Page 70 of In a Pinch

Chapter Thirty-Two

Sam

Throwing the dish towel over my shoulder, I slump down into the chair. My body is fucking exhausted. My phone vibrates in my pocket and the name ‘Shortcake’ flashes across the screen. Opening the text, I feel a smile pull across my face.

Hiiii, I hope tonight went well. I’m sure you did amazing. I’m so proud of you. Call me on your way home so I can hear all about it.

Thanks shortcake. Will do. Probably have another hour here. We had a call out tomorrow that I need to find coverage for. I could use one of your massages ;)

Yeah, sure. Happy ending is included for an additional price

Whatever you’re charging, I’ll pay double

“Uh, boss?”

I snap my head up and wipe the cheesy grin off my face. Shoving my phone back into my pocket, I look up at Jesse.

“Hey, Jesse. What can I do for you?” He looks about as rundown as I do. His pale cheeks have a flush to them and has what looks like mashed potatoes in his blonde eyebrow.

“They said Jake called out tomorrow. I need more hours for my car payment. So, I can cover if you haven’t filled the spot yet?” This kid works harder than anyone I know. He’s eighteen, is taking college classes this summer, and working more hours than some of my full-time staff.

“It’s all yours. Saves me a bit of time searching coverage. So, thanks for volunteering.” He perks up at my feedback and it reminds me of when I was his age, desperate for someone’s approval. “Good work tonight. You’re really getting the swing of things.”

His toothy grin makes the hard night worth it. “Thanks, boss. You did good, too.”

I laugh and nod my head. He darts back to the kitchen with an extra spring in his step.

Chef was on standby should shit hit the fan, but it didn’t. Well, at least not bad enough for me to phone a friend. The specials menu I had planned last week sold out within the first two hours. I’ll need to get a little better at properly gauging how much we are selling.

Pulling out a pad of yellow sticky notes, I make a note on my desk to go over previous specials and their sales versus tonight’s to see where I went wrong.

Even though the night was crazy, it was the best kind. I was running ragged, leading the specials station and covering for breaks. The chaos made it that much more rewarding. This is everything I’ve worked for.

Propping back in my chair for a second, I close my eyes and feel the tension from the night slowly melt away. Life is so fucking good right now. And I have someone to share it with. Somehow, that makes it that much more worthwhile. Addie’s face flashes through my mind. It always does. Fuck, is this what love is? It’s never been like this for me. Easy. Reassuring. She’s all mine and that feels so fucking good.

Remembering that I have someone waiting on me fuels my fire to burn through the rest of closing. I make sure to thank the staff for a smooth night, chaos and all. It couldn’t have gone better. Some were probably expecting a rough transition, but Chef has taught me well, and I was prepared. Except for the damn special. Even with that, I let myself feel proud. I don’t allow myself to do that often. But tonight, I earned that shit.

Walking up the stairs, I actually wish we had an elevator or something. My body sags with exhaustion now that the adrenaline and steam from the night have worn off.

My key grinds in the lock as I unlock my door. I push it open and about piss myself as I see a figure in the dark. Turning the light on, my face is met with streamers that hang overmy doorway. My entire apartment is decked out in decor. ACongratulationssign hangs from my cupboards in the kitchen, and confetti lines the counters. Best of all, Addie’s bright smile lights up the room even more.

“Congratulations on surviving your first night as head chef!” Her bare feet pad against the floor as she runs to me, and the exhaustion I was just feeling evaporates. This girl in my arms makes me feel alive.

She kisses me quickly and then pulls back, resting her hands on my chest. Her head nods over to the counter behind the island. “I made you a cake!”

Looking over at the cake, I can’t help but laugh.

“I’ve never made a layered cake before. So, pretend it’s pretty. I’m used to making sheet pan cake. And the frosting is freaking stupid. And, well…” The cake sits at a funny angle, and the colors aren’t all the way mixed in with the frosting, leaving it looking like a tie-dye, choppy blue. A sloppyCongratulationsis piped across the top.

“I’ve seen worse, but maybe stick to your cinnamon rolls, babe.” Giving her ass a couple taps, I release her from my arms.

“How did it go? Did you burn the restaurant down? Theo and I had a bet.”

A scowl paints over my face. Those assholes.

“Of course, you did. And no, I did not. I didn’t even tell anyone they were being stupid.” Though, a couple deserved it. If Gordon Ramsay can tell people they’re fucking idiots, why can’t I?

“Wow, I am so proud of you.” She reaches over and gently taps my cheek with her palm two times. “I’m sure that took a lot of restraint.”

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