Hell's Smitten (Gordon Ramsay x Reader)

Chapter 121- Pick Your Poison

Sunday, July 21st, 2013

"Right, so I'm sure you all know how this process goes, but for those in the audience who are new to the show, I will explain," Gordon says, clearing his throat. "Because Abel was the winner of our final challenge, he will be the first to pick from our lineup of previous contestants from this season. After his first pick, we'll go to (Y/N) for her pick, then back to him, and so on. Now Abel, think carefully about who you'll take, because it could make or break your entire dinner service."

Gordon steps back from the table and nods at Abel, who turns to look at the Chef lineup contemplatively.

Most of the Chefs stand at eager attention, waiting to see what happens. All aside from Kalyani, who continues staring at the floor. I turn my gaze to Abel, wondering what's taking him so long. I just know he's going to pick Taylor, so why make us wait? Is this supposed to be where a commercial break comes in? I-

"Dave."

I blink slowly. Did he...

Dave beams, stepping out of the lineup and to Abel, taking his hand and bringing him in for a one-armed hug. "Won't let you down, bro."

"I know," Abel says, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

In disbelief, I turn to look at the Chef lineup again, and lock eyes with Taylor. She beams and gestures with both thumbs at herself, nodding enthusiastically.

"You needn't wait for me, love. Who's your pick?" Gordon prompts.

"Has to be my girl Taylor," I say, incredulity somehow managing not to tinge my voice. Why did Abel leave Taylor? Did he do it for me, or does he know something about Dave that I don't? Sure, Dave made it pretty far, but he's no Tay.

Tay squeaks in joy and launches herself into my arms with such force that I nearly stagger if not for Abel's hand catching my back before I stumble. "Thank you thank you, I can't wait to help you win!" Tay says, bouncing up and down a few times before settling down and taking her place beside me.

"I can't wait to win with you, either," I respond, nudging her shoulder with mine playfully.

Well, whatever the reason Abel didn't pick Taylor, I'm grateful. We turn to Abel to see who he picks next.

His eyes sweep the Chefs before landing on the smallest of the group.

"Mary, care to join me?" He asks.

Red steps out of line, blushing a bit under the gaze and cheers of the crowd, before taking her place beside Dave.

Damn, I would have loved to have Red on my team. I scour the lineup of remaining Chefs before coming to a hard conclusion. I think I'll go with...

"Bella," I say confidently. If you'd have told me when we first got to Hell's Kitchen that I'd be choosing Bella as my second pick, I'd have spit out my drink and wondered how she even made it to the end. But Bella has grown leaps and bounds since then, and I truly believe that she'll be more help than harm in the finale.

Bella hams it up as she comes to my lineup, waving and blowing kisses into the crowd. I have to stifle rolling my eyes, but she gives me a hug when she reaches my team and seems genuinely happy as she whispers, "Thank GOD I'm not last pick," into my ear before sliding into place beside Taylor.

Abel doesn't hesitate for a second on his next pick. "Kalyani."

My eyes widen, and so do Kalyani's, but nonetheless she steps out of line and reaches out to shake Abel's hand. Sure, Kalyani made it pretty far in the competition, but after what she'd done...