Slow Burn

1~ On Fire

On a sweltering hit day in Los Angeles, you head to your job as a line cook at Rita's, a retro diner...

Fulin
(Today's the big day when that restaurant makeover show is going to film here. Maybe they'll actually save the diner!)

You find the restaurant in a state of pandemonium as a filming crew sets up. Your glowering manager pulls you aside the moment you step through the door.

Kudo
"Good morning to you too, Doug."

Doug
"Taste of the World is here. Try to stay out of their way and keep your mouth shut."

Kudo
"I had a few ideas of what I could cook to demonstrate the menu here at Rita's-"

Doug
"Were you even listening? Your role is to stand around and look good. And whatever you do... do NOT talk to their head chef."

Doug
"After all, you're just a no-name line cook."

Kudo
"Excuse me? Cooking is my life. I may just be a line cook, but I know the power of food."

Kudo
"I have a genuine passion for cuisine."

Doug
"Don't care. Do what you're told, or you'll lose your job."

You seethe inwardly.

Kudo
(Rita's Diner has so much potential to be great... but Doug could learn a thing or two about managing a restaurant.)

A woman in a sleek suit claps her hands loudly.

???
"Alright, everyone. We're about to start filming the pilot in five. Move, people, move!"

She notices you and looks you up and down.

Zara
"I'm Zara Vyas, the showrunner. You must be one of the cooks. Get to wardrobe, stat!"

She nudges you toward a stylist, who leads you behind the diner into a plush trailer.

Stylist
"Don't worry, honey, we'll get you all spiffed up in no time for the cameras."

Stylist
"The star of the show, or head chef, is... a little temperamental, but if you keep your head down, you'll be fine."

Fulin
"Should I really be that scared?"

Stylist
"Well... on our last shoot shoot, our production designer forgot to fetch an ingredient... and lets just say that he got chewed up and spit out."

Stylist
"But really, there's nothing to worry about. All you have to do is look presentable. That's where I come in."

She starts rifling through a clothing rack, then reaches for a crisp, white chef's uniform.

Fulin
"It's beautiful. Are you sure it's okay if I wear it?"

Fulin
"Most people earn their first chef's coat after getting a culinary degree or their first gig in a restaurant."

Stylist
"Aren't you working in a restaurant now? Besides, you need to look like a pro in the kitchen if you're gonna be in the shots."

You carefully smooth out the creases in your new chef's coat, a feeling of excitement swelling inside you.

Fulin
"Is this presentable?"

Stylist
"You look ravishing. I could eat you up!"

You hear Zara's voice on the loudspeaker signaling that it's time to start filming.

You run over to the diner's kitchen, where Doug comes over and hisses in your ear.

Doug
"Don't forget, keep your ideas to yourself. This isn't The Fulin Show."