RC.

Ch7 .... D

As the server leaves with our plates, I breathe a sigh of relief.

T:"Well, it was really delicious!"

R:"I think I saw that, little greedy guts."

I blush somewhat. It's true, I didn't leave a single crumb. My plates were almost shining when they left the table!

T:"I simply appreciate the good things in life."

R:"I know."

He looks me straight in the eye. A slow smile illuminates his face.

Suddenly his gaze turns away from me and a new expression animates his magnificent features.

He puts his napkin down on the table and gets up smiling. I immediately look towards the object of his attention.

The chef is coming up to our table and warmly greets Ryan.

The chef Garbot:"Miss ... Good evening."

T:"Uh ... Si ... sir, good evening."

I have before me a living legend of gastronomy  and I just sit there, rooted to my chair, stammering.

I get up quickly to face him.

The chef Garbot:"Did you enjoy the meal?"

He's kidding me right?! I had a gustatory orgasm with every dish! Let's just say that it's never happened to me before so close together!

(Though ... With Ryan, if I started counting ...)

I frown for a moment. Now's not the time for having naughty thoughts.

T:"Sir, it was just ... perfect !!"

I can't hide my enthusiasm! Meeting one of the most eminent chefs in the world is an exceptional opportunity!

He gives me a charming smile.

R:"Let me introduce you to Miss White. She is a fervent admirer of your work and is herself interested in gastronomy."

I address a grateful look to Ryan. I am not able to string three words together but I could not dream of a better introduction.

The chef Garbot:"Oh, is that right?"

T:"Yes ...  I ... I've been passionate about great food for years. Obviously, what I do is nothing like your work."

He bends over slightly and nods gratefully. The most talented people are often the simplest.

R:"Miss White is being modest, she has a lot of talent in the culinary field, on that matter, she has a very interesting good blog."

Ryan looks at me.

The chef Garbot:"Oh?"

T:"Yes ... I ... Yes, I have a blog, that's true."

(Shit Tayla! Make an effort to be more talkative !! You look awkward!)

R:"Maybe you could see each other again, for an interview or something?"

(That would be great!)

Dream on...

The chef Garbot:"I'd be glad to."

(Eh?!)

I think my brain is overheating and is twisting itself into knots!

Is Michel Garbot, one of the most starred chefs on this planet and even in this galaxy, accepting that I post an interview with him on my very humble blog?

R:"Your cuisine is a delight every time. Thank you for this out of the ordinary moment, chef."

The chef Garbot:"Thank you, Mr. Carter. I always try to mix new savours and then share them with my clients. New York is very inspiring for me."

He gives us a beautiful smile, bowing slightly.

The chef Garbot:"Well, thank you. Have a nice late evening."

T:"Thank you!"

The chef disappears into the kitchen after having been to see clients at the other tables.

I stay rooted to the spot, my eyes fixed on him.

R:"Is everything ok?"

T:"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

I feel like I'm in another world, still in orbit.

R:"You should sit down and drink something."

Ryan pulls out a chair for me to sit on then serves me a little water.

While he serves me, I put things back in place in my mind.

He knows the chef!

(Did he ask the chef to come?)

T:"Did you ask the chef to come over for me?"

R:"I put a word in..."

T:"You should have never told him about my blog, it's really ... it's too much ... I mean it's of little importance to him, I feel ridiculous ..."

Ryan's look hardens.

R:"Firstly, never think that someone is superior to you. And secondly, never say the word "ridiculous" when you're talking about yourself"

I stare at him, a little surprised. He's not joking at all. It isn't the first time that I notice how much he hates it when I put myself down.

T:"You say that ... But apart from making fun of me the other time, you didn't really look at my blog..."

R:"I went back to look at it after you left ... I would never have said that to the chef just to flatter you, I said it because I really thought so."

My heart wraps in a strange sweetness.

(I'm touched.)

I am really touched that he took interest in my passion. And I know him enough now to know that he wouldn't tell me that just to please me.

(I'm falling in love ...)

It wouldn't take much more for me to fall in love with this man ... He's the first person for whom I feel I really matter like I'm special.

R:"I even have some tips on how you could improve your metrics and KPI."

T:"My what?"

He smiles, puts his hand on mine and murmurs in a soft voice.

R:"We'll talk about that another day. For the moment I just want to make the most of you ..."

(Fire!! I'm on fire! It's all too much for my little heart in one evening!)