Le Rêve Culinaire

Chapter 3: The First Day

The morning sun warmed San Francisco as Ethan navigated through the lively streets. Beside him, Jamie sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. Her fingers drummed nervously on her lap, a testament to the anxiety bubbling within her.

Ethan stole a glance at her, his voice breaking the silence. "You know, you're going to knock their socks off today," he said, his tone brimming with confidence.

Jamie let out a heavy sigh, her brow deeply furrowed. "But what if they don't get me? What if I don't fit in? I don't know if I can do this, Ethan. Maybe I should just turn back and go home. This was a mistake. I mean, what if they hate my food? What if they think I'm too weird? What if I mess up everything and ruin their reputation? What if—"

Ethan reached over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Jamie, breathe. You have an extraordinary talent. You can taste a dish and recreate it perfectly. That's something no one else can do. You're special."

Jamie's eyes flickered with a mixture of gratitude and fear. "Thanks, Ethan. I just... I wonder if I'm ready for this. What if they think I'm just some amateur? What if they look at me and think, 'Who does she think she is?'"

Ethan shook his head, his voice calm and steady. "Jamie, you're always ready. You just don't realize it yet. You've got this. Trust me."

Jamie's fingers stopped drumming, but her unease was still palpable. "I feel like I'm jumping into a pit of fire. What if they don't understand my cooking? What if they think I'm too strange?"

Ethan squeezed her hand firmly, grounding her. "Jamie, this is a good thing. Getting out of your comfort zone is scary, but it's how you grow. You're going to bring something amazing to their kitchen. Just be yourself, and they'll see how incredible you are."

Jamie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Okay. Okay, I'll try. But if I mess up, you're going to hear about it. I swear, I'll never forgive myself."

Ethan laughed, attempting to lighten the mood. "You know, if I get us there without hitting anything, it'll be a miracle," he joked, weaving through the traffic with too much enthusiasm.Jamie smirked, her anxiety momentarily forgotten. You might need to take some driving lessons. But seriously, thanks for driving me. You know I hate relying on others."

Ethan gave her a sideways glance, his expression softening. "I'm always here for you, Jamie. Besides, this gives me an excuse to see you crush it on your first day."

As they drove on, the vibrant energy of the Mission District gradually gave way to the refined elegance of the area surrounding Le Rêve Culinaire. They passed by iconic landmarks, the city's hustle and bustle providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation.

Jamie stared at the passing buildings, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and determination. She thought about the journey that had brought her to this moment, the countless hours in the kitchen, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and her mother's unwavering belief in her. This is it, Jamie. You've worked for this. Now it's time to show them what you can do.

"Look at that," Ethan pointed out as they approached their destination. "This place is fancy. But you belong here, Jamie. You're going to bring something amazing to their kitchen."

Jamie took another deep breath, her determination solidifying. "Thanks, Ethan. I needed that."

Jamie's breath caught in her throat as they pulled into the restaurant. Le Rêve Culinaire stood grandly, its elegant exterior a testament to its prestigious reputation. With its sleek modern touches, the beautifully restored Victorian building exuded an air of timeless sophistication.

Ethan parked the car and looked at Jamie, his expression serious for once. "You've got this, Jamie. Let's go in there and show them what you're made of."