15.06 (#2)

Chapter 1

"Connor, where's the lamb?"

"Coming chef!"

"I needed it yesterday. Hurry up!"

"Yes chef, sorry chef." Connor shouted back. I quickly swiped my brow of sweat as I placed another plate in the serving area. He finally managed to plate up and got it served on time.

"Keep it up guys! Dinner service is almost finished. Push through and we'll be able to end on another good night!" I shouted above all the noises in my kitchen. It's always good to encourage your employees so they know what they're doing is worth the effort. I've tried to keep the morale in my kitchen up, and encourage my chefs. My journey to become the youngest head chef in New York has not been easy and I don't think the chefs under me need the kind of pressures I've had the last few years. If I create an upbeat atmosphere then I know the chefs will deliver the best, because I've given up too much for this restaurant.

I smiled as the last dish was sent out after the dinner rush had closed. "Great night once again chefs! Take the night off, I'll clean up the kitchen." I laughed as the cheer resonated around the hot kitchen.

I poured myself a glass of bourbon when I finally got home and sunk into my armchair, sighing with tiredness from the long day. I slipped a cigarette out from the pack and took a deep puff once it was lit. The nicotine coursed through my body, immediately relaxing my tense muscles. Cigarette in one hand, alcohol in the other, I opened the balcony doors and just stared out to the city of New York. This city has been my home for almost 25 years and it's never lost its charm. I still admired how the towering scrapers that dominated the land and the lights carved your path to success. It was never my intention to stay in New York; I still don't understand why I rejected my offer to study in California. Now I feel like I made the biggest mistake in my life.

Culinary school was great, but I always felt like there was something missing. The passion was still there but a part of me didn't care what happened. Until a special woman made me realise the world hasn't ended and I needed to grab the opportunity I had been given. She helped me regain the drive I had lost and soon I was climbing the ranks to become head chef. 24 years and I was well on the way to owning a restaurant. I never took a dime from my father who silently supported me as per my request. He had never been a better father than he had been the last few years I was making my career. I changed my surname so I wouldn't be associated with the Jamieson label and I could have a fair chance on my own. That's not saying my father didn't help, he just didn't use his money or power to get me places for which I will be grateful. Just then my phone rang.

Speak of the devil. "Hey dad what's up?"

"Ah business as usual you know. The handover has had some delays but hopefully I should be able to retire this year. How was service today?"

"It was good. The chefs are very hardworking. Makes my life easier to be honest." We laughed.

"George has asked us over for dinner tomorrow night, will you be able to hand the night to your sous?"

"I'll call him and let him know. Should be fine. I know he's dying to have more time to test his leadership."

"I'm proud of you son." He said lovingly.

"Dad," I whined at his sentiments.

"What? It's true. I know I wasn't around much when you were growing up and then your mother left and I didn't know how to handle you so I took off too. I'm sorry Chris."

"Dad, the past is the past. We've come a long way since then and I'm happy that you're in my life now. Better later than never right? I'm also glad you understand me distancing myself from the company. Truth be told I was shitting myself when I worked up the courage to tell you that."