Page 19 of Go Cook Yourself

To Ruby. I’m sorry for how I behaved today. I was a grumpy arsehole chef, and I shouldn’t have taken my lousy morning out on you. I hope from now on we can make the cookery school a success because that’s all I want. You and Amber have probably already eaten, but this lasagne should be good for a couple of days. Heat it in the oven with the foil on 180°C/160°C fan for 20-30 minutes and it will be perfect.

From Garett

It’s hardly an emotion-filled message, but maybe I should move him back to number two on my chef list. That’s when I see the last sentence.

P.S. I never apologise, so don’t get used to it and I’d prefer it if we didn’t talk about this again, as I have a reputation as a grumpy chef to uphold.

Men!

Chapter Eleven

Garett

Ruby’s wearing jeans and a woolly jumper today. The weather has turned. It’s a couple of weeks until Halloween, and a chill in the air makes me regret wearing the blue shirt that Flora once joked brings out my naturally tanned skin and brown hair. I’m not wearing it for anyone’s benefit and certainly not for the woman who turns skinny jeans and a fitted pink jumper into the sexiest casual outfit ever.

“Everything going to plan?” I ask as she walks past me to the dining area.

She hasn’t mentioned the note, flowers, or lasagne, and I’m totally okay with that because I asked her not to. But still, she could have said something.

I’ve noticed the dish from the cookery school has been returned, so I guess she ate it, unless she tossed it away. But even if she hated me, she wouldn’t bin one of my specialities.

“Well done for keeping your cool earlier,” Kath whispers as the children giggle at their freshly made cupcakes.

“Who brings ten children to a baking bread and cakes birthday session and only then mentions that one of the children is vegan and prone to vomit if they eat bread?” I huff. “They should have told us in advance because we want to make the sessions work for everyone.”

“I know, but you behaved well. They’d have no idea that you were about to reprimand them.”

“Only because you glared at me.” And because I was distracted by Ruby and her pink jumper, which is the same colour as the lilies I gave her.

One of the children reaches for their fresh out of the oven rolls.

“Don’t—”

“Hey, Cammie, leave it a little longer. They’re going to taste so good,” Ruby jumps in and smiles at the child. That’s the fifth time that child has tried to burn herself today, but Ruby has been excellent at keeping her safe and happy. “You can all start decorating your vegan brownies now, like Chef Garett showed you. Let your creativity shine. You’ve got fifteen minutes.”

I am useless around children, especially all these giggly, hazard-prone ones, but Ruby’s party games and sunshine attitude have made today a smash.

“Ruby has shone today. She told me it took a while to get over her difficult first day.” We both know that is a reference to my attitude. “But she’s happier, partly because she ate the best lasagne she’s ever tasted this week.”

“Really? She said that?” I pull back my shoulders and puff my chest out. She liked it. I must remind myself that it doesn’t mean she likes me, but maybe she doesn’t hate me anymore.

“Yes,” Kath replies. “She won’t tell me where she got it from, though. Although it’s all she talked about when we were setting up.”

“Lucky Ruby.”

“Indeed.” Her lips quirk.

As the children decorate their cakes and Kath busies herself, I stroll over to Ruby, who is fiddling with something in the corner.

I want to swagger, but I also meant what I said in the note.

“Everything is going brilliantly. Well done for today,” I whisper.

She blushes and I close my eyes briefly. Blushing Ruby is hot. “Yeah, it’s all good. I’m getting the party bags ready, and the parents will be here to collect the children in about fifteen minutes. Are you finished with them?”

“Yes. Kath is packing their baking into boxes they can take home.”

My gaze sweeps the kitchen. Every child beams as they ice their vegan brownies. I’m not sure Ruby needed me today. She’s created a masterclass.

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