Page 45 of Go Cook Yourself

“I haven’t got the money. If I could, then I’d have you there in a heartbeat. You were the best bar manager I’ve ever worked with.” Her smile is sad. “You were all the best,” I add, nodding at the others. Their wincing smiles are another punch to my gut—so much talent and joy taken by one man’s ego. “I hear he’s running a competition. Why if he doesn’t want puddings?”

Chrissy leans in, and my old team gathers around. “He’s angry that you won’t tell him your secret pasta ingredients. He’s shouted at us for months, but none of us knew it.” She laughs. “Not that we’d tell him if we did.”

I give her another hug. My old team deserve better than what I left them with.

Another member of my old team adds conspiratorially, “We reckon he wants to steal recipes. We’re not sure he’ll give them a job after.”Shit.I can’t let Ruby have all her skills stolen, but this competition means so much to her and could elevate her. She needs a win after what she’s been through. “But we can’t prove that.”

“You’re thinking hard,” Chrissy comments. I look her in the eye, my brow furrowed. “You’re grinding your teeth. You did that a lot before you left.”

I chuckle despite my worries. I haven’t done that for a couple of weeks, in fact, since Ruby and I replaced our animosity with genuine friendship.

Suddenly, Clive’s booming voice sounds from the corridors.

I whisper to Chrissy quickly before he catches her out of the kitchen, “Where’s he been? Shouldn’t he be out here chatting to the diners?”

Chrissy shrugs. “He’s not you. He was probably chatting up one of the wait staff. Half of them walked out last week because of his letchy behaviour. He interviewed new ones this week. I bet he’s working out which ones will most likely sleep with him.”

Bile climbs my throat. I need to end this guy.

As if reading my thoughts, Chrissy asks, “Is there anything we can do to help your future?”

“I’m working on it,” I lie. I can’t crush them. Maybe if I keep their hope, I can find some of my own. “In the meantime, will you help me and Flora with something? I’m trying to get Cookie back.”

Chrissy and the others gasp. “He kept Cookie from you? Clive told us that you didn’t want him. I knew it was a lie. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.” Other kitchen staff behind her nod. “He doesn’t deserve that gorgeous dog.”

“You’re the best. Flora will tell you what to do when she arrives.”

I hug each one and scoot back to my seat as Clive enters the restaurant area. He’s changed in the three months, too. He’s got a rock-hard quiff that lava couldn’t destroy. He’s developed a golden tan since I glimpsed him a month ago when he taunted me about Cookie. He’s also done something to his eyebrows, andhe’s wearing the tightest trousers I’ve ever seen. I can measure his cock from here.

He’s become one of the Made in Chelsea men.

The scent of garlic and tomato fill the room as Clive laughs and chats with the guests. I adore the cookery school and everyone there, but there’s nothing like running a busy restaurant. With the hustle and bustle and anxiety, you’re within minutes of chaos every day, yet every night, you run your team like you’re putting on the best performance of your lives showcasing every skill you’ve developed over your lifetime. Everyone wants to do their utmost and get that perfect reaction from a diner and nothing compares to the buzz when you change someone’s life through a spoonful of your cooking. A pull in my stomach reminds me that I must start looking for a restaurant to work in. It won’t happen in this area.

Kath nudges me, distracting me from my concerns. She side-eyes the window. Flora stands outside at an angle to hide from Clive, my Cookie by her side. She waves her phone, and mine vibrates with a message. The entire team knows their part in this plan and that we must keep the bulk of it hidden from Ruby because the competition is the most important thing for her. I can’t have anything affecting her chances of winning, and I know her well enough already that if she suspected Clive had hurt me, she’d walk away without a future. That isn’t happening, and Kath, Flora, and Jem have agreed to my terms. There’s a lot of love for her.

I check my phone surreptitiously. There’s messages from Ruby and Flora.

Ruby:You got this, Garett. We’re bringing your baby home.

I try not to smile even though it’s like popping candy bounces on my tongue before the same fizzing excitement fills my entire body.

Flora:Part one of Cookie’s Homecoming is happening in five minutes. Keep Clive talking.

I never wanted to see Clive again, let alone speak to him, but I’ll do it for my boy. I nod as Clive spots me and strides over with an arrogant smirk.

Mission: Cookie’s Homecoming has begun.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Garett

“What brings you to this fine establishment?” Clive’s voice booms as he nears my table.

Kath rolls her eyes. She’s here to keep me calm and raise hell when required.

“Keep him talking,” Kath hisses under her breath.

According to the plan, Flora will come into the kitchen. Jem is near the back door, and Ruby remains at the Cloud Cookery School.

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