Page 2 of Blade

“I had a minute to spare, Robert,” I answer through gritted teeth. I really wish I could tell him to shove it, but I have three little angels depending on me.

“If you aren’t ten minutes early, you’re late. Don’t let it happen again or I’ll have to put you on dishes.”

He walks out of the kitchen, and everyone looks at me with sympathy in their eyes. I ignore everyone and start chopping vegetables. I work for one of the most high-end restaurants here in Kissimmee.

Juliana’s.

It’s one of the hardest gigs to get in this town, but I graduated at the top of my culinary class, so they were very impressed with my resume.

Two hours after my shift started, Alan, the lead daytime cook, comes over to me. “Bianca, I got wind of a new restaurant opening up in town. It's only about twenty minutes from here. You are far too talented to be cutting vegetables, and Robert’s pigheaded ass isn’t going to put you back next to me, so I think you should apply for this job. You have three little girls to take care of and as much as I would hate losing you, this place is never going to allow you to have the opportunities you deserve.”

Alan is a lot older than I am. In a way, I look at him like some kind of long-lost uncle, even though we look completely different. I have chocolate skin with brown eyes and Alan has pale white skin with hazel eyes. When I first came here, he took me under his wing and sharpened my skills in the kitchen.

Alan hands me a piece of paper. The name on the paper readsSara Evansand there’s a phone number beneath the name. “Call her and schedule an interview. I eat breakfast at her diner all the time and the woman has talent in the kitchen as well.”

I know she must be a great cook if Alan is giving her praise.

“I’ll give her a call at lunch.”

Alan sighs and wraps his arm around me. “I’m gonna miss you around here, kid.”

“I haven’t even gotten the job, Alan.” I giggle.

“Once they taste your food, you will.”

He walks away and I hate how sad he looks. I wish I could stay here, but Alan is right. As long as Robert is running this place, I’ll never have any opportunities. When lunch comes around, I go to my car, calling the girls and Mom first. After I’ve spoken to everyone, I dial the number on the paper.

“Hello?” a woman answers.

“Hi, I’m looking to speak with Sara Evans.”

“This is she. Who’s speaking?”

“My name is Bianca Harris. Alan Colby gave me your number. He told me you were opening a new restaurant, and you would be starting to interview soon.”

“Oh, yes, Alan. He’s been coming into my diner for a while. He told me he had the perfect cook for me, so I’m going to assume that’s you. When are you available for an interview?”

“I can do an interview on Friday at any time.”

“Perfect. How does noon sound?”

“It sounds perfect. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

“No problem. Make sure you bring your resume and I’ll see you Friday.”

She ends the call and I sit in my car with the biggest smile. I hope I get this. I want to get the hell away from Robert. Even though I told him no to the date, he still rubs up against me in the kitchen, pretending not to have enough space to get by.

When I get back to the kitchen, nothing can ruin this great mood I’m in. The day passes quickly with all the orders coming in. I keep up small talk with Kelly and Bryan to pass the time. By the time my shift is over, my feet ache and all I want is a nice soak in my tub. Clocking out for the day, I make my way home and collect the girls. Once we’re home, I set them up in the living room while I start dinner. Tonight, I’m cooking their favorite—smothered meatballs, rice, green beans, and mac and cheese.

Once the food is ready, the girls hightail it to the table. No words are spoken while they shovel the food into their mouths. I set Mom’s food up on a tray and take it to her room. She’s watchingWheel of Fortuneand yelling at the television. “Mom, here’s your dinner.”

“Thanks, baby. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I instantly think about what it’s going to be like without her. If she doesn’t let me pay for this surgery, in five months, I’m going to know exactly what it’s like. I quickly leave the room, not wanting to upset her.

After the girls are fed, bathed, and put to bed, I clean up the kitchen, shower, and get into bed. I pray I get this job. Maybe then Mom will let me pay for the surgery.

ChapterTwo

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