Page 122 of Unraveling Rain
And maybe, just maybe, Dennis will take the hint and disappear for good.
Xander: Today was my first full contact practice. It felt great being able to hit my teammates against the glass *laughing emoji* and they didn’t shy away from returning the favor, but I’m good. I miss you!
Rain: So proud of you! Can’t wait to see you on the ice. *heart emoji*
“Good morning, everyone,” I say as the kitchen begins to fill with the staff and the scent of fresh coffee. “As summer winds down, there are a few items on the menu that we need to replace. Maybe we should start asking customers if they’re ready for everything pumpkin spice.”
A few chuckles ripple through the room as Blair shakes her head.
“Oh, someone asked me the other day when we were bringing back the pumpkin pancakes,” one of the high school servers chimes in.
“A tourist, right?” another one asks.
She nods, and we all chuckle.
“Yeah, locals know better,” Blair says, and a few “amens” echo around the room.
“Alright, everyone. The real reason I wanted to speak with you all before we get to work is because I have news.” I pause,making sure I have everyone’s attention. “I’m in the process of uprooting my life to spend more time in Raleigh.”
A few gasps and a few snickers move through the group, and I smile.
“I haven’t asked her yet, but I’m hoping Blair would accept the chef position.”
Applause erupts, and Blair’s cheeks flush a soft shade of pink.
“Of course, Chef. What an honor,” she says, giving a playful bow.
I clap as loud as I can. She’s grown so much from the first moment she started waiting tables to the incredible young woman she is today.
As the celebratory applause dies down, I continue, “This means I need to find a new sous-chef, but ultimately, that’ll be Blair’s call, since she’ll be the one working directly with this person.”
Everyone nods, and I wonder if one of the cooks will step forward and throw their name in the hat.
“I’ll be around until we find the new sous-chef and Blair feels comfortable enough running the kitchen on her own. I think she does a pretty good job already,” I add with a wink, “Once things are running smoothly without me, I’ll officially step back as chef—but I’ll continue to manage the diner remotely, with regular check-ins.”
People nod along, but I catch a few knowing looks exchanged, and it grates on me. I’ve always hated the gossip in the diner.
“Do you have something to say?” I ask aloud, crossing my arms and raising a brow.
“Hmm, sorry. No, Chef,” someone says quickly, covering her mouth.
The other clears her throat. “I’m sorry, Chef. We were just commenting on your relationship with Xander González, and how crazy it is that your video went viral.” Her friend elbows her, but she just shrugs.
“What video?” I ask, and within seconds, a handful of phones are pointed my way, each playing the same clip.
A smile spreads across my lips when I see Sprinkle pissing on Xander’s foot.
“That was a good day,” I say, and everyone chuckles.
My eyes drift to the username of the original post—Vanessa.
So this is how Dennis found out about me again. But how did he get my number?
Everyone returns to their stations as I spot Blair chatting with the cooks. I’m relieved she has such a strong rapport with the entire team—it’ll make this transition that much smoother.
As I start prepping for the lunch rush, my thoughts drift to Xander. The steady warmth of him, and how even an ordinary day feels like something golden.
Actually,everyday is a good day with my man.
