Delectable • cth

Chapter 4

Weeks had gone by and Aliyah was feeling much better about the review and more confident about the role she played in the kitchen. It definitely helped that Luke was her partner in crime in all aspects, and he made sure no one brought up the review once it was in the paper.

Calum snagged a copy and framed it for her anyway, waiting for the perfect opportunity to give it to her. He figured waiting for an amazing review would be the right time, that way she could look back and laugh about it.

The head chef had noticed his sous chef and pastry chef growing closer since the review came out, almost always attached at the hip and whispering about something. Jealous wasn't the word he wanted to use, but it was the most fitting term he could think of. He didn't quite understand why he was jealous though, it wasn't like he had feelings for the brunette working beside him everyday for over a month.

He continued to glance at them across the kitchen, waiting for Brian to show up to start the damned meeting he called last minute at the end of that shift. Michael was attempting to hold a conversation with the head chef, but noticed his wandering eyes more than once. "Cal, I asked you a question."

"Huh? Oh– what was it?" He quickly looked back at his garde manger, forcing a small smile and raising his brows.

"Did Brian say what this meeting was about?" Michael huffed quietly, looking around for their manager. "How is he always late to his own fucking meetings?"

Calum shrugged, sighing deeply and mumbling to himself. "Not a clue." He looked around once more, standing up and clapping his hands loudly. "Alright guys! I'm not sure why Brian had us all stay, but I have a few things I wanted to go over as well. So while we wait I guess I can do that."

Everyone's attention was on the head chef, waiting for him to continue. Aliyah was still astounded at how well he commanded the room. A simple clap and all eyes were on him, she couldn't help but stare for a moment before snapping out of it.

"First and foremost, I've noticed some flirting in the kitchen." Calum's eyes fell on his sous chef and pastry chef for a mere moment before looking around at everyone. "This is everyone's reminder that dating within the kitchen is strictly prohibited. Keep your hands and feelings to yourself, I'm looking at you Hemmings."

Ashton could be heard snorting from the side, watching as Calum's gaze fell on Luke and the girl. He caught a few peoples looks, to which he raised his hands in defense and let out a quiet chuckle. The entire situation that seemed to be happening in Calum's head was far too funny to him.

"As I was saying–" Calum shot his sommelier a look, turning back to everyone. "You're all entitled to your breaks and I do want you to take them but please– for the love of god," he paused. "Make sure you're being respectful and smoking in the designated area, and we're not being too loud."

"I can take it from here, Cal." Brian finally entered the kitchen, smiling as he made his way over to the head chef and turned to face everyone. "Thank you guys for staying late, I had a pretty big announcement and I wanted to get it out there as soon as I found out."

Everyone waited quietly, watching the restaurant manager grin and glance around at everyone's confused faces. Aliyah didn't dislike him, but in the little time she had been at the restaurant, she caught him checking her out on multiple occasions. It always made her uncomfortable.

"One of our very own, Mr. Calum Hood, has been nominated for an award or two this year." Brian continued, gaining a few gasps of excitement from other employees. "I think we can all agree that it's no surprise he's up for Chef of the Year, but also Best Chef. Not only is he being recognized as one of the nations most passionate chefs, but also one of the most experienced."