Just Another Crazy Coincidence

Chapter 01:

Adrianna’s first night in the kitchen is rather busy. Since it was about five o’clock when she turned up and was handed an apron she had about half an hour to familiarise herself with the kitchen. She was introduced to the head chef, Nick, given a menu then told to get to know her surroundings.

“New kid!” Nick calls Adrianna over to his side.

Adrianna is there in a flash, peering over Nick’s shoulder and waiting for instructions.

“Mains ain’t hard, alright? We’ll let you work those tonight since you have no idea how things work around here – and if you ask me Jerry is crazy.”

“I’m a fast learner.” Adrianna tries to assure Nick, she knows not to be offended by his scepticism.

Nick nods. “Maybe so, but we have a good reputation so anything you have to think too hard about, we’re not worrying you with tonight. The special tonight is beef lasagne, there’s a few in the ovens, so you need to keep an eye on them. Otherwise, we have menu lists over by that work station, and it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. You're just plating up and keeping up with orders really. Stan will be here in about ten minutes ago and he will help you with whatever you need. If you have questions, shout from where you are, do not leave anything unattended.”

Adrianna agrees wordlessly and gives Nick a smile. She wants to make a good impression, because after Jerry, Nick is going to be her boss. Adrianna is good in a kitchen, she always has been, and Nick is right; plating up mains are rather self explanatory. There is a first year apprentice chef, Benji, working on soups next to where Adrianna is directed. She has already introduced herself to Benji and it was instantly clear that the kid is one focused guy; so Adrianna makes a mental note not to disturb him.

As Nick predicted, a thin lanky boy pushes his way through the kitchen doors as soon as Adrianna begins wiping down her workspace.

“Sorry, I know I’m late!” he fusses as he ties his slightly too long hair up out of his face. When he notices Adrianna he stops dead and a small smirk creeps onto his lips. “Who’s the new chick?” He stage whispers to Benji as he elbows him a little.

Benji grunts, “Adrianna.”

The young man Adrianna takes to be Stan steps around Benji and offers Adrianna his hand. “I’m Stan.”

Adrianna probably would have been more subtle as she let her eyes wander over Stan in appreciation; if it were not for the fact that he was so obviously checking her out at the same time.

“Adrianna Crawford.” She introduces herself.

“And you’re on babysitting duty!” Nick shouts to Stan from across the kitchen.

Stan withholds his groan, because at least he is babysitting someone who should know what they are doing.

It’s not long before the kitchen is in full swing. Nick seems to be everywhere at once, Benji doesn’t say much but he doesn’t need to because he works so efficiently. Stan watches over Adrianna and helps out when things begin to get hectic. As high as the level of stress is amongst the four and the other kitchen staff and the waitors, the atmosphere is good. Nicks orders are often accompanied by smiles or a joke, Stan is playful and even though Benji keeps to himself, he is not cold towards anyone. The kitchen hands washing dishes and plating desserts are loud and always bickering with each other childishly. Adrianna is in her natural habitat in the busy kitchen and Stan notices that most of the night, she is smiling despite the pressure to do well.

Jacob wishes that it was not such a busy night. He’s tired and he knows that when he clocks off, he still won’t get to go home and sleep. Instead he’ll go home and begin the research for his ‘History of Blues’ assignment. He moves efficiently from table to table, collecting dishes, delivering meals, topping up drinks and taking new orders. He’s known to the regulars, and he is liked by new customers.