The Second Mate

ONE

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are fictitious, unless otherwise stated. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental.

All rights reserved.

No part of this story may reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the author. Plagiarism is a crime.

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The image above is Marianne Lilly.

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Marianne drove the car to a stop and unbuckled her seatbelt. She stayed a moment longer in the vehicle to check the update her sous chef informed her during her drive. She was sent to their website after opening her phone. Marianne grimaced as she read the one-star review on their webpage. It was utterly ridiculous. The review, rather, the complaint was about a dish the restaurant didn't even offer. She wasted no time responding as other staffs from the restaurant had pointed out the error.

Marianne let out an indistinctive curse and exited her car. Seven steps away from her car, her phone began to ring. She groaned to which Philippe, her best friend, took amusement of. She raised her index finger to excuse herself as she answered the call.

"What are you doing!? A one-star review?! We've been keeping a good name for a decade and when you enter the kitchen, you cause another problem." Ruby burst out through the other line.

"Hello to you too, Mother. That review isn't accounted for. We do not serve that particular cuisine at the restaurant and you know that." Marianne replied.

"Are you acting out just because Gustave cancelled the engagement?"

"Mom--"

"No. We've tolerated enough of your nonsense! I expect you at the lo albergo tomorrow. You're fortunate we have various connections."

Speaking her mind was not an option as Ruby ended the call before Marianne could say a word. Marianne brought the phone away from her ears and glared at it.

"Figlio di puttana!" She cursed loudly and threw the device to the ground. Despite her rage, she was thankful the soil was soft barely damaging the phone.

Philippe picked the mobile up and threw it through the open window of Marianne's car. He returned to Marianne's side and locked her in his arms before he escorted her to his cabin. "Come on, I prepared everything."

Entering the log cabin, Philippe brought Marianne to the kitchen and prepared her a cup of French Vanilla. Marianne smiled at his gesture and watched as the Spanish man made the beverage.

Philippe is a former marine who served  mother Spain. After his father learned of his sexuality, he disowned him and forced him to leave the barracks. Philippe's exile soon led him to Italy where he and Marianne met. He had complained about the chicken being dry, it pulled Marianne from her station and out of the kitchen. They had a heated argument. Philippe, his beauty too good for him, ignited not just the fight but sexual tension for Marianne. Had she not known earlier, she would've shagged the life out of him. A drink or two shared later on had Marianne with fiery cheeks, embarrassed of developing a crush for him. Fortunately, Gustave, Marianne's engagement partner, entered the picture and her sexual frustrations were soon satiated.

Marianne moaned. "Can't get enough of this." A good cup of French Vanilla is indeed her poison.

"Finish it up. I have the guns ready at the field." Philippe said before he headed outside.