Page 63 of Challenged By You
Jonas pushes open the door while Annie sleeps on. “Yes, sweetheart. Grandma is going to come over for dinner.” For the first time ever, I think dazedly.
“Mac’n’cheese?” Next to Chris, Annie stirs, hearing her favorite words.
“As soon as you and your sister do your jobs. Then Mama can get started,” I inform him.
“Okay.” I unbuckle him. Then my heart soars when he crawls out of the stroller and hands Jonas his tiger. “You watch Tiger?”
“I promise, buddy.” He ruffles Chris’s hair before saying, “I won’t let you down no matter what’s thrown at me.”
As I escort my son inside, I realize this might be new, but Jonas Rice is the kind of man who is proving he does exactly what he says.
No matter what obstacles are thrown in his path, he keeps his word. Whether it’s about holding to a thirty-day food challenge or supporting my need to be independent, he’s stayed true to his word. With a small smile, I can admit I would have bought my children the larger stuffed animals too.
After guiding my son into the small bathroom and closing the door, I do a pirouette over how special today was. And if the night continues on the same way, it may be the start of unforeseen new beginnings within my family as well.
Chapter 23
Trina
“Whatever is inspiring you lately, Paxton, keep up the good work.” Chef Sterling saunters by. “We’ve seen an increase of dessert orders by over twenty percent. And I expect that number to go even higher onceCity Lightspublishes their feature on you. That’s going to make Portland very happy.”
I snarl at the reminder of my interview with Jonas. “If we’re seeing such a great spike in sales, why can’t we just leave that part out?”
Snagging a tasting spoon, Sterling dips the tip into the passion fruit sorbet I’ve just pulled out from the ice cream churner. A soft sound of pleasure escapes. “Get that away from me before I eat it all,” she orders on a laugh.
“Yes, Chef Sterling.” I grin. Quickly packing down the still-soft mass in the bread pan and laying plastic wrap over it, I place it into the blast chiller before I begin whipping up the ingredients for the next batch. Despite the fact it’s only supposed to be a palate cleanser, I’ve learned in recent weeks to make an additional 30 percent for those who are looking for a lighter dessert fare.
“Take a quick break, Trina. Jean can take over for a moment, can’t she?”
Evaluating my young apprentice for just a moment, I agree. The task is something she can handle. Dispatching the instructions with precision, I untie my apron and follow Sterling to her office. Once we’re behind closed doors, I can’t resist poking a bit of fun. “Certainly a lot different than the last time I was called in here.”
Now gracing the walls are pictures of Chef Sterling and her family as well as her as a young chef in the kitchens of Seduction Portland. Wandering over to a few of them, I note, “You have good hands.”
“I see the same in Marcel. He just needs to further his training some more.” With great fondness, she admits, “God, the number of days I wanted to yell back at Chef Palazzo for lecturing me over the need to cut the asparagus exactly the same way.”
“And now you’re doing the same thing to him?”
“We create experiences here. Some of the best compliments we can receive are quality and consistency.” She hesitates. “Another is innovation. I can help with the first two, but the third is why people will come back.”
“I disagree,” I counter immediately.
“Really?” Her arms fold over her chest. “Why?”
“I went to a restaurant not too long ago where generations of people fight to retain their seats—so much so they will their reservations to their relatives. The menu is essentially the same now as it was the day the doors were opened. It’s not ridiculous in cost, but what struck me about the restaurant was the experience. The quality of the food was everything it was hyped up to be, the service was impeccable, the atmosphere was unparalleled. That isn’t built on one personal alone. That’s built on a team. That’s why Seduction is becoming a force—because we’re a team. I don’t succeed out there because I’m good at what I do. I’m great at what I do because I have a top-notch team supporting me. That’s the only way to succeed.”
Chef Sterling blinks at me. Then she says, “Not too long ago, I worried we were going to lose you.”
“Lose me? Why?”
“Because Billy Spencer was an ass,” she says bluntly. My mouth forms a perfect O even as she continues. “Now, I hope we can use your passion for this team to influence the others.” Walking past me, she opens the door to her office. “Jonas Rice called not too long ago. He should be outside shortly for the next big portion of your interview. I agreed. I’ll work with Jean while you’re speaking with him.”
“But, we’re nowhere near prepped for dinner rush,” I sputter.
“Trust me, Chef. I won’t let you down.” And the quietness with which the words are spoken tell me they’re not just about prep, but about Sterling doing her job here at Seduction. A warmth spreads through me.
“And I won’t let the team down.” I jerk my chin up as I pass by.
“I never thought you would” floats out behind me as I make my way toward the kitchen doors. Shedding my hat and net, I push through the cool stainless steel and find my surprise guest waiting.
