Royally Delicious

paella valenciana with love

Dinner service was busier than usual, especially after the surprise appearance of the Prince earlier. Well, more like, the Prince's butler.

"Can you believe it? We're booked for the whole week! If this continues, we might actually be able to pay off the debt in two months time!" Cass clapped her hands, but Deborah still looks distracted.

"That's still too long. The landlord wants the rent in a month."

"I'm not sure it's possible even if we take on extra orders, abuela."

We all sighed in defeat, gathered around on the bar counter with red wines in our hands. If only, a miracle would come. I remembered what happened earlier and it made me wonder. Did the Prince eat it? The mac and cheese? Did he even touch it? Was it too... common for him? How's the taste? Is it to his liking? Or maybe, he found it too salty?

So many questions rattled inside my head that I didn't realize Deborah was already calling me for a while now.

"Earth to Sofia! The phone! It's for you."

"Oh. Right." I took the phone from Cass, and placed it gingerly on my ear.

"Hello?"

"Bonsoir mademoiselle. I believe we have met earlier. Je suis Seth Sebastian, Prince Louis Diallo's head butler. I have come to make a proposal for you. Would you like to work in the Palace of Monaco?"

I almost screamed in excitement but pulled myself together, remembering that I haven't been offered a job yet. Although, Cass and Deborah can tell from my facial expressions that I am over the moon. Working at the Palace of Monaco? I heard of Monaco, and I saw pictures of it online, it is beautiful. Houses on top of hills, the coast line, the beaches, the Mediterranean. I know their seafood is really fresh.

"Yes! I would love to!"

"Tres bién. Now, is it okay for you to leave tonight? Our helicopter will arrive in twenty minutes, so you can pack. Just bring essentials, we have the rest taken care of."

"Right now? Wow. Okay. Um, okay." I stammered on my words. "I just want to tell you how honored I am for this opportunity. Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me. Thank the Prince. He insisted on having you as the chef. He really likes the dish you prepared for him earlier."

"I will make sure to properly thank him. I will not let you down. I promise!"

"You better not."

I bit my lip to suppress a grin. The Prince likes it! He likes my food. A warm sensation filled my entire body. If the Prince of Monaco likes my food, it means I make good food, right?

A new sense of energy and self confidence engulfed me, and I am renewed with so much happiness. I have talent. I can cook. And the Prince loves it! I hung up, and faced the two of them.

"Well? What is it?"

"Yeah, you're smiling the whole time! Is it a new boyfriend?"

I nudged Cass playfully and hugged them tight.

"Guess what? The Prince loved our food and he wanted me to be his chef! I'm going to be the Royal Family's chef!" I squealed in delight.

"OH MY GOD. GIRL, YOU ARE LIVING THE DREAM!"

"I am so proud of you, my sweet." Grandmother hugged me tight, a tear escaped her eye.

"I'm doing this to save Cocina Santos. I will never let them take this restaurant from us."