lemon cake and a peanut butter carrot cake in there.”

“Thanks; so, when can you start?” Ralph asked her, placing the cakes in the freezer.

“Actually,” Maisy appeared nervous again, “I was thinking I could make them at my place. I have everything I need there and could maybe work out a menu with you on, like, a daily or weekly basis.”

He appeared to think about it for a few minutes, then shrugged and said, “That could work. How about you come see me tomorrow afternoon, say around two, when business is slow around here, and we can talk all about it? For now, go and enjoy your meal; it’s on the house.”

Maisy thanked him profusely as he led them back to their table, asking her about her last job along the way. She answered as best as she could, then thanked him again after he had seated them and motioned to Gina to bring their order out.

“Don’t worry about it; I should actually be thanking you. Having someone of your caliber working for us means a lot to this restaurant.”

Kissing Chloe on the cheek and reminding her to send his regards to her parents, Ralph made his way back to the kitchen. As he left, Maisy thought about what he said last and had to admit she was a little shocked he held her in such high regard. She had stopped seeking validation a long time ago when it came to her professional work, but hearing him say those things made her realize maybe she had allowed Eric to affect her professional life. After all, what other explanation did she have as to why she had barely stepped foot in a kitchen until now? Not willing to allow such bad thoughts to mar a night she was supposed to be celebrating, she turned her focus back on Chloe, who was gushing about how nice it was to have a famous friend.

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