You are all I've got, Damien.

Chapter 9: Rosemary and Thyme

It was a quiet day in the kitchen like every Monday evening, plenty of time to learn something new, and practice some tricks Leon taught me.

I was grateful he offered me a job in his restaurant seven weeks ago offering me a full training and course, three times a week in the mornings I attended his classes and in the afternoon worked at Rosemary and Thyme. It was difficult initially, but after seven weeks, I got used to the environment and people, this was the first step in my new life; specialise myself in what I love. I promised Maya I will stay away from trouble and old habits, and start from scratch, and I planned to keep that promise, failure wasn't an option not when it came to her.

Maya helped me with funding the medical treatment for Tylor's father; unfortunately, the kid didn't have it easy in prison, Jason found himself a new toy to push around and as soon as I was out the door Taylor's horror started. Still, with Kevin's help just a week ago, they moved him to another wing far from Jason where Kevin could keep an eye in him. Leon promised to give him a job once he is out to start again and this time earn money not steal.

I was in the middle of cleaning the kitchen getting ready to close the restaurant with a couple of guys when Leon entered with his usual warm smile.

He was a tall, middle-aged man, always very classy and elegant, his already greyed hair neatly brushed and styled, his appearance screamed for respect. This was a man who's knowledge about cooking couldn't be questioned, he was a walking cooking book, and nobody dared to disagree. His restaurant won many awards in town and country. That made me work even harder to meet the expectations of authority like Leon.

'How are you gentlemen doing?' he asked with his thick French accent.

'Finishing up, we should be done in ten minutes' I said wiping the saucepan.

'I am planning to bring a new-old dish to the menu. As soon as we open tomorrow, I will show you everything. Still, first I need you to take this to Maya' he said passing me a container 'This was her favourite dish when she was a kid, she used to come here with her family every Friday for dinner, and she always ordered this. I took it off the menu when she went to university, but I want to bring it back, and I need her to decide if taste the same as before.' he said with a warm smile.

'I will give it to her for sure' 'I smiled taking the container.

'Thank you... now! Go home boys; this is not going to be any cleaner... chop, chop—home time.' He said, leaving the kitchen.' See you in the morning Damien' he waved me.

A few minutes later, I was home; the lights were on as every evening. Maya always waited for me. I told her so many times that she doesn't have to wait, but the one thing I've learned about her; she was fucking stubborn, it was pointless trying to convince her otherwise.

'Hi baby' I smiled seeing her on the sofa with the laptop on her knees- clearly still working, she put her laptop on the coffee table and approached me wrapping her arms around my neck, she placed a kiss on my lips. God, I missed this!

'How was your day, honey?' she asked with her beautiful smile on her face—the most beautiful smile in the world.

'Quiet. Is Monday, so I didn't have much to do. I did some learning ... and Leon gave me this for you to try. This is something you use to like when you were a kid, he wants to put it back on the menu, but he needs your approval first. I believe he wants to know if it tastes as good as you remember.' I said, showing her the container.

'No way! Truffade!' she jumped smiling and clapping like a little girl So fucking cute! ' I didn't have truffade for years, Leon makes the best in the world! ... what makes him put it back on the menu?' She asked, walking towards the kitchen.