Something In The Shadows

Look out the window and soaking in all the beauty felt like such a surreal experience. It feels like a dream come true. Even when I am here, in the great city of New York I jut cannot believe it. Coming from a different world nation, a different country, being raised with totally different sets of values and ethics than my peers really make things weariedly exciting. Coming here wasn't hard, neither was leaving my mom and sister behind: I always knew I was gonna do it anyways. What was difficult though was knowing I would never get to see my hometown, my family for a long long time again.

I will not be able to visit the beautiful streets, not

be able to get shit drunk and throw up and just not get out of it. Huh oh sweet sweet memories! Thinking about what a comfort home is, really makes me nostalgic about leaving home but what choice did I have? It was either my career or my family and my comfort space: I being the stubborn ass that I am, choose the second and possibly the hardest option was. But now what good it is to think about now? I am thousand of kilometers: oh shit sorry! miles: miles from home and now this is what my life is.

"What utter bullshit!" Remy exclaimed.

"What is?" I asked, facing her.

"This!" she replied, shoving her phone in my face.

Remy has always been a big critic and the first person to call out other's on their bullshit, but this time I don't blame her for that reaction, because what I saw made me burst out into laughter too. "Locals claim they say a giant dog or wolf of some sort running through Time Square at three in the morning. Some believe that it was a Werewolf of some sort. Some people say that due to yesterday being a new moon night, werewolves were unleashed. According to an urban legend, many believe or at least say, there are creatures of the dark larking among us. Living with us as equals but beware as they have been sent by the devil himself and will be mankind's doom."

"The actual fuck?" I laughed as I tossed the phone back into Remy's hand. I was never someone to believe on such nonsense. I don't think something like werewolves or vampires or fairies existed. But apart of me do want to believe in wizards because if they were true then someday I might get to go Hogwards and let got of this stupid, miserable, muggle life.

"So are you excited?" Remy asked. Her eyes shinning and her smile wide. For a second there she reminded me of a ghost or something creepy from a horror movie.

"Yeah I am" I replied, smiling back.

"I can't even believe I got the job let alone an interview" I added, shifting my gaze from her to the beauty outside.

"Come on Ani! You deserved it!" she replied, playfully punching my arm.

"I am skeptical about it" I smiled.

"Why? You are really good at what you do! You were the only female chef in a kitchen full of sixteen guys. If you could handle that, then this will be a cakewalk" she said, winking.

"Remy it was different!" I snapped.

"How?" she calmly asked.

"Because..." I paused, took a deep breath and started, "Because it wasn't such a big deal! This is Chef Christopher Edwards we are talking about! He is the youngest chef in the history to own fourteen Michelin Star restaurant, that's a big deal. After Chef Ramsey it's him"

"So? None of what you said gives me a reason to doubt your capabilities. You are a good chef and a very hardworking person, trust yourself. And trust me when I say this, Chef Edwards saw something in you, his team saw in you and that's the only reason you are the new Sous Chef" she said, rubbing my arm comfortingly.

"Speaking of that, why does he head the kitchen? I mean most of the big chefs owing a big restaurant are not directly involved in operations" I asked.

"Honestly I don't now and I never asked. Besides I don't see him very often" she replied.

"He's not with his crew?" I raised an eyebrow.

"His kitchen crew yes. Not the rest. We usually get briefed and de-briefed by the general manager" she said.

"Well, as you being the Bar Manager, can I expect free drinks?" I playfully asked.

"Girl hell no!" she snapped her fingers.

"Why?!" I exclaimed.

"Let me give you a piece of advice Annica.." she paused, her expressions darkening.

"Never do anything to drive Christopher over the edge" she added.

"Okay Remy you're scaring me" I gulped.

"Look you gonna work directly with him and there are certain things about him that only we as employees know" she said.

"Which is?" I emphasized.

"He gets over the edge sometimes. Just do your work, mind your business and abide by the rules and you'll be fine" she replied. I opened my mouth but quickly closed it as our cab came to a haul.

"That'll forty eight dollars and do you need help with the bags?" the cab driver turned and asked.

"No that's fine sir we'll manage. Here keep a fifty" she said, handing the cash and smiling.

"Thank you. And you ladies have a good evening" he smiled and Remy nodded in response.

We got out of the cab and helped ourselves with the bags. I helped Remy push my huge bags out of the trunk and on to the ground. I then dragged then across the street to a narrow door.

"Here we are" Remy said as she held the door for me.

"Thank you!" I replied, dragging the bags inside.

"It's not much but it's close to work and not to mention affordable" she said as she opened a small locker on the side wall and pulled out a bunch of newspapers, magazines and what seemed like mail..?

"Is that a mailbox?" I asked curiously.

"Yeah why? Haven't seen one before?" she teased.

"Obviously I have! But they look different. Very different" I replied as I titled my head to have a better view of this MAILBOX.

"Well if you are done admiring my mailbox shall we?" she asked gesturing towards a series of spiral staircase.

"No elevator?" I asked, mortified.

"I'm afraid not" she snarled.

"Oh god kill me now" I said, covering my face with my palms.

"Oh come on it's not that much" she smiled.

"Which floor you said you live on again?" I asked, hoping for a good news.

"Fifth" she giggled.

"Of course" the sound of it made my head hang low. In the back of my mind I was pretty sure I was heading towards my death. Before starting I took a deep breath, muttered a silent prayer to Lucifer under my breath and just hoped for my legs to still work tomorrow.

"Come on you're almost there" she said as she held the door wide open for me. Her voice did not feel very reassuring. I could feel beads of sweet forming on my forehead and it felt as if my lungs were on fire. I some how managed to drag myself inside. As soon as I heard the click of the door locking behind me I collapsed on the couch.

"Ugh...I....I...need...to...work...on...my....cardio" I said as I struggled to breath.

"Or cut down on smoking" she replied as she sat next to me.

"Speaking of smoking..." I bend down to open a small zip in my bad and pull out a box of cigarettes'.

"Do you happen to have a lighter?" I asked as I opened the box and pop one of the sticks between my lips.

"I don't smoke" she replied.

"Don't tell me I'll have to hover over the stove to light my cigarette" I said.

"Buy one tomorrow. And no smoking in my living room" she said as she snatched the cigarette from between my teeth.

"Come on are you for serious right now!" I shouted.

"Yep! You can smoke on the balcony. AND ONLY IN THE BALCONY!!" she ordered.

"Ugh!" I signed.

"Anyways I talked to the landlords they are fine with you living here" she said.

"Great! How did you afford a place on the upper side anyways?" I asked.

"This is my grandparent's" she replied.

"Your grandparent's? So when you said landlords you meant your grandparents?" I questioned.

"Yep" she said.

"Woah! From where I come we don't do this" I laughed.

"Well from where you come, they don't even have the concept of working part-time and saving up for college either" she said sarcastically.

"If my ma ever ask me to pay rent I'll totally assume I was adopted" I giggled.

"Speaking of your mom, did you call her yet?" she asked, taking off her shoes.

"No I didn't. I just settle in, change and then call her" I said.

"Well then let's get you settled in! The door to the left is my room, to the right is the kitchen and down the hall is your room. You get changed and I'll order dinner" she said, getting up.

"Cool!" I replied as I got up.

"How about pizza?" she asked.

"Honestly, I don't care" I chuckled. She smiled back.

I walked down the narrow hall. It was well lit and had pictures on either side of the wall. The house was indeed small but felt cozy and warm. It reminded me of my mom's house. I opened the door at the end of the hall. It revealed a small but comfy looking room. It had a queen sized bed stashed against the wall parallel to the door, a double door wooden cupboard at the foot of the bed, a small door a few inches right to the cupboard (which I assume was the washroom) and a small wall mounded mirror just next to the entrance and a few feet from the bathroom door. I smiled and walked in, locking the door behind me. I kept my bag next to my bed and sat down. It was then when I noticed a small TV mounded on the wall just above the washroom door, well weird placement in general but logical according to the bed placement.

I unzipped my suitcase and pulled out the first pair of cloths I saw. I then stashed rest of them in the cupboard and went in for a long relaxing shower.

"Feeling better?" Remy asked as I walked out of my room drying my hair.

"Much better!" I replied as I sat down on the sofa.

"I ordered the pizza. It'll take a while. In the meantime I'll go and change" she said.

"Cool!" I replied as she walked away.

Picked up my phone and called my mom.

"Did you reach home safely?" she asked as soon as she picked up.

"I did ma don't worry. I am all settled in" I smiled.

"You know I got really worried when you didn't call" she said, making the anxiety in her voice clear.

"I know ma I'm sorry. But don't worry everything is good" I assured her.

"How can I not worry you beta. You're so far away" she said, her voice cracking.

"Ma we talked about this! You're not gonna cry!" I said.

"Easy for you to say" she lightly sobbed.

"Ma come on. You're my fighter na! How can you break like this?" I said, memories flooding.

"Look at you! Lecturing your mother" she said, I could sense a smile on her face. It made me smile too.

"Just take care of yourself okay! And be careful" she added.

"I will ma. And you don't worry. I'll text you after work tomorrow" I said.

"Okay. Good night" she replied.

"Night ma!" I said before I hung up.

I rested my head on the arm rest thinking about all the things I just gave up, just a few hours ago when I stepped out of my comfortable house and job and be here. In an unknown place where I practically just knew this one person. No one except her to lean on to look forward to. For the first time, in forever, I was truly alone.

"Annica! Annica!" I heard my name and then a sudden jolt made me jump to my feet.

"Hey you okay?" I saw Remy standing over me.

"Yeah. I'm sorry I must have fallen asleep" I replied, rubbing my eyes.

"It's okay. The jet lag must me insane" she smiled.

"Yeah I guess" I replied.

"Here have something then you can go back to sleep. We need wake up early tomorrow for work" she said giving me a plate with a slice of pizza.

I couldn't sleep all night. I tossed and turned in my bed. Looking at the sealing then scrolling through my phone. Maybe it was my excitement or nervousness or a weird combination of both that didn't let my mind wander into dreamland. I have always been an overthinker and being up all night letting my thoughts consume me is never a good idea. But last night I had no choice but to watch in silence as my demons ran wild and screaming darkness filled all the voids. Last night all I wanted was to be home. Be my bed, next to my precious little baby, Salazar. It always helped having him around.

For the past two years he had been my confidant and my knight in the shinning armor. Till this day I remember how ended with this amazing, mushy, fluffy thing.

My entire life me and my elder sister wanted a dog but my mom being too afraid of the amazing creatures made it hard for us to bring one home. But my sister always assured me that when I would get settled and responsible enough I could have my own little baby. And two years back when I visited her, I remember walking down her office and two her car this beautiful ball of fluff comes running to me and starts sniffing and licking my feet. I picked him up and it was love at first sight. It was a white Siberian husky with beautiful sapphire blue eyes and a cute brown nose. At that moment I kept I wanted to keep him and love him for as long as I could. Getting him wasn't that hard of a process but the wait was. He was really really sick and those his owners had abandoned him. He was in the care pf a local dog shelter and they wanted to make sure I was eligible enough to provide for this little guy. But no matter how hard the wait was, holding him un my hands and bringing him home was the best feeling I ever felt. Since that day I never felt alone or lost. He would always sit by my side or snuggle up in my lap and magically make everything okay. And is the only reason I believe in magic or true love. But when I got the job here in NYC I knew very well I could take him with me so I had to make a tough choice of leaving him with my sister. I know she'll take good care of him but I need him, more than he needs me, I guess.

A soft knock on the door broke my trail of thought.

"Annica? Are you up?" Remy's soft voice asked.

"Yeah I'm up!" I called back.

"Great! Get ready we'll be leaving in an hour" she said and then I heard retreating footsteps.

I took a deep breath and pushed the blanket off myself. I got up brushed my teeth, took a quick bath and pulled out a pair of casual t-shirt, black jeans, socks and black oxford shoes. It wasn't a big deal what I wore to work as I had to change into a chef's coat anyways. I tied my hair in a neat, tight bun, took a deep breath, picked up my phone, purse and walked out to meet Remy sitting on the sofa eating her breakfast.

"Morning! Had a good sleep?" she asked, looking up.

"Yeah kind of" I replied as I sat down next to.

"Come on have something" she said.

"Not hungry" I said leaning on the couch.

"It's gonna be a long shift you should eat" she insisted.

"I'll take take coffee. Man I need some cigarettes before I become functional" I said as I rested my head on Remy's shoulder. She leaned in and kissed my forehead.

Shortly after breakfast we picked up our things and walked out.

Standing in front of the hotel gave me chills and made my stomach flutter. It read "The Chef's Kitchen Table" in bright gold. It felt as if I was in a movie, everything felt so big, so grand. Seeing the place made my jaw fall on the ground.

"Welcome to work" Remy whispered.

"This feels like a dream" I muttered.

"Come on we need to go in from the back" she said taking my hand in hers. As she took me around the back I just couldn't take my eyes off the entrance. Remy took me to a small passage on the side which lead to a small dor.

"This is for the employees" she told me, I nodded in response. She opened the door and I followed her in. She took me through the back room to the kitchen. I could see people looking at me. This is a type of attention I never appreciated so I kept my gaze fixated on the floor as I quietly walked behind Remy.

"This is you" she said turning towards me. I raised my head and looked around in awe. The kitchen was gigantic with huge spider burners, long working stations, ten huge deck ovens and a huge door on the right and according to my guess it would have been the walk-in refrigerator.

"Hey James!" Remy called out.

A tall, skinny guy with short blond hair and dark brown eyes walked up to us with a huge warm smile. He had an apron draped around his waist, he had a double breasted chef's coat on, a chef's hat and a hairnet.

"Hey Rem! Fancy seeing you here!" he said.

"Yea this is not my place" she smiled.

"But I came here to introduce you to someone" she added, turning towards me.

"Oh!" James exclaimed.

"This is Annica Mack, your new Sous Chef" she said.

"Hey! I am James and I'll be your junior Sous Chef" he smiled as he extended his hand towards me.

"Hi James! It's amazing to finally meet you. I have heard quite a bit about you" I said as I took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

"I hope it's all good" he smiled.

"Come on let me show you to your locker" he said' gesturing for me follow me. I looked at Remy and she gave me a firm nod and smile then she turned on her heel and walked out. I looked at James and gestured for him to show me the way.

Sitting in the locker room, wearing my chef's coat I could feel adrenaline rushing through my veins. I was waiting for the briefing to start. I knew I should be out there getting to know my brigade but I was too, maybe afraid to go out.

"Crew gather around!" a deep voice called out. I knew it was my cue to go out. I took a deep breath, jumped to my feet and walked out. I could see people gathering around someone, it was too hard to tell who was in the center. There were at least twenty five people.

"So we were suppose have a new Sous Chef I don't know where she is" the person said and before I could respond a voice said, "She's here chef!" all eyes turned to the source of the voice and it was James standing at the end. Suddenly all eyes turn towards me. And it was then I saw him, Chef Edwards. His piercing blue eyes fixed in my direction. His arms crossed and pressed to his chest, his face curled into a serious look, His golden brown hair combed back neatly. His chef's coat perfectly tailored to reveal his broad shoulder blades, his perfectly toned biceps and in my wild imagination his perfectly toned abs too. His perfect frame looked nothing less of delicious.

"Come in front what you waiting for?" he commanded.

"Yes chef!" I replied as I marched forward and stood next to him. Standing next to him, I felt like such a tiny person. And it was a particularly weird feeling. I have always been a muscularly person. Blessed with broad shoulders, defined biceps and a toned back and legs myself.

"This is Annica Mack she'll be your new Sous Chef. Make her feel welcomed" he said and the entire crew started clapping but I couldn't care less. I was intoxicated by this man towering over me. My imagination was running wild and I could feel my blood rushing to my cheeks. I looked down, signed deeply and licked my lips. I slowly raised my eyes and saw Chef looking at me with a raised eyebrow. His eyes on me felt like burning on my skin. It seem as if he heard me, or more like heard my thoughts: but that wasn't possible and I knew that but it was a strange feeling like he knew. I don't know how, it just felt like he did.

"Get to work!" he commanded as the sound of people clapping died. Everyone around us dispersed but he didn't move, he kept his eyes on me and I couldn't dare meet his gaze. But I could very well feel them. Travelling over me and burning my skin, making my cheeks red and my thoughts running crazy wild. And then it was gone, as suddenly as it started, I looked up and saw him walk away.

"Hey are you okay?" James asked as he gently touched my shoulder. I just nodded and followed him to his station.

It took a few hours to understand the entire working of the kitchen and what exactly I was suppose to do. I took some time to go around talk to everyone and learn their names. To my surprise, everyone was very sweet and friendly even the once I least expected. I knew working here was going to be a fun and compared to where I worked earlier, an easy experience. The only think I wasn't were sure about was working in close proximity to chef Edwards.

"Chef do you mind doing the platting?" James asked as he handed me a big pan of Shepherd's pie.

"No problem-o!" I replied as I pulled out a plate while he placed the pan on the table and left.

I wiped the with a paper towel and set it down. I then took a spoon and made a zig zag design on the plate with some red sauce. I then neatly cut a square piece out and placed it in the center. I then started cutting some tomatoes in julienne, that's when I felt it. The burning sensation on my skin again. I looked over my shoulder and saw chef Edward look at me. I quickly turned my attention to my work and that's when I felt a tingle down my spine, I looked up and saw him right next to.

"So what's your action plan here?" he asked.

"I was cutting the tomatoes in julienne to decorate and then I'll cut some coriander in chiffonade and lay it around" I replied as I pressed both my lips together.

"You know julienne should be a little more thin. Here let me show you" he said as he took the knife from my hands. The moment his skin brushed against mine I could feel my breathing get faster. I took a few steps back and fixed my gaze on his hands. I knew he was telling me how to do it but I couldn't concentrate. All I could think was what I really wanted him to do with those fingers. "Why the fuck you had to be so hot?! I am fucking loosing it around you! How are you doing this to me?!" my soul screamed and I could do nothing but just press my lips together and not nod like everything was okay.

"And you..." he paused. His eyes suck on me as if searching for something. He kept the knife down, I raised my eyes. That same look covered his face. The look that screamed, "I heard you. Loud and clear." But he didn't say a word; he just left. I quickly finished my planning called out to James and tried my best to disappear in the ocean of white coates.

Finally it was time for lunch and we had hardly forty five minutes. I was the first one out. I ran to the nearest newspaper stand and practically begged him to hook me up to a cigarette shop. Seeing my condition and probably taking pity on me he told me that there was a shop indeed just in front of the restaurant. I thanked him a ton and ran back. I brought an entire pack and a lighter, I knew I shouldn't be smoking in front of the restaurant so I texted Remy.

"Yeah you can actually smoke on the roof. You can go there, but just make sure you don't smell when you come back. Chef doesn't like the smell" was her reply. Smell was something that I could think about later! I raced to the stairs and up the roof. I busted through the door, gasping.

"Hey woah easy tiger" I heard James' voice coming from a corner. He was leaning against a wall at the edge of the roof, a lit cigarette between his fingers.

"I didn't know you smoked" I said as I caught my breath.

"How will you. We hardly had time to talk" he smiled.

"True" I agreed as I walked next to him.

"Why is this place empty? I don't think the lunch time is over" I said as I pulled one stick out an tugged it between my lips.

"No there's still time" he said as he took a long drag.

"Then why is this empty? Don't tell me no one here smokes" I said as I lit my cigarette and took a long puff.

'No it's nothing like that. Most of the people smoke. They are just too scared of Chef Edward. He has a particular hatred towards smoking" he told me.

"Yeah I heard" I paused as I took another puff. "Aren't you afraid?" I asked.

"No! Why should I be? He ain't my mama" he joked and I burst out laughing. For some reason I got a certain liking towards James. Felt like we could be actual friends. And then I felt burning sensation on my neck again. I turned and found those blue eyes staring at us from the door way.

"James, I would like to talk to my Sous Chef alone" he said. "Alone??! WHAT THE FUCK?! I have half a mind to fuck you don't do this!" my inner goddess screamed and for a while his eyes shifted to me for like a millisecond and then they were back on James.

"Right away chef!" James said as he tossed his cigarette and walked away. There silence for a while, felt as if Christopher was waiting and making sure that James was actual far enough to hear anything. The thought of this made my inner goddess scream, "If you wanna fuck me here just do it! I don't really care!"

He took a step towards me then stopped. He titled his head to a side as if acknowledging that it heard it. For the first time since I got here I looked into his eyes. Those beautiful light blue eyes. It felt as if they were actually searching for something. The weird part was looking into his eyes made me want to say whatever was in my head, I did not want to look away: and at the moment his eyes did not burn my skin but neither did they tone down my desire. What felt like a eternity of silence he finally opened his mouth.

"You need to focus" he said in his deep voice. I instantly looked down, gulped and bit my lower lip.

"I'm talking to you" he said bringing his face closer. His warm breath on my forehead made me bite my lip even harder.

"You know I expect a response" he said lowering his voice, it felt as if he was teasing.

"It's.....it's nothing like that chef" I fumbled trying to keep my blood from rising in my cheeks.

"Doesn't seem like it" he said bring his face even closer to mine. His lips inches away from my skin. All I could do was raise my eyes and look at those beautiful pink lips and that beautiful face. All I wanted at that moment was to grab him and kiss him. Make all my imaginations a reality.

"If you don't focus, we can find someone who'll replace you. And that'll happen quicker than you blink" he whispered, his words falling on my skin with his hot breath making the hair on my skin stand. Before I could utter a single word he turned and left leaving me breathless and panting. It took me a couple of minutes to bring myself back to what was happening. I looked at my cigarette, it was almost completely burnt out. I took a puff and tossed it in the trash. I covered my face with my palms and gave my breathing sometime to return to normal. I stood there for almost twenty minutes making sense of what just happened. A part of me was certain that he knew what was in my head, but the other part; the logical part would dismiss it by saying it was impossible. And yes it was! but the pauses, every time he paused when my imagination got the best of. That cannot be a coincidence, it just can't be. I took a deep breath and climbed down the stairs. I walked straight to the employee back area looking Remy.

As I entered the room, I took a quick scan. I saw her sitting in a corner chair with a few people. I pulled my phone out and texted her.

"Standing at the entrance come out now need to talk. Urgent!!" as I saw the SENT notification pop up I looked at Remy. I knew she would pull her phone out she always checked her phone. But she didn't move, she continued her conversation. I wanted to scream her name. I pulled out my phone and dialled her number. She picked up after a few rings.

"Come out I need to talk to you now!!" I said. She looked up from her table and spotted me. She gave me a nod and then got up and started walking through the pool of people. It must have taken her just a few minutes but in my head it felt like hours.

"Hey what's up!" she said as she came and stood next to me.

"Outside now!" I growled as I took her hand and literally dragged her outside.

"Woah hey what's wrong with you?!" she said as she pulled her hand back.

"I can't do this" I said as I brushed my fingers through my hair.

"Context please!" she snarled as she examined her wrist.

"I want to fuck Edwards so bad!!" I said.

"What?!" she exclaimed.

"Are you out of your mind?!" she asked as she pushed me in a corner.

"No and I think he knows" I confessed.

"What!? How?" she asked.

"Whenever he is around me my imagination goes wild and the way he looks at me at that moment..." I choked.

"Oh so in shot in doesn't know" she signed with relief.

"Look Annica nothing should happen and nothing can happen" she said genteelly touching my shoulder.

"Why?! Does he have a girlfriend or a wife?! Is he gay!!? Why the cute ones are always gay!" I bumped my fist in head and this made Remy laugh.

"No and no. He doesn't have a wife or a girlfriend and I don't think so he's gay. The issue is he's your boss" she said.

"He's GAY" I said pursing my lips and shaking my head.

"No" she smiled.

"If I don't wanna fuck up then in my head he's gay. End of discussion" I said as I opened the door and walked in.

"Whatever works for you big girl" Remy smiled as she followed me in.

I spent the rest of my shift helping James and other chef's around the kitchen. And whenever I felt the burning sensation on my skin I just told myself "Nothings gonna happen he's gay". But there's only so much I could control. He was still hot at the end the day and I am still a woman so my trick got old pretty quickly ans my inner goddess started imaging him, me and another man together.

"Oh fuck you!" I cussed her.

"Chef?" Lilith asked.

"Did you say something?" she added.

"No sorry!" I replied.

"Anyways this is all done" I smiled.

"Looks amazing chef!" she complimented.

"Where did you learn this?" she asked.

"When where I use to work we never had just nine or twelve hour shifts. They were way longer. So I get to spend time with some amazing people and learn a lot" I told her.

"That sounds brutal" she admitted.

"No it wasn't I love my work" I smiled.

"Chef Edwards never did that to us. And honestly I'm happy about it. Because if he did, none of us would have any personal lives" she said.

"Well true" I replied.

"Gather around crew!" chef Edwards said.

"Come let's go" I said as me and Lilith joined the entire crew. I saw James pointing for me to go and stand front. I went around the people and stood behind James and Christopher. I could feel the sensations returning making it harder for me concentrate on the debriefing.

"Shut up he's gay. He's gay HE'S GAYYYY" I shut my eyes and screamed at my inner goddess. For a moment everything felt quite. Too quite. I opened my eyes and say everyone staring at me. "SHIT! DID I ACTUALLY SCREAM THAT?!" I gulped, hard. Christopher looked at me his eyes raging then he tuned back to the crew.

"Good work today everyone I'll see you all tomorrow" he finished.

"Thank you chef" everyone said together and then started going to the locker room.

"You okay right?" James asked.

"What happened?" I questioned.

"Well chef was talking and then suddenly he stopped and he looked at you. Then we all looked at you and you were squinting your eyes" he replied. I signed with relief.

"Yeah I was..." I paused as I saw Edwards walking towards me.

"Well that's my cue to leave! I'll see to tomorrow bye!" he said before h turned back and literally ran.

"Your work is not done yet" Edwards said. arms crossed and pressed to his chest.

"Chef?" I asked, confused.

"Your on clean up duty. Get to work!" he commanded.

"Excuse me?" I said but he didn't hear me. He turned and left. Leaving me dumb found, my head lowered, and my eyes bulging above my glasses.

As I saw everyone leave, I started wiping the kitchen counters. I then took all the chopping boards and plated and put them in the sink. I knew I had to give them a little scrub before loading them in the dishwasher. I let out and exasperated sign and got to work.

"Hey don't you have to go home?" I heard Remy's voice which made me turn.

"I'm not done yet apparently" I replied.

"Why you washing dishes?" she asked.

"Chef told me to do it" I replied as I continued scrubbing bowls and plated.

"I don't know much about the working of the kitchen but that's not your job" she said.

"I know but you do whatever the chef says. He could have asked me to bend over or suck his cock but NOOOOO " I forced a smile.

"Huh" she smiled, playfully hitting my arm.

"Do you want me to wait?" she asked.

"No no you go home I'll come back by myself" I replied.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yeah don't worry" I reassured her.

"Okay. Call me when you get in a cab" she said. And I nodded.

It was frustrating seeing everyone leave and me being stuck here doing something that wasn't even a part of my job description, but I couldn't complain.

I loaded the last round of dishes in the dishwasher and took a breath of relief.

"Finally!" I said. I then walked up to his office and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in!" he said. I let myself in. The he was, sitting on his chair in a black full sleeves t shirt. And honestly this piece of cloth did justice with his amazing physic.

"What?" he asked. I gulped and slightly shook my head.

"I'm all done chef" I said, forcing a smile.

"Hmm" he said as he got back to his computer.

"Do you need anything else done?" I asked.

"No you can leave" he replied without looking up.

"Very well have a good night chef" I replied as I closed his office door and took a few steps back. "FUCK ME HOW AM I EVER GONNA GET THAT IMAGE OUT?!" my inner goddess asked. And I did not know what to tell her.

"Annica!" I heard him call my name. It gave me tingles. It sounds so sexy in his deep voice.

"Yes chef?" I asked peaking my head in his office.

"How you gonna go home?" he asked.

"I'll take a cab" I replied.

"It's late I'll drop you. Go change" he said.

"It's fine...." I paused as I saw his face curled in a serious look.

"Yes chef" I whispered as I left his office. I quickly changed and walked out with my things. And I saw him standing so tall, so handsome. He felt nothing but a piece of art perfectly made.

"Come on" he said as he lead me out to his car.