Yes, Chef

Chapter 7: Welcome to This Side

~Mads's POV~

"So how's unemployment?" My brother, Vic, sips his coffee and peers over the edge with judgment.

"I'm still working." I snap. And it is going surprisingly well. Benedict and I managed to hit a stride after our initial issues. We have met twice weekly for the past few weeks and are making headway.

"I thought you were quitting?" Vic questions.

"I am. I'm going back to school, registered and everything." I explain, wanting to change the subject. "Don't we want to talk about your recent life choices?"

My brother had just ended his engagement of three years, out of the blue, like nothing. But he's always had a better stone face than me. He ignores my comment as he continues berating me. "You're going to regret this. You've got a good thing getting in with these folks with deep pockets."

I scoff. "I never went into counseling for the money."

"I can't believe you'd give up a lucrative career though. Did you learn nothing from our childhood? You have to be a special type of stupid..." He prepares to go all in, rehashing a traumatic upbringing that ended with us being adopted by a rich aunt. Thankfully we're interrupted.

"Victor! Hey man!" A friendly guy with bright eyes behind a pair of chunky frames stops at our table.

"What's up, Garrison?" My brother switches from judgy asshole to chipper buddy in the blink of an eye.

The guy notices me and his smile widens. "Hi I'm Garrison. You must be Victor's sister." He reaches his hand out.

I accept it. "Yes, unfortunately. I'm Madeline."

His eyes are running all over me as he shakes my hand. I can't say the view he's offering is bad either. He's probably a little over six foot, fills out a button down nicely, especially in the shoulders. His face is clean shaven and his smile infectious.

"You want to join us, Garrison?" My brother offers.

"If I'm not interrupting." He replies without even looking at my brother.

"I was actually just leaving." I inform everyone.

"Don't go on my account." Garrison responds.

"Oh, she's definitely leaving because of me." Vic laughs. "She doesn't like me voicing my concerns."

"Garrison, you seem like a good guy. Do yourself a favor and don't let this one drag you down." I say, ignoring my brother.

"Thanks for the advice, Madeline. Unfortunately I'm stuck with him for awhile. He's my bowling partner. But if you play, I'll ditch him in a heartbeat." Garrison offers.

I laugh as my brother gives Garrison the middle finger. "I don't think you want me as a partner, Garrison. He definitely got all those genes."

"I'm sure you'd make a fine partner. I could teach you." Garrison makes me blush. He's totally flirting.

"Stop hitting on my sister, asshat!" Vic warns him off.

"Or keep it coming, especially if it's going to piss him off." I encourage as I stand. "While I'd love to stay and add fuel to this fire, I gotta go. Good to meet you, Garrison. Goodbye, pain in the ass." I add, turning to my brother.