Yes, Chef

Chapter 12: Just A Taste

~Benedict's POV~

Paige thankfully didn't quit. But she did take the entire weekend off to consider her decision which left us absolutely slammed. Jamie and Kurt actually stepped in to help deliver plates to tables. We survived the weekend but barely.

It kept my mind off things with Mads but when the day finally came for me to get my fill, she canceled due to illness. For half a second, I worried that she was blowing me off first because of Friday night's awkwardness. I had fought hard to remain a gentleman but it didn't matter. She remembered a lot of her own behavior and was embarrassed.

Then there was the phone call on Saturday to move our Sunday session time. Brunch had been our thing since we settled into a routine. And I thought she seemed like she was annoyed by Garrison and so I was surprised that she was now going to his birthday party. She said it was the lesser of his requests. I could only imagine what he asked of her.

I tried to push these worrisome thoughts from my mind and instead just believed that she was sick. The proof was there when I delivered some creature comforts and found her out cold. I was tempted to linger. I mean she trusted me enough to leave her door open but I know how I am when under the weather. I just want to be left alone. So I delivered and left.

She expressed her appreciation via text.

Thank you for the care package and amazing soup! While I can't cook for you, I can deliver. Let me know if I can ever return the favor and be of service sometime.

My mind of course went in the gutter about all the ways she could service me. It's now Wednesday and I'm not sure if we are back to our normal schedule so I text.

Hey how are you feeling? We on for tonight?

I stare at my phone, wishing I had said something different. At least I asked her how she was feeling I guess. I'm not a total meat head.

"What's this? I didn't even realize you still had a phone, let alone that you actually know how to use one!" Kurt teases as he walks in.

I quickly shove my phone in my back pocket and move to wash my hands. "It was a deal I made with Mads. She needed to be able to contact me."

"Yeah, that's kind of the purpose of cellphones. We've told you that too." Jamie joins the conversation, carrying a large pan of what looks like tart shells.

"You work with me. You know where to find me." I grunt. "Are those for the peach and prosciutto tarts?"

"Yes Chef." Jamie replies while rolling her eyes in response to my bratty response.

"We're just applauding the progress you're making, Bennie. Don't get defensive on us. We're rooting for you." Kurt reminds me.

"Absolutely we are. In part because we need more people to want to work here again." Jamie mumbles. Kurt shoots her a look. "But mostly because we care about you. I mean obviously."

I sigh. After I chased so many away with my bad attitude and angry outbursts the worst being the one that landed me in jail, open positions sat empty. No one enquired or applied. I worry that I'll never shake this reputation but I know I owe it to my staff to try and hire, especially after what we just experienced with Paige. Plus, while she agreed to stay on, I am not counting on her. She feels betrayed by me. One little thing and she could change her mind.