Page 22 of Sinfully Shameless Chef

Maybe even more so. While I’ve been working day and night to try to start up Grandma’s Kitchen, she’s been busting her butt working as sous chef at the right hand of one of the most well-respected chefs in New York. We both developed our love of food in Grams’ kitchen, and seeing her thrive in the same profession has been almost as fulfilling as doing it myself.

“I'm worried about you, Iz. You’re just coming home now? That’s a long day on your feet and doing manual labor. You’re not taking care of yourself.”

“I'm okay.”

She scoffs and chuckles. “I'm pretty sure the last time you told me that, you ended up in the hospital.”

“That was different. I have things under control now.”

Mostly.

She’s right. I have been pushing myself too hard. Staying on my feet too long and coming home later than I should. It’s a recipe for a crash. But it’s only temporary. I can relax and take a small step back once my place is open and I have help from the staff getting things under control.

Ashley releases a heavy sigh. “Do you? Because it doesn't sound like it.”

“Well, the situation with the douchebag next door is not in control. But it will be. As soon as I can figure out a way to get him to back off.”

“That's never going to happen.”

I chuckle, then wince at the discomfort the movement brings. “Since when are you the pessimist?”

She laughs. “I'm not a pessimist. I'm a realist. And I saw Jameson’s season of Prime Chef. He's not the type to back down.”

“Neither am I.”

Jameson has certainly proven what Ashley said to be true in the short time I’ve known him, though. He doesn’t relent or surrender, and I can’t imagine him having a change of heart.

Still, a girl can dream…

Not only would him backing off make my job easier, but it would also make it easier on my life to avoid the way that man sends my heart racing.

Why does he have to be so handsome and such a fucking jerk?

“I know you don’t, hon. I know you can take on any challenge that presents itself, just like you always have. But I worry you're not looking at the big picture here. If you burn yourself out, there won’t be a restaurant to open.”

“I know.” I scrunch my eyes closed. “Believe me, I know. But I'll be okay. And I’ll be careful.”

She releases another heavy sigh. “Why don't I believe you?”

“Because like I said…you’re a pessimist.”

It’s the same “argument” we’ve been having since middle school when we became best friends sitting on the bench at the playground, watching the other kids run around and play. At the time, I was too weak to do it, and Ashley seemed to know exactly what I needed back then—and now—a good friend.

She scoffs and chuckles. “Go to bed.”

“I will in a few minutes, once…you know…it’s done.”

“Get a good night's sleep and try not to let that man get under your skin so much.”

Don't let Jameson get under my skin?

It's a little fucking late for that. The man has been there since literally the first moment we met. And I don't see that changing anytime soon.

“Easier said than done, Ash.”

“Just try. And call me if you need anything. I'm serious. Anything.”

With Grams gone, knowing there is someone there who will always have my back is even more essential. Tears well in my eyes, but I brush them away.

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