Delectable • cth

Chapter 7

The Monday the two were back from Chicago wasn't supposed to be too busy, and they could only hope that's how things would play out. They had agreed to both arrive quite early in hopes to make sure everything was in tip top shape from the weekend, and to prep for going back to work after some short time off.

Michael was the next to arrive, unsure if Calum would be back that morning, or if he'd be taking it slow that day due to getting in so late. "Clifford! How was everything?" The head chef asked brightly, excited to throw himself back into work and forget about the embarrassing weekend he had shared with his family... and his sous-chef.

He lifted his head as he walked through the door, expecting Calum since he saw his car in the lot out back. "No critics, nothing drastic happened." Michael shrugged, setting some things to the side. "Everything seemed to run fine."

"Anyone take advantage and try to call off or be lazy while I wasn't here?" Calum chuckled, joking around. But the look on his friend's face made his smile drop.

He just sighed at first, shaking his head and making his way over to the head chef. "I wasn't going to say anything because it really wasn't a problem, but Luke and Ashton both came in late."

"Hungover?" Calum raised his brows, crossing his arms over his chest. The other man just nodded before starting to prepare some things for the day. He didn't want to get his friends in trouble, but he figured Calum wouldn't really do much seeing as how close he and Ashton were. "Thank you, Michael. I owe you."

"What was that about?" Aliyah asked quietly as the man stepped beside her again. "Everything okay?"

Calum just nodded at first, shrugging it off and continuing to do some prep work with her. The three in the kitchen worked in silence as other staff members continued to arrive and get ready for the day. It was only a half hour until both Luke and Ashton had arrived– separately. The two were talking at a counter, whispering quietly and keeping to themselves.

"Did'ya guys have a good time?" Calum stood a few counters away, raising his brows and smiling softly at the two. Both boys head's shot up at the sound of their head chef's voice, but Luke looked more worried than his boyfriend. At first he just raised his brows as if to say he didn't hear him. "Your party?"

"Oh! Oh yeah, we had a great time. My family gets a little crazy around the holiday sometimes." Luke chuckled, glancing at Ashton. "Right? It was fun?"

"Yeah." Ashton simply smiled, looking back to Calum after a moment. He took his chance, knowing Calum wouldn't be able to see, and gently brushed his hand over Luke's in hopes to calm his nerves.

Calum glanced between the two of them a few times, oblivious to their hands and their relationship entirely. "I was hoping the two of you could stay a little late today to help Aliyah and I plan some things and to make up for coming in late the other day."

A little shocked, jaw dropped, Luke just nodded at first. "Yeah, we can– I mean, I'm good with that. Ashton?" He glanced at the boy beside him.

"Sounds like a plan." He chuckled, nodding. "Let me know if there's anything you need before then."

Calum studied Luke for a moment as Aliyah widened her eyes at him. He was being obvious and she didn't want him to accidentally out his relationship because he was nervous. "You good, Luke?"

"Yeah, just a long weekend." The tall blonde smiled, relaxing a bit as his boyfriend squeezed his hand and walked away. "Happy to have my kitchen buddy back."

Aliyah laughed, rolling her eyes but grinning at him. "We'll have to catch up later. I want to hear about your party and your family and everything that happened this weekend." Even though she didn't mention him by name, Luke knew she wanted to hear all about his time with Ashton.