Sliced Heaven

Chapter One

Lia's POV

"Honey, if you add anymore salt we might as well just have salt soup." My mom, Anna Heartly said.

"Sorry. It's just...I'm nervous." I said.

Today is  the day I found out if I made the top 10 "best teen cooks in Florida" list. I know it sounds dumb, but I love to cook. My dream is to study culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, and if I make this list, It would look great on my application. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

The food critic would be at my house any minute to try my dish. I had to make sure everything was ready to be served. When I applied online, I had no idea i would actually make it. This is real life.

I am stressing!!!!

I tried to look somewhat sophisticated. I wore a long sleeve maroon dress, with black ankle boots. I caught myself rubbing my palms, which is my nervous habit.

"Lia."

"Yes mom?"

"You are going to do great, don't sweat it." She said as she went up the stairs.

It was ironic my mom said that, because I was already sweating. A lot.

*ding dong*

HE IS HERE!

As I go to grab the door handle, my hand is shaking. I open the door and see a tall man in a suit, carrying a clipboard and greeting me with a warm smile.

well this shouldn't be too bad!

"Hello. Are you Alia Heartly?" He said with a soft smile.

"Yes sir. You can call me Lia for short." I said nervously.

"Great. My name is Phillip Creg, I will be your food critic today. I'm excited to taste your wonderful food, I've heard great things."

"Thankyou Mr. Creg. Come in, Your dish is on the table." I said while rubbing my palms.

"Please, call me phillip."

First name basis...already??? This is going better than I thought.

Phillip sat down and adjusted his suit sleeves, like he was about to dig into a thanksgiving turkey.

"Today I have prepared for you, Caldo Verde soup. It is originated in Portugal and includes minced potatoes, collard greens, savoy cabbage, and sliced chorizo. Enjoy."

He lifted his fork and took a large chunk of soup to his mouth. I tried to look at his facial expressions to judge whether or not he liked it or not, but these food critics don't budge.

After about five minutes of silence, Phillip put his fork down and left about half the soup in the bowl. He stood up from the table and adjusted his sleeves again.

"Thankyou, Miss Heartly. I will get back to you soon." He said while making a note on his clipboard.

"Thankyou, Mr. Cre...Phillip. Looking forward to it!" I said while opening the door to let him out.

Well, that was easy.

Thousands of thoughts swarmed through my head. Did he like my food? Did he hate it? What if he hated it!? My dreams are ruined!!

I need to simmer down.

Now I have to wait almost a week to find out if I made it. I am not looking forward to school next week, I'm going to be so stressed.

"How did it go?" My mom asked while coming down the stairs.

"I honestly don't know. Food critics don't budge." I said.

It was true though. Food critics always make sure that you can't tell what they're thinking. It makes every chef go crazy.

My mom giggled. "Well, I know you're going to make that list. Your cooking is amazing." She gave me a warm hug.

"Thanks mom. But we all know I learned everything from you!" I winked.

I tried to sleep early for school the next day, but I couldn't. I was too stressed to even close my eyes for one minute. All I could think about was Phillip, Phillip, Phillip!

Help. Me.