Delectable • cth

Chapter 8

"I can't believe I'm actually here." Aliyah whispered, looking around in awe as her and the head chef stepped into the banquet hall. "This is absolutely gorgeous."

Calum had to stop himself from saying the typical cheesy comment, gently resting his hand on her lower back and leading them in the direction of their table instead. "They outdid themselves this year. This banquet hall is phenomenal."

As he pulled out her chair, she sat with a quiet smile as a thank you, then folded her hands in her lap. "It's not always in New York, is it?"

"No, it changes every year." He explained, sitting beside her and sipping on the water that was set in front of him a moment later. "Last year it was in Miami, they'll probably announce where it's going to be next year tonight."

The brunette nodded along, eyes still scanning the venue and the people filling it. "I hope I get nominated for an award here one day." The man could tell she was more so speaking to herself, but that didn't stop him from smiling and watching her.

"I'm sure you will, and you'll win whatever you're nominated for."

She just rolled her eyes, gaze falling to him as she held back a quiet laugh. "Tell that to the review that got published in the times."

"Trust me, you'll be here one day." He paused, gently placing his hand on top of hers for a mere moment before pulling it away and continuing. "For yourself, not me. Though, I don't look forward to going head to head with you."

"Head to head? With your little friend here?" A man stood behind Calum, hands on his shoulders with a wide grin before leaning down so the man sitting could see him. "Hey Hood, how've you been?"

"James–" Calum's eyes went wide for a moment before standing up to greet him. "Hey, wow. I've been good, how are you?"

"I'm good, I'm good. Sitting with Timothy and Steven over yonder." The man now known as James gestured towards a different table before looking back at his old friend. "This must be Aliyah, your new sous chef?"

"Uh yeah, yeah this is her." Calum smiled and stepped back as James held his hand out to the girl. She stood, shaking his hand and looking between the two of them with a small smile. "Ally, this is James. One of my friends from culinary school. James, this is Aliyah, like you said she's my new sous chef."

"It's nice to meet–"

"Yeah, she's the one that had that nasty review in the Times." The chef's friend had a sick smile tugging at his lips, looking back at Calum. "So, I know you weren't talking about her when you mentioned going head to head with someone."

The brunette's heart dropped. Sure, she didn't know the man, but she didn't expect him to take a jab at her the first time they were ever speaking. It was obvious that Calum was surprised as well, expecting to be picked on himself. "Whoa, James..."

"It's part of the business, Cal. She's gotta get used to it." He chuckled, shrugging his shoulders and looking back at the girl. "And never get your hopes up about winning any awards here. I'm still surprised Calum was nominated at all."

She was speechless, letting Calum do the talking for the both of them at that point. "Feel free to think that way all you want. Ally's a great chef, hence why she's working alongside me." He paused, offering his arm to the girl. "Anyways, we're going to go get a drink. Have a nice night, James."

"I will, I'm presenting one of the awards tonight." The man stood tall, as if it was something to be more proud about than actually getting nominated. Calum made sure to remind him why he himself was there.