The CHEF from Burhan & Sons (Editing)

Chapter 15 - Liam

It's a crazy weekend and we're having a corporate event for ECC. It has something to do with celebrating having a new management figure. When Claire called me about the event, I was a bit hesitant considering Amy worked for them but when I remembered that she was not in town anymore, I accepted. It was good money and if it was going to have reporters then it was a good platform for me to market Ryllis Eatery too so let's get this show on the road.

The beauty of the restaurant was that it had an indoor garden venue as well. It cost me a fortune to create an amaryllis garden with seventeen varieties in the middle of my restaurant but I didn't care. Rose thought it was a waste of time considering I was doing it for someone who might never be with me again but I ignored her. The only love language Rose understood was money.

Her jaw hit the floor when she found people taking photos in it. It was the second reason why I've been having a lot of customers and weddings at the restaurant. The aroma is just wonderful and the fact that it was an open kitchen made things even more interesting. Of course, I had to expand after I cleared my debt with Tate because we were getting overbooked every night.

I miss Amy with every bone in my body. I've been passing by her house almost every day. It looked empty. But I just didn't want to forget the road. I know it was hopeless but it kept me sane. I remember how awkward it felt when her mother saw me passing by. She waved with a weak smile making me wave back. I felt like a stalker but she assured me that it was ok. Yes, she invited me in for a cup of coffee on our third encounter. Being in Amy's house and talking to her Mother made me feel close to her.

"Chef we're ready", my Seus Chef said making me return to reality. I put my uniform on and followed him to the kitchen.

"Chef Liam. A pleasure to meet you. Claire speaks highly of you. My name is Miss Ada, I'm the founder of ECC. Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice", a petite woman greeted me when I emerged from my office. She looked ordinary for a woman owning a million-dollar company.

"The pleasure is all mine. I hope you enjoy tonight. This is Mason, he's the Manager so he will be helping you today while I hide in my kitchen", I said making her giggle. It was weird but not new. Women tend to get all shy on me all the time, it was unfortunate for them that I wanted only one woman's attention and sadly, she was miles away from me.

I returned to the kitchen and aligned with my Seus Chef on the menu then we started prepping. We served cocktails as guests arrived. I saw Briana by the counter so I went to say hi, she was looking at the entrance so I turned too, and there she was.

Amaryllis.

She looked nervous. I didn't blame her, I was nervous. She scanned the restaurant and her eyes fell on the garden. She went to it and touched the flowers. Her eyes watered. I couldn't focus anymore so I told my Seus Chef to take over. I followed her to where she was standing. She smelled so good. I wanted to hug her.

"I went overboard didn't I?", I said and her body tensed. She turned and her watery eyes met mine. She wiped the tears away before they could ruin her simple makeup. "You look amazing Amy", i said making her smile... That smile. "I've dreamt of this moment for a long time that I don't know whether it's real or not", I said and she still remained quiet. Studying me.

"Oh, Dwyer! There you are. I was beginning to think that you were not going to show up at your own event", Ada said making me turn to her. "Her event?", I asked and she nodded. "Yes Chef Liam, this is our new COO. The best human resource investment I've ever done. I owe all my success to her", Ada said with pride making me smile. She was always passionate about her work. No doubt about it.

"I believe you", I said and my eyes fell off her magnificent grey ones. They still had the same effect on me. "Excuse me, Chef. You're needed", the waiter said, making me nod and turn to the kitchen for a brief second. "Excuse me ladies", I said then walked away. I could still feel her eyes on me.

"Should we start serving the snacks?", Lucas asked. "Yes. I believe everyone is here", I said then started prepping the appetizers while Lucas led the snacks dispatch.

"When I started this journey. I faced so many disappointments that I nearly gave up. I was on the verge of closing the company when I bumped into Amaryllis. I was so angry and I wanted to take it all out on her. It was 9 p.m. and we were the only ones left in the office. I looked at her and asked her for her name clearly making it easier to fire her the next day. It was a very weird name", Ada said making the rest of the table laugh.

My eyes were glued on Amy the whole time. It was like she was reliving the moment. "I asked her which position she was working in and she said 'Intern'. I was like an intern at 9 p.m.? She must be downloading movies using the office internet. Strike two", she said and they laughed again. "She said and I quote, 'I was trying to put together a pitch that will help us communicate value to the clients so that we get retainer contracts and I couldn't do it during work hours because I had to scan all the existing contracts'. Think about it an intern telling you that you've been running the company all wrong for two whole years.

Then I saw her pitch and I was taken back to school in twenty minutes because all she had in her pitch was what made us who we are today. How we do our modules, and how we retain our customers. How we work as a team. It was all there. I don't know about you but if you ask me. She deserves this position more than anyone else in this room. Congratulations Dwyer", Ada said and they all toasted to it.

I don't know why but hearing Ada say what she said made me proud. She was reaching places. Then it hit me. This promotion meant she would be back in town permanently. If this wasn't a sign, I don't know what is because I'm definitely going to get her back. My girl. Back in my arms. Perfect.