Author's note: I know this is a long time...forgive me? I'm splitting this chapter into two so you all will more to read. Since I'll be having a lot of time on my hands this upcoming week, you'll have more updates. What are you waiting for? Enjoy the chapter already!
Chapter 11
One month later...
Staring at my ceiling, I can still vividly remember that wonderful day. Edward and I came out of the walk-in, holding hands, goofy grins adorning our faces. We took our places in the kitchen, working together in a harmony that couldn't have been matched before. As we danced around each other, he would steal quick kisses from me, on my lips, my neck, or my cheek. It was a blissful night.
I did, however, end up cornering Alice before the night was over. Her eyes were large, almost full of fear, but the smile on her face was wonderful. I stepped forward, grabbing her in the tightest hug my body would allow.
"Thank you, Alice," I whispered in her ear, giving her a light peck on the cheek.
As I walked away from her, I heard her say, "Told you..." A little giggle escaped her as I made my way into the kitchen.
Since then, the restaurant life has greatly improved. Mike quit a couple of days later due to Emmett. I have to admit it was funny to watch Emmett always doing the "I'm watching you" with his fingers. However, it upset Mike so much that he decided it was time to leave, but not before receiving many items of gay porn to the restaurant. They would always somehow show themselves in the middle of service or attached to his car windshield. I can only imagine who did that.
Lauren, however, was a different story. She became quiet, reserved. Her tables were always happy with the service, but they could tell there was something in her eyes, a sort of sadness. We found out later that Squeaks had died a few days after the incident, after having eaten some of her hair color treatments. Who would have known Lauren wasn't a true blond?
Alice decided to hold a quiet little funeral for our furry little friend. It was a little weird (and a bit over the top), but Lauren seemed happy enough with it. We all shared our sorrow with her, for without Squeaks, I don't believe all this could have happened.
Then again, knowing Alice, it probably would.
Edward and his brothers decided to hire in two new people. They introduced them to us about a week later. Angela was hired as a replacement for Jessica, working on the garde manger station. It was wonderful having her work the line with us. She was on top of every ticket, making us realize what good help is like in the kitchen. Angela and I became quick friends, sharing stories of the restaurant life, and the love we found because of it.
Jacob was introduced as the replacement for Mike. He and Emmett have been competing lately with service. They're tied for a record number of drinks ordered, and tonight will showcase the winner. Jacob does seem nice enough, if not flirty towards me, but he isn't creepy like Mike. I always feel on the spot when he is in the kitchen, but Edward easily takes the edge off by placing a delicate kiss upon my lips.
Since that wonderful night, a lot has changed. My relationship with my coworkers have strengthened, just as the one with Edward has. Every day you can find us either at Edward's or my place, all of us together, completely happy.
And this brings us to today, Valentine's Day. The guys were thinking about closing the restaurant for the night to spend the entire day with us, but we persuaded them otherwise. Think of all the customers, though! Of course it will be a busy night, but we can handle it.
I did, however, come up with perfect gift for Edward. And all I can do it hope that he'll love it. Which, according to Alice, he absolutely will.
Rolling over in bed, I snuggle up to Edward. He's still fast asleep, which works in my favor. I check the clock and realize it's time for me to make a quick trip to get his gift.
I slip out of bed, careful as to not wake the wonderful man in my bed. Giving him one lasting look, I pad into the bathroom, hoping to get ready just as quietly.
Once I'm finished, I find my phone in a heap of clothes on the floor, pocketing it. I rush into the kitchen to make some quick phone calls.
"Bella, are you ready?" Alice, perky as ever, is completely awake, waiting my call.
"Yes, what about Rose?" I ask, in a somewhat groggy voice.
I hear a little argument in the background, realizing it's Rose and Emmett. A light smack later, and Alice laughs.
"She's ready. Emmett had a death grip on her, but she's up. We'll be over in ten," Alice blows a kiss into the phone, then hangs up.
I creep back into the bedroom to make sure Edward is unaware of my plans. He's still sleeping, but has now rolled onto my side of the bed. Smiling, I grab a piece of paper, penning a quick note for him.
Edward,
I'm going shopping with Alice and Rose. Against my will, of course. I'll meet you at the restaurant at noon.
Yours,
Bella
I leave the note on my pillow, walking outside to wait for my ride.
Once we're finished picking everything up, we arrive at the restaurant two hours before the guys are due.
Alice and Rose are on decorating duty in the dining room, while I'm on food duty. We decided on a menu a few days ago, after going through the entire restaurant's inventory.
Immediately, I start on the dessert, measuring out some chocolate. I place the morsels in a double boiler, gently melting them. After I gather the rest of the ingredients, I grab three heart shaped baking pans.
Once I'm finished making the batter, I scoop it into my pans, placing them in the oven. I set my timer, moving toward my reach-in for more ingredients.
I take a deep breath, hoping this new recipe that I've created will be amazing. It's in the developing stages, only having been made once before. Alice had tried it that night at my place, falling in love with the flavor combinations immediately. After much persuasion, I agreed to make it for lunch today.
I prepare a simple beef roast, adding a little twist in the process. Before searing it on the griddle, I mix a little chipotle powder and espresso grounds together, creating an interesting fusion on scents. Smiling, I gently rub the mixture on all sides of the beef, then put it on the griddle.
Once the beef is seared, I place it in a pan with vegetables on the bottom, then into the oven. Next, I decide to make the side dishes--chipotle mashed potatoes and roasted baby root vegetables.
After preparing those items, I get an idea about an appetizer. I look through the reach-in, realizing I have everything at my fingertips. Excited, I gather everything quickly, hoping it will taste as good as sounds.
The timer for my dessert buzzes loudly, waking me up from all the thoughts in my head about food. I check my little cakes--they're done--and take them out to cool. In record time, I make a simple creme anglaise to contrast the bitterness of the chocolate.
After looking in on all the food one last time, I decide to go and see if the girls need help in the dining room.
And it looks like there has been an explosion of pink. Hearts, streamers, "I love you's", and other little pink trinkets are strewn about the room. All the tables have been moved except three, which are stragetically placed throughout the room for privacy. They have a simple pink tablecloth, with pink dishware, crystal stemware, and--oh lord--silverware with pink coating. And, not to mention, all the pink heart-shaped candles placed throughout the room and on the tables.
Alice and Rose are in a heated debate when I finally reach them.
"No, you can't just put red napkins on table! Everything is pink!"
Rose sighs, "Oh! Call the police. Red is acceptable, especially today."
Alice waves a hand in Rose's face, "It'll clash. No." She stalks off toward the tables, practically ripping the red napkins from them, muttering to herself.
I try not to laugh, but sadly it escapes. Rose turns to me, a vivid look in her eyes. She calms slightly, a smirk on her face.
"Something funny, Chef?"
"A little over the top, no?" I give Rose a smirk to match, nodding my head in the direction of the decorations.
She gives a light laugh, "You know Alice. 'It's going to be perfect!' One day I hope it isn't..." She puts her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.
I laugh loudly, always wanting to hear someone say that. Rose joins in shortly after, a look of apology in her eyes.
"Don't worry, Rose. I'll never tell. But I'm sure there's other people who think just like you..." I give her a brief hug, grateful for what we've been to one another this past month.
Alice stomps over to us, "There's no pink napkins! White would work, but it would definitely ruin the pink I had going..." She trails off, a look of desperation in her eyes.
I check my watch, noticing there is only roughly forty minutes before we have to have everything ready for the guys. Luckily, I had asked Angela to come in early to help us serve this little suprise. She agreed, with the exception of the night off for her and her bofriend, Ben. And who can deny love on this day?
I watch for a few more minutes, as Alice bounces around the dining room, resetting the tables. Since there's going to be white napkins, she insists upon having some white candles on there as well.
Shaking my head, I head back to the kitchen, hoping to finish the appetizer. I take the kobe beef out of the freezer, squeezing it to make sure I can slice it paper thin. It's firm enough to not break the slices.
After I slice the beef, I arrange it on the plates in the shape of a heart. I place a few garlic toasts on the side, making sure not to touch the beef. To finish the dish, I add some paperthin slices of fennel and red onion. A little horseradish sauce on the top and the beef carpaccio is complete.
Angela walks in the kitchen, Ben at her side. She gives me a wink, "Bella, I hope you don't mind, but Ben said he would help out, too."
"Thanks, Ben!" I give Angela a hug, pulling her behind the line to explain all the dishes.
When I'm finished, I take the pot roast out of the oven, letting it sit to redistribute the juices. I check the rest of the food, making sure everything will be ready on time.
"Go! They'll be there any minute. And you need to be out there," Angela gently shoves me toward the door, her and Ben laughing.
