The CHEF from Burhan & Sons

Chapter 21 - Liam

Three months later...

We're sitting in the concert hall enjoying the Michelin Awards entertainment. Never in a million years did I think I'd find myself sitting here. I did fantasize about it but I just thought I had a long way to go but here I am. I wanted to be here with Amy but she had to travel for work so here I am with number one fans, as they like to call themselves. You guessed right, Tate and Sandy.

Tate looks more nervous than I do and I'm holding on to the words that Amy told me before I boarded the plane. 'You're already a winner in my eyes. No matter what'.

The faith that she has in me is keeping me sane. Even though I'm so consumed by the restaurant, she doesn't complain. She still loves me the same. Running a restaurant can be addictive. I've found myself forgetting that there's a life outside of it. Instead of demanding attention when I go MIA on her, she comes and sleeps on my sofa bed. I appreciate her and I love her more than anything.

I've missed a couple of family dinners so, you can imagine how much my Mum had to say about it. But she wanted me to be famous and this is what it takes to become one in a Chef's world.

I'm grateful to be invited to the event to begin with. Mason lost his shit when I showed him the email. It made me smile. We gave up on it ages ago and then here it was, coming out of nowhere.

"It's so hot in here hubby", Sandy complained and she was sweating but the place was not that hot. "Calm down babe, you always do that when you're nervous. They haven't even started announcing yet", Tate told Sandy who rolled her eyes at him. I gave her a card that was on the table and she started fanning herself.

They started announcing the Michelin Guide Awards and they were a lot. I almost gave up when I heard. "The following restaurants have not only expressed that it is possible to use top quality ingredients in preparing dishes with distinct flavours to a consistently high standard but also showcased the personality and talent of the Chef through their expertly crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired and with that being said they have been awarded not just one but two Michelin Stars.

Without further ado, the first restaurant to receive this award is... Ryllis Eatery by Chef Liam Reviello", the man on stage said and I think I blacked out for a few seconds until Tate started cheering while shaking me. "Get up there man", he said making me stand and walk up to the stage. It was surreal. Someone appeared with a chef's coat that had two stars on the left and a Michelin logo on the right.

"Congratulations Chef Reviello", the lady said while directing me to stand next to the announcer who handed me the Michelin Guide Plaque. It had Ryllis Eatery written on it. I felt like crying, I felt like screaming but I ended up just smiling at the camera.

"There is an interview backstage for just a few questions for the social media platforms, it usually helps bring in customers, are you up for it?", the lady asked and I just nodded. I followed her and found cameras ready. They put a mic on me and asked me how I felt.

"Overwhelmed and grateful. This is a dream come true. When I came here, all I was thinking of was how privileged I was to have a chance to even be here. I never thought I would actually win", I said and they nodded. "What does this award mean to the future of Rillys Eatery?", "It means everything. It's a symbol that proves what we're doing is right and that people like it and we promise to continue doing what we do best and that's serving amazing food", I said then they switched off the camera and took the mic.

"The content will be sent to your email. Congratulations Chef Reviello", the lady said as I returned to the table where Tate and Sandy were still cheering. Sandy pulled me in a selfie and so did Tate. I took one of myself and sent it to Amy.

🌺A: OMG! Take that ordinary Chef! 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

🌺A: This deserves a special celebration 😋😋

Me: I like the sound of that.

Me: I love you.

🌺A: I love you way more and I'm so proud of you 😘.

I put the phone away and turned my attention to the stage as more and more restaurants got awarded and it's safe to say that they were way more confident than I was, probably because it wasn't their first time winning.

"We have two Michelin stars, how's that looking to you neural surgent!", Tate said while on the call with Mark. They had seen his post on Instagram. I shared the photos sent by the Michelin team with my social media manager as well and Mason says it's a celebration at the restaurant. I'm ecstatic but all I'm thinking about is a certain woman's special celebration. Her amazing grey eyes, short form that fit perfectly next to me, and dark brown skin that's as soft as a newborn baby.

"Hey man, I've been calling you. Whats up?", Tate asked and I just shook my head. An attempt to bring my mind to the present. "I just wish Amy was here that's all", i said making Sandy smile. "I hear you, it's not easy. You have no idea how many times I won the games and wished this person was there so I can hug the hell out of her", he said looking at his wife lovingly.

"I have an idea that can make things spicy, you're ready?", Sandy asked as we were on the way to our hotel rooms. "Let's hear it", I said with furrowed brows. "You could either make a baby or marry her", she said wiggling her brows. "Come on babe, you can't just make people marry each other, it usually happens when it happens... Liam, take your time man. Amy looks happy and head over heels for you and I'm sure that she's not going anywhere. Don't rush it if you don't feel like it's the right time, got it?", he said patting my shoulder just before they disappeared into their room.

Was I ready to spend the rest of my life with Amy? Hell yeah. It's the marriage part that I can't wrap my head around. To be honest, I never thought of marriage. Everything is perfect between us and all I want to do is take my time and enjoy it to the fullest.