Page 32 of Unraveling Connections

“Yikes, yeah, I don’t even want to think about what would happen in that case.” Peter chuckles, and then changes the subject, “Do you want a hand?”

“Yeah, could you start breaking eggs into that bowl?” I reply.

“Of course,” he replies, as he starts breaking eggs into the bowl he adds, “you know I’ve helped you prepare quite a few meals by this point, and I still can’t get over how much we have to make just for one meal.”

I chuckle, “I know. I think if someone asked me to make a meal for two people, I would really struggle. I pretty much only know how to make big meals and things in bulk since I cook at least one meal a day, usually two for a minimum of nine people, but usually more.”

“Yeah, I imagine it would be difficult to scale everything back.” He replies, “What are these being turned into?”

“Waffles,” I reply.

“Got it,” he says as he grabs the rest of the ingredients and gets to work. He continues our original conversation, “At least if you do ever get that restaurant that you’d like to get, you’ll have no problem adjusting to cooking for a lot of people.”

I hum, “Yeah, I suppose so. That reminds me, I actually want to practice some more chef-like meals, ones with proper presentation and a bit more refined.”

“That sounds like fun, count me in for taste testing. Although I know that you aren’t going to be short of volunteers,” he chuckles.

“Well, I actually want to get everyone’s opinion on them; I have a couple of ideas; I want to try and expand my knowledge and my recipes. Get a few more favorites in there as well.” I explain as I continue to cook.

“That is an excellent idea. You want to have a good selection of recipes that you do really well. I would not suggest making the menu massive, as that will not necessarily be a good thing. Have a small but varied menu with recipes that you really love.” Peter replies, “And if you can, switch it up seasonally. Not only is it more sustainable that way, but it keeps it interesting for you. You don’t like cooking the same thing over and over again, and if you have a small menu, you run the risk of getting bored.”

“Wow, that’s a really good point,” I reply, surprised at his knowledge on the subject, “I hadn’t thought of either of those things, but they both make a lot of sense and if I ever do run my own restaurant, I’ll definitely be taking your advice.”

My curious tone catches his attention, and he smiles, he shrugs, “I was top of my class in business at Blackbreak. I also did some research when I couldn’t sleep one night. I know it is a dream of yours, and I wanted to help if I could.”

I smile, “You’re an amazing friend Pete, have I told you that recently?”

He chuckles as he takes his giant jugs of batter mix over to the waffle maker and starts making waffles, sprinkling chocolate chips in some.

“You haven’t told me that recently, no,” he replies.

“Haven’t told you what recently?” Trick asks curiously as he walks into the kitchen.

“That I’m awesome,” Peter replies with a massive grin.

Trick chuckles and, as he pours himself a coffee, replies, “Pete, you’re awesome.”

Peter smiles, “Why thank you.”

My smile doesn’t leave my face as they talk and I continue to get sausage, bacon and all of the guy’s favorite breakfast food ready. A nudge on my leg has me looking down and chuckling quietly as Runa sits down, looking up at me expectantly.

I don’t care what anyone says; she definitely understands what I'm saying.

I grab a piece of bacon that I have already cooked off the plate, making sure it’s cool enough before I give it to her. She takes it delicately before she trots off into the front.

“Don’t get bacon grease on the couch,” I call after her.

“You know I’d tease you for talking to her like she can understand us but quite honestly I think she understands more than most cats,” Trick points out amused, and echoing my thoughts.

“Oh, she definitely can,” Peter replies. “I swear she rolled her eyes at me once.” When Trick and I just stare at him in disbelief, he shrugs and adds, “Okay, maybe that was a little bit dramatic, but still.”

Both Trick and I chuckle in response, but Trick says, “I’m sure she probably does behind our backs.”

“Did you guys know that Runa’s in the front room eating bacon on the couch?” Cash says as he walks into the kitchen, scrubbing his hand through his hair.

Chapter Ten

Rafe

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