This Is Happening: Molly's Story.

01: This Is My Future

For Mine. I'm missing you tonight.

----

01: This Is My Future

Jordan moved smoothly through the modestly sized kitchen and prep area in 33 Forks. The oversized clock on the wall read 4:55 PM. It was a Wednesday night in her farm-to-table bistro in Evanston and she vibrated with pleasure anticipating her mid-week routine. She drew Charlie's attention and smiled, nodding toward the front of the "House." "Charlie, I'm going to check in with the front. They'll be here any minute."

Charlie broke from his prep work and looked up, grinning. "No problem, J. I'll bring the meal as soon as I get these par-cooked."

Jordan tasted both focus and joy rolling off Charlie as he prepared the hand-cut fries that would later be cooked to order in duck fat. Jordan's ability to taste emotion in those around her was still a condition that she managed every day. But, over the years, Kaitlyn's constant presence in her life had eased the onslaught. She no longer felt attacked and on the defensive from an unwanted deluge of emotional energy. She had gained greater control over the process. Beautiful green eyes had shifted her entire world.

"You know, you don't have to do that. Zach or Alyssa could easily prep the small plates station." The two younger line cooks looked up from their work at the cold prep station. They were both sharing the work of one person. They exchanged smirks and glances as they watched the interaction.

"No way." Charlie shook his head emphatically and didn't look up. His voice was weighty and serious but Jordan could taste both the tartness of the sarcasm in his emotions and sweetness of endearment in his words. He had taken the two young and enthusiastic chefs under his wing over the last several months. "I'm invested in this place. This is my future! I have to make sure those two know exactly 'how it's done' before I leave next week. They've never worked through a holiday season. So, I'll be baby-stepping them through all the stations this week."

Jordan grinned and held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, Chef."

Charlie glanced over to his prodigies. "I'll be over to check on that work in five minutes."

Alyssa chuckled lightly. "My cuts and portions are perfect."

Zach's eyes shifted between their two separate workspaces. They were breaking down artichokes, onion, fennel, and butternut squash. All the vegetables would be used in some components of the early winter menu. His brow furrowed. "Hey, mine are good too!"

Alyssa smiled. She looked like a younger, tattooed version of Claire Danes. "I said 'perfect.'" She held Zach's gaze for a beat and Jordan tasted a sharp spindle of desire from Zach before he returned to his work.

"Okay, you two! Focus." Charlie checked both the clock and the large whiteboard detailing the evening's menu and prep. "Any of the roasted chicken that doesn't move tonight gets broken down for stock and soup and pot pie before we leave tonight."

Jordan smiled. Charlie had come such a long way as a chef with no formal training but great work ethic and raw talent. Jordan worked with him in Chicago and when she opened up 33 Forks, he was the first person she approached to help run the small farm-to-table restaurant. "Okay, Charlie, I'll leave you to it. Thanks."

----

Jordan entered the small restaurant space that sat exactly 33 people. The restaurant served Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 9 PM, and it had become known for excellent, locally sourced food. The space had a rustic-chic design with warm, hardwood floors and bright, white-wood paneling with metal, distressed fixtures and finishes. There was seating through the long, narrow space against one wall. A collection of various shapes and sizes of mirrors on the wall made the dining area seem bigger than it was.