Hello all! How are you guys?! I feel like I never ask you that! I'd really like to get to know more about you guys and I'd love to answer any questions you have for me. So ask away and I'll answer in the next chapter.

So questions: What is your name? Age? What country are you from?

Thanks for the reviews, favourites, and alerts. Our special guest is here! So enjoy the chapter! Thanks for reading!

It's a brand new day. I wake with a new attitude and a thirst for life. I check my phone to find more messages from Ethan.

"Good morning beautiful, I hope you had a good nights rest. It'll be raining today so if you're going out dress appropriately so you don't fall ill again." Why is he so perfect? To even think that his previous girlfriend got a taste of the true Ethan and broke his heart was mind-boggling to me.

"Mia, wake up beautiful" he could make me blush through text.

"If you're reading this, why are you torturing me? Please respond to me"

I immediately texted him back

"Morning Ethan! I'm not torturing you; I just woke up a minute ago. Why are you so amazing?" I hit send and got up to get ready for the new day. I take my phone to the dining table for breakfast with mom and dad halfway through their meal.

"Morning!" I say smiling.

"Morning honey" Dad says.

"Morning Mia, look at you" she smiled "you look great this morning"

I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face

"Thanks Mom"

"What's got you all giggly?" Dad asks.

"Nothing!" I said smirking. Curse the edges of my mouth; they can never cooperate with me.

"Doesn't seem like nothing" Mom eyed me suspiciously.

"I swear, I'm just in a really good mood" I said, "I've decided that I'm not going to mope around. I am in charge of my destiny and I won't let myself be sad for what happened a couple of nights ago"

Mr. Norton brought out his famous pancakes and eggs. I took my first bite.

"My god, Mr. Norton, these pancakes are especially delicious today! Did you add anything new to them?"

"Why yes Miss. Grey, I added a bit of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If it pleases you I shall add them to the original recipe" he says

"Only if you want to Mr. Norton, you could always make it optional. But my god these are delicious!" I say just as my phone begins to beep. I take a quick peek and I begin chuckling.

"I'm god-sent what can I say?" Ethan texted. I turn my phone around and attempt to eat with this very large grin on my face. It's nearly impossible to eat or drink while a boy is flirting with you in front of your parents.

"Mia. You're blushing" Dad noticed.

"Yes, you are. What's so funny?" Mom asks.

"Oh nothing, Lily is just hung-over and she has a presentation at school. You know the usual," I say and my phone buzzes again.

"You really are trying to torture me aren't you?" I laugh so hard I nearly choke.

"Lily is such an idiot" I cough.

"Just tell her you're having a nice meal with your family" Dad said

"I'll text her" I grabbed my phone to text Ethan

"Eating breakfast with the fam, talk to you as soon as I can! ;)"

"Yeah, tell that crazy bitch to get a life and stop pining after Christian" I heard a familiar voice say. I turn around and I jump out of my seat and bear hug my older brother.

"Elliot!" I screamed.

"Hey Mia!" he hugged back.

"Come sit beside me" I pulled him to the table.

"Hold on, let me say hi to Mom and Dad first" he said

"Elliot! What a surprise! It's so nice to see you son," said my dad

"Hey Mom" he said as he embraced her and dad. "Dad" he said.

"Join us" my mom gestured

"Sure but I've already had breakfast and I can't stay very long" he said

"Oh why not?" I said disappointed

"Oh I've got to see Kate" he winked.

"So you're serious about this girl?" Mom asked Elliot as if she was interrogating him.

"Why do you always ask that whenever I come home? Of course Mother" he responded "of course I am, why wouldn't I be?"

"Because you said the same thing about Jessica, Rachel, Casey, Ashley, and the other numerous women whose names I cannot think of right now. What about that architect Gia?"

Mom was less protective of Elliot and more so protective of the women he dated. Every week it would be a new girl and although my parents don't know it, some men.

"I never said I was a role model" Elliot winked at me and I rolled my eyes at him

"Elliot, son let's be serious" Dad stepped in "and do not use that tone with your mother"

"Yeah Lelliot, stop being an ass to Mom" I laughed.

"Shut up Mia!" he said

"Whatever, you know Mom's right. You're going to break poor Kate's heart and it's going to be messy"

"Messy, huh?" he said mischievously "why?"

"Messy cause you're a great guy whose a real douche! That poor girl is going to fall for your good looks and charm and then once you fuck her she's not going to be interesting anymore and you're going to move on to the next bimbo who catches your eye," I said with conviction.

"Don't talk about Kate like that!" he yelled.

His reply took me aback. He was genuinely hurt by what I said about his new fling. This was a little out of character for Elliot. Maybe this time was different? No, this was Elliot we were talking about. He's a womanizer.

"Mia apologize to your brother" Dad said.

"No, I'm just being honest. I hate that you do this to yourself and others, Elliot" I stood up "you call your one night stands relationships and that's misleading to these poor women. These girls are someone's sister, daughter, or" I was at a loss for words

"Someone else's wife" Elliot threw his head back laughing.

"My god Elliot, I feel sorry for you. You'll never find anyone who loves you because you don't even love and respect yourself." I grab my phone and excuse myself from the table.

"Oh like the way you love Kate's brother?" he said smugly. I stop dead in my tracks and turn around.

"What was his name? Ethan?" he asked as he arched his brow.

"I don't love Ethan, we're just friends" I said calmly.

"Right," he said, "'messy' was the word you used, wasn't it? Maybe you're just afraid that if I screw things up with Kate I'll be screwing up whatever you have with her brother." Elliot shrugged his shoulders and wrapped his arm around Mom's shoulder.

"Yeah so what if I am? He's a good friend and I don't want to pay the price for your mistakes!" I yelled.

"So you do like him?" he just sat there laughing at me. I looked over at my parents and then at Mr. Norton. They were all waiting for my answer. I felt a major anxiety build up in my chest and I began to take small but quick breaths.

"Elliot" mom said. "Stop"

"No Mom, it's bright an early and Mia is ready for a fight" he said

"I came here to see you, dad and her to catch up on what you guys are up to and I come home to this" he stood up "maybe this was a mistake" he was walking out of the house. I instantly felt bad because I know that Mom and Dad don't get to see very much of Elliot or Christian.

"Elliot! Wait!" I grabbed his wrist "please don't go. I'm sorry, I'm sorry for everything. Please don't leave because of me" he looked down at me and took a deep breath. He leaned into me for what I thought would be a hug but instead he whispered into my ear.

"So you do like him, right?" I slapped his chest, my god my brother has no limits.

"Yes!" I yelled out loud "are you happy now!?"

"Oh yeah" he winked "and for the record if I were to leave it wouldn't be because of you, so don't flatter yourself sweetheart"

"My goodness, I can't even be around you right now!" I laughed.

"Yet, you are" he said.

"Seriously Elliot, get away from me cause I'm about to physically hurt you"

"Oh Mia, that's quite impossible" he flexed his muscles.

This set me off the edge.

"Want to bet? I've been training for a marathon so you better start running!"

"A marathon?" he laughed "Oh I'm so scared" he said sarcastically. Elliot ran quickly behind Dad and I ran after him.

"You better be," I said when I reached Dad "you do not want to mess with this"

"MOM! She's crazy!" he yelled, "PROTECT ME or else she'll stab all of us in our sleep"

"You better sleep with one eye open Elliot, I'm coming for you" I grabbed a butter knife from the counter and ran after him.

"You've been spending a little too much time with Lily. I think it's time we cut our ties from her don't you think Mia?" he said

"Oh don't worry about Lily's influence on me Elliot," I said, "the only concern you should have right now is for your own well being!"

Dad took the butter knife from my hands

"I think that's quite enough for one day," he said

"Yeah listen to dad," Elliot said

"Fine, truce?"

"Truce"

We walked over to the dining table he told us about his trip with Kate and how he's never felt this way about another person before. In a way it scared me because Ethan initially did not like the fact that Kate and Elliot were together but I am very happy for my older brother. He deserves to find love and if Kate makes him happy then I'm all for it. The way he spoke about Kate was different than the way he spoke about his other flings. He spoke of her with such respect, which led me to believe that he truly is serious about this relationship. He even brought up a future with her, which is completely new to hear from him. He talked about getting married and settling down with her. He joked about me catering it since I had gone to culinary school in France.

We finished breakfast and Elliot had to leave right afterwards to meet the possible "love of his life" as he described her.

"It was really nice seeing and catching up with you son, please come home more often" my mom begged, "We miss you"

"Of course mom, I'll try my best" he hugged her "I promise"

"I'll hold you to that promise Elliot," Dad said

"No pressure" Elliot winked

"See you soon?" I said as Elliot hugged me goodbye

"Yeah laters, baby sis" he said as he strutted out the door.

Things with Ethan have been rocky lately and I see no point in watching our relationship crumble because of this conversation with Elliot. What he doesn't know won't hurt him, plus Elliot has always been a big talker. He never follows through with his plans. So no need to ruin what Ethan and I have right now over something that could possibly happen. The Kavanagh family has some great kids since both Elliot and I have found possibly our other half. I just hope to God keeping this from Ethan doesn't blow up in my face.

I ran upstairs and got dressed to apply for jobs. I chose something sleek and sexy. High-waisted black skinny jeans, a white sheer top with a black collar, buttons and cuffs. I decided on a red blazer. I kept my makeup to a bare minimum. I didn't want to over do it. I wanted them to see me.

I knew I could get a job in the world of culinary and although I like food I don't exactly love it. I majored in French cuisine working under the world-renowned Chef Floubert. He was a great mentor but rough around the edges. He made me do things I didn't feel I needed to do in order to learn cuisine. But his crazy lessons always had a point. Something was always learnt with his interesting teaching methods. Working under him was probably the highlight of my past year. He was so passionate about food and it was an honor to watch him in his niche. He loved everything about food so much so that you could taste the love he put into his dishes. I wanted to feel that way about something or someone.

They always say you know what you want, but I honestly don't have a clue. I know my brothers are successful and I could get a job with them instantly or get them or my parents to make a call for me. But I'm a hard worker and I want to work for what I want. I've never been handed anything in my life and I wasn't about to start now. I want to earn my position and to know that I deserve my success because of my hard work.

I needed to get a job just to save up to move out of my parents' house. I'm 22 and I need to get out and live my own life without my parents hovering over every thing I do. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents so much and I know without them I wouldn't have a thing but I want to be independent. I want to be able to take care of myself and in order to do that I needed to get a job. Even if it's a job I hate. I called Lily because I needed to talk to someone and she gives the best advice.

"Hey Lily!" I said

"Hey sweet cheeks, how are you doing?" I forgot I hadn't returned her calls yesterday. I instantly felt bad.

"I'm good you know. I'm sorry for getting back to you so late it's been kind of hectic on my end"

"No worries, I just want you to be okay" she said "so how are you, really?"

"I'm better, I feel like I'm constantly apologizing for everything." I blurted out the truth. I felt like I was apologizing for being me. I felt like I was the only one who was wrong. I don't even understand how I feel so I'm not even going to bother explaining it in my head let alone to someone else. It's probably stupid anyways if I can't even figure it out.

"I'm glad you're better but I'm sad that you feel obligated to apologize to everyone" she said

"Thanks" I weakly laughed.

"Okay, let's just forget about it" she said "I'm glad you're okay and I want to thank you for calling me to let me know. It's given me a peace of mind and you know if there's anything I can do to help I'm always here for you."

"I love you Lily, you're the best" I wanted to hug her so bad

"Love you too Mimi!" she said

"And there is something you can do for me" I said.

"Oh?"

"I'm looking for a job," I said "specifically as a chef or a sous chef"

"Baby that would be perfect for you!" she shrieked, "you've just come from Paris and you've been trained by Monsieur Floubert! You'll get a job in no time! Actually I'm quite surprised that people aren't lined up at your door!"

"I don't know Lily, where would I apply?" I asked

"Why don't you apply to the restaurant we ate at the other night?" she said.

"You know" I said, "That isn't a bad idea! I'll give them a call and see in they're hiring"

"Yeah and try some smaller holes in the wall, you never know you could make it a household name with all your background!"

"You think I could do that?" I asked

"Of course Mia!" she said "have you tried your own macrons?!"

"They are pretty delicious aren't they?"

"Um yeah they are! And don't even get me started on your savory dishes" she moaned "what was that that dish with the red wine and veggies in a pot you made me the night you came home?"

I laughed "Boeuf Bourguignon?"

"Yeah I could never pronounce it but it's not like you ever let me forget it!"

"You made me promise to never speak French to you or about you ever again" we both laughed.

"Oui Madmoiselle et tu ne oublies pas!"

"Jamais!"

"Bon!" I could hear how proud she was of herself for speaking French properly. Although it was a little rough it wasn't as horrible as it was a couple of months ago. I assume she has been taking classes without telling me.

"Thanks for being a good friend Lils, you know I love you," I said

"Of course anytime, let me know how it goes with the whole job hunting!"

"Okay, talk to you soon!"

"Bye babes" we both hung up. I immediately printed out my resume and plugged my earphones into my ears and left the house escorted by Darren of course. I told him to stop at every possible French restaurant or bakery. First stop was at the restaurant from a couple of nights ago. I saw Gabe as soon as I got out of the car.

"Hey Gabe!" I said smiling "how's it going?"

"It's going good" he said awkwardly "you know the usual work and such. I'm stuck as the host today"

"Ah! Quite a terrible job if I do say so myself" I winked.

"A table for 2?" he asked while looking over my shoulder at Darren.

"Oh god no!" I laughed, "I'm here to apply for a job and this is Darren, my personal body guard"

Gabe laughed "that's funny, it's nice to meet you 'Mia's personal body guard'" he said sarcastically.

Darren just nodded in his direction and urged me to hurry up because we had a million more stops to make.

"Hey Gabe, can I speak to the manager of the restaurant or whoever is responsible for hiring?" I asked

"Sure but she just hired a bunch of new waiters and waitresses" he said.

I found it kind of adorable that he thought I was applying to be a waitress.

"Sure I'd like to speak with her anyways" I said.

"I'll be just a minute" Gabe called someone over to take over his hosting station until he got Caroline. A very petite partisan looking woman with a sleek bob haircut in her early 40s began walking towards me and looked a little upset.

"Bonjour Mademoiselle, Gabriel has told me you are looking for a position here and I have to regretfully inform you that we are currently not hiring waitresses at the moment" she said in her French accent.

"Bonjour Madame, actually I'm here to apply for a position in the kitchen," I said as I shook her hand firmly. I handed her my resume and she was squinting her eyes while reading my resume. I decided to chime in with my credentials.

"As you can see Madame I spent the majority of last year studying under Monsieur Floubert and I can get you a reference letter from him recommending me to your restaurant" She held up a hand to stop me from speaking.

"Non, we are fully staffed" she said "your credentials are quite impressive for someone your age but I cannot hire you based on what you've studied" she looked at my resume for my name

"Mademoiselle Grey, you need experience in the kitchen without being taught. You need to be able to navigate within a kitchen and I can tell you are not ready for my kitchen"

"But Madame" I said ready to prove her wrong but she stopped me.

"Non, I must get back to my restaurant. I'm very sorry to have to tell you this thing, but you will thank me one day" she said as she walked away. I stood there so embarrassed as Gabe, Darren, and the replacement host looked at me with pity.

Caroline turned around "come back to me when you've got some experience"

"Can I ask you a question Madame?!" I yelled after her.

She nodded, "where would you suggest I go to gain experience?"

"Anywhere, even fast food" she said

"But, I've been trained for a legitimate kitchen Madame"

"Yes but times are tough and most positions at top restaurants have been occupied with experienced chefs, you need to be able to show me something better than a piece of paper"

"Alright Madame, thank you for your time"

"Mia," she called after me "if you're any good with pastries there is a patisserie just around the corner I know the owner and he's looking for someone to hire"

"Thank you so much!" I rush around the corner to find a very tiny whole in the wall type bakery. But with the proper décor this bakery could be a hot spot in Seattle! I walked into the bakery and the smell of bread, sweets, and espresso inflamed my nostrils. The store was not as clean as it could be and this made me feel a bit bad for the old man who occupied the front counter. He was short, fat with a big belly and he smiled at me when I walked towards him.

"Hello young lady" he said "what can I get for you today"

"Hi there, I was just wondering if I could speak to a manager?" I asked. I've learnt that it's always good to ask for a manager instead of assuming who the manager was when job hunting.

"Ah yes I am the manager! I've been hiring for months but no one seems to apply here" he said looking at the folder in my arms.

"I'd love to work here if you're willing to consider me," I said. I knew I would be paid minimum wage but it was better than sitting at home and doing nothing.

"Of course, do you have a resume?" he asked

"Yes sir" I said as I handed him my resume.

He put his glasses on with a shaky hand and he held the paper away from him as he peered down at my credentials. His eyebrows went up and his lips slightly frowned at the same time indicating that he was impressed with what I have to offer him and his bakery.

"So Mia," he said, "you've studied with Chef Floubert?" he asked

"Yes I have and it was an amazing experience. He is so talented and I learned so much from him" I replied

"Very impressive, did he teach you how to cook savory or can you also bake?" he asked

"He taught me how to cook and how to bake. I am familiar with both but of course I'd have to adjust to the recipes you use at your bakery."

I decided in a split second I would be a little forth coming "and if I do have the pleasure of working at your lovely bakery I would love to put some of my own recipes to good use"

"Why yes that would be great!" he smiled but it immediately faded and I could tell he was becoming more serious with this on the spot interview. Fear immediately started pulsating in my chest.

"Mia, I need someone but you are so experienced I don't know if my small bakery is worthy of you"

"How could you say that about your bakery? I think if you do hire me, we can spruce this place up, add recipes, and hike up the quality of your pastries and we could be back in business. You just have to have faith that your investment in me will be worth the while" I said

He shook his head then looked up at me "your optimism is admirable" he said "if you can help me make this bakery into a household name you've got yourself a job, young lady"

"I can help you do that sir" I smiled and my thoughts were running a mile a minute with ideas about what to do with the bakery and it's décor.

He stood up and reached out his right hand. I took his hand in mine and shook it as he said "Well Mia, Welcome to Cavity"

"Thank you so much sir!" I hugged him "but I think we might need to change that store name" he laughed and coughed.

"Call me JP" he cleared his throat.

"Short for Jean-Paul?" I asked

"Yes but I never learned how to speak French so I go by JP" he said

"Don't worry about it!"

I was so excited about this opportunity because although I didn't love it completely it was something I enjoyed doing and I liked the fact that this job wasn't focused on just the food. JP gave me full creative freedom to do what was needed for the bakery. I walked around the bakery and took pictures of the small store. I asked him what he would like to see in his bakery and he said customers. He wanted this to be a hip place for the youth of today. He showed me around the back and told me that only him and his wife worked in the bakery. I noticed the past tense and it made my heart ache. I didn't want to ask him any questions but like any other interview he wanted to know if I had any questions.

"What?" I said coming out of my daze "I mean no, I don't"

"Alright, so I'll see you next week?" he said "first thing on Monday morning"

"See you then!" I said as I walked out of the bakery. I took my phone out for the first time in hours and I see several text messages from Ethan.

"Dinner tonight at my place? The girls are out with their boyfriends and I'm sitting here all alone thinking about you"

"I promise we can order take out and just watch movies or something."

"You're killing me Mia!" I laughed at his last text message.

"Hold your horses boy! I've been job-hunting today and I have so much to tell you. So yes to dinner but only if you'll let me cook for you ;)" I hit send

"Looking forward to all of it, especially to see you ;)"

"I'll pick you up for some grocery shopping, unless that's too boring for you?"

"No not at all! I'd love to go!"

"Okay, I'll be there in half an hour. I need to go home and change for the occasion. You should see me in this ridiculous professional get up"

"Oh, I bet you look sexy ;)"

"Is that a fantasy of yours? A boss or a professor seducing you?"

"I don't know any man or woman for that matter who doesn't like their partner in a suit."

"Well, I really need to save this outfit for another time then ;)"

"I am in searing pain right now. I don't get it, why must you change your outfit?!"

"Because I'm not comfortable in this VERY tight outfit ;)"

"Stop it Mia, don't tease me"

"I'm home now! I just need to change and I'll be on my way to your place. Do me a favor; wear that leather jacket I saw at your place a while back. I love a man in leather ;) see you soon!"

I got out of the car and rushed to get changed so I could meet with Ethan. I couldn't wait to see him and tell him about my new job and project. Most importantly I couldn't wait to spend more time with him as I cook for him at his place. I could jump for joy for hours with this newfound giddiness within my body. I ran into my closet and grabbed my little black dress, a hot pink belt, and my blue jean jacket and grabbed my sequined blue ballet flats. I threw it all on, touched up my makeup and tied my hair into a high ponytail. I was out the door within minutes and headed towards Ethan's temporary apartment he shared with Ana and his sister Kate.

"I'm on my way to your place, I'll be there sooner than expected"

"Can't wait!"

What do you think about this chapter? I thought it would be time for Mia to get her act together.

Did you enjoy reading about our special guest?!

And I seriously cannot wait for you guys to read the next chapter. Mia and Ethan go on their REAL first date! (FINALLY) And Ethan explains why he was hesitant to get close to Mia! And I've finally figured out a background story for Mia and I cannot wait to write it! I think you will be pleased!